Different

Pillar 4: Shared Values

Media description: includes several brief scenes from the movie Broken Hill with one of the supporting characters interacting with other actors but confined to a wheelchair.

MEDIA CONTEXT
Scott Price (Rhys Wakefield) is a character in the movie Broken Hill. He is the best friend of the lead character, Tommy McAlpine (Luke Arnold). Despite not having use of his legs and being confined to a wheelchair, Scott is depicted in the film as a happy, well adjusted person. Based on what we see he does not let his handicap get in the way of leading a ‘normal’ life, nor does he seek sympathy. His friends do not treat him differently. He actually presents as a mentor to his friend Tommy rather than as a ‘dependant’.

MEDIA CRITIQUE
Does the movie Broken Hill offer a realistic portrayal of this friendship or of the general attitude of someone in the position of a ‘Scott Price’? Would it have been important to the story to dig deeper into the life of the Scott Price character? Is there a good reason from the storyteller’s point of view, i.e. the script writer and director, that the best friend of Tommy is depicted in a wheelchair? What else might be said about this character as portrayed in the movie?

ANALYSIS & REVIEW

1. Discuss the importance of including others and of treating them with respect, even though they may be different to you.
2. What responsibility do you have to take care of your own physical and emotional wellbeing?
3. What are the various types of discrimination that might be evident in Australian society?
4. Are some of these issues evident in your school or local community? What can be done to address such issues if they exist?

THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION & AUSTRALIA TODAY
In what manner do the Australian Constitution and/or the various state constitutions help to prevent discrimination of various kinds? In what ways do they support the values of integration and social cohesion?

PERSONAL APPLICATION
Identify a person you know who appears to be discriminated against and find a way to stand up for their rights.

AUSCIVICS FILM & TV SERIES LINKED TO SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Learning areas and/or outcomes relating to the questions and issues above have been identified for each state and territory in the following links: