The Banality of Evil
Bucha. April 2022
The city in which I live became the site of mass murders of civilians. This occurred in March 2022 during the occupation of Bucha by Russian troops. During a month of occupation, more than a thousand peaceful residents were killed in the Bucha district. The events in Bucha exhibit signs of war crimes and crimes against humanity for which Russian military personnel are being accused.
I documented the places where Russian soldiers were based and committed crimes. There are no people in the photographs—they are dead, and there are no murderers—they have left. In the house of a local resident, Russian soldiers left a cynical inscription in their defense: «Sorry, it’s an order.» This phrase exemplifies the «banality of evil.» It demonstrates how people, in obeying orders, renounce personal responsibility for their actions and justify brutal crimes.
The violence researcher Hannah Arendt revealed the phenomenon of the banality of evil. This mindless adherence to laws that are directed against the foundations of life. The writer observed the trial of Gestapo officials who killed millions of Jews. This helped her understand how the Holocaust became possible. A great tragedy occurred through the efforts of insignificant individuals carrying out their official duties. Evil is not perpetrated by super-villains but by gray, petty individuals who follow orders. A Gestapo agent dreamed of climbing the ranks and abandoned any moral compass; systematic killings of thousands of people became a routine task, thus becoming «banality.»
Understanding this concept helps to better comprehend the complexity of human nature and the importance of fighting against any manifestations of violence and cruelty. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine published information in open sources with lists of Russian soldiers who were present during the occupation of Bucha. To emphasize the importance of individual responsibility, I created a video in which I wrote down the names of Russian soldiers. Personalizing evil makes it more tangible and specific. The work calls for justice and holding the guilty accountable.
Labeling evil as evil is an important element of human consciousness and moral development, as well as an act of responsibility and a striving for justice. This is necessary to create a safer and more just world.
