Which of the following is listed as the second stage of genocide in the class discussion?

• A. Annihilation
• B. Classification
• C. Dehumanization
• D. Organization

Answer: (A)

Genocide is analyzed as a progression of steps that establish us-versus-them thinking and make violence possible. The second stage in this sequence is Classification, where people are sorted into in-groups and out-groups based on characteristics like ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race. This labeling creates a rigid dichotomy that justifies excluding or harming the identified group and sets the stage for later actions. After classification, other steps such as symbolization, dehumanization, and organization build on that division and move toward violent outcomes. Annihilation, while a crucial phase in the process, represents mass killing that occurs after these preceding steps have laid the groundwork.