GENOCIDE OR "VICTIMS OF THE ARMED CONFLICT"?

Calling what happened in Peru between 1980 and 2000 genocide is not politically or socially correct. We understand that State institutions avoid this term since they were partly responsible for it. But what is striking is that no NGO or private institution uses this word either; they seem to self-censor in the name of a misunderstood "social harmony." Even the CVR, with all the courage and wisdom of its members, preferred to use the innocuous term "armed conflict." This should not really surprise us—one of the characteristics of our society is not calling things by their name. It seems deeply ingrained in our nature to avoid confrontation and open discussion, to keep up appearances so as not to hurt sensibilities, even though, in truth, what is called hypocrisy elsewhere has been imposed on or promoted in us by those who hold power and authority. They can say whatever they want; they can insult, attack, exploit, abuse, lie; the rest must behave and bow their heads. One must not provoke the authorities, must not take on other people's disputes, must not protest.