“Historically, the distinction between Hutus and Tutsis was based on class, rather than ethnicity.”
As We Forgive
As We Forgive
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Conflicts between Hutu and Tutsis date back to the 1950s. In 1994, the population consisted of 14% Tutsi, 85% Hutu, and 1% Twa.
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"There are no different tribes or race groups in Rwanda. In fact, we can't even talk about Hutu and Tutsi as ethnic groups, as they share the same language and culture. This is why the current government says there are no Hutu and Tutsi, only Rwandan. There is some speculation that the words, hundreds of years ago, 'Hutu' and 'Tutsi' referred to occupation. The one group worked more in the fields and the other looked after cows, or to class differences. But there are definitely not tribes or race groups in Rwanda. Even the differences that the colonialists identified, thin and thick noses, is not accurate."
Cori Wielenga
Cori Wielenga
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Physical distinction between Hutus and Tutsis is minor. Tutsis are much taller, have lighter skin, and a longer, more slender nose. A more relevant difference, however, was that Tutsis were cattle owners, and Hutus were farmers. The Twa were an aboriginal minority tribe.
"When a Tutsi comes across a herd of cows, he sees good fortune. When a Hutu comes across cows, all he sees are hooves and hassle."
Claudine, survivor |
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"After the genocide, many foreigners wondered how the huge number of Hutu killers recognized their Tutsi victims in the upheaval of the massacres, since Rwandans of both ethnic groups speak the same language with no distinctive differences, live in the same places, and are not always physically recognizable by distinctive characteristics. The answer is simple. The killers did not have to pick out their victims: they knew them personally. Everyone knows everything in a village."
Jean Hatzfeld |
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The two men below, one a Hutu and one a Tutsi, show slight differences in nose shape and skin color.
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