Title: The Argentine “Children of Genocidaires”: the painful legacy of a dictatorship
Introduction :
The Argentine dictatorship, which lasted from 1976 to 1983, left deep marks on Argentine society. Among the most tragic consequences of this dark period are the children of genocidaires. These are Argentinians who grew up discovering that their fathers were police officers or soldiers responsible for crimes against humanity. In this article, we will explore the difficult journey of these “children of genocidaires” who chose to break the silence and bear witness to their painful legacy.
A legacy of shame and silence:
For many years, these children lived in shame and silence. Some grew up completely unaware of their parents’ true identities, while others discovered the truth at a young age. For them, this revelation was a brutal shock that turned their lives upside down. They had to face an internal conflict, torn between the love they feel for their parents and the guilt knowing that they are responsible for unforgivable crimes.
The weight of the discovery:
The period of trials for crimes against humanity, which began in 2009, was a major turning point for these children of genocidaires. They were confronted with the reality of the actions committed by their parents and had to deal with the consequences of these crimes. For some of them, this was a catalyst for realizing the need to renounce their family heritage and position themselves on the side of the victims. For others, it has been a longer and more difficult process, marked by the need to understand and digest this shocking reality.
The path to redemption:
Over the years, Argentina’s “children of genocidaires” have found various ways to cope with their painful legacy. Some have actively engaged in the fight against Holocaust denial, campaigning for truth and justice. Others have chosen to implement creative projects, such as writing a play or searching for their identity through psychoanalysis. These various approaches allowed these children to find a way to rebuild themselves and free themselves from the weight of guilt that overwhelmed them.
Conclusion :
The Argentine “children of genocidaires” were faced with a painful legacy and difficult choices. Their journey was marked by the need to face the truth about the crimes committed by their parents and find a way to come to terms with this reality. Their courage and determination to break the silence shed light on a dark part of Argentine history and contributed to the fight for truth and justice.