Member-only story
Alcohol as a Tool of Cultural Genocide: The Colonial Legacy on Native Peoples
The history of colonialism is marred by a multitude of strategies employed by European-American colonists to subjugate indigenous populations across the globe. One such insidious tactic was the deliberate introduction of alcohol to Native peoples, serving as a means to undermine resistance and perpetuate colonial rule. Raphael Lemkin, in his research for the Genocide Convention, identified the distribution of alcohol as a key component of cultural genocide. This article explores the historical context of this deliberate strategy, its impact on Native communities, and the enduring consequences that persist to this day.
The Colonial Legacy:
European-American colonists, in their pursuit of dominance, recognized the potential of alcohol as a tool to weaken and control indigenous populations. Raphael Lemkin’s research highlighted how the deliberate distribution of alcohol was part of a broader strategy that included forced relocations, destruction of cultural symbols, and the “re-education” of children. These tactics collectively aimed at eroding the social fabric of Native communities and fostering dependency on colonial powers.
Alcohol as an Undermining Force:
Lemkin theorized that the availability of alcohol played a multifaceted role in…
