section_path: Genocide recognition
section_name: Genocide recognition
paragraph_text: Genocide recognition
  
  The word genocide inherently carries a value judgement as it is widely considered to be the epitome of human evil. In the past this was not the case, and violence that could be labeled genocide was sometimes celebrated —although it always had its critics. Although in a strict legal sense, genocide is not more severe than other atrocity crimes — crimes against humanity or war crimes —it is often perceived as the "crime of crimes" and grabs attention more effectively than other violations of international law. Consequently, victims of atrocities often label their suffering genocide as an attempt to gain attention to their plight and attract foreign intervention.
  
  The colloquial understanding of genocide is heavily influenced by the Holocaust as its archetype and is conceived as innocent victims targeted for their ethnic identity rather than for any political reason. Genocide is incorrectly conceived of as a large-scale hate crime motivated by racism instead of political reasons, although this does not accurately identify the motivations for the Holocaust itself.