Peaceful Explosion

Pillar 4: Shared Values

Media description: a woman maimed by a suicide bomb explains why she dedicates her life to advocating peace in an ABC Adelaide (March 2011) radio interview.

MEDIA CONTEXT
Suicide bomb survivor, Gill Hicks, speaks of her experience in this interview^ with ABC Adelaide journalist, Brett Williamson.
On Thursday, 7 July 2005 four bombs exploded within the London, England public transport system, wounding almost 800 people and killing 52. Hicks was on the train line worst affected - Piccadilly – and was in fact sitting beside the bomber. It could have been different. Hicks always travelled to work earlier and always took a different line. But on that fateful day she was late and chose a different route; a choice that will affect the remainder of her life. The official report indicates the suicide bombers were motivated by “perceived injustices carried out by the West against Muslims” (particularly in the war against Afghanistan after 9/11), and the honour of martyrdom. Theirs were actions of anger and retaliation, yet Hicks’ reaction was completely opposite. As one whose lower legs were so maimed by the explosion they had to be amputated, many would say she has a right to feel and express anger or hatred. But what Hicks feels is “peace.” Hatred would only get in her way, she says. Aside from learning to walk again (with artificial legs), rather than sitting by licking her wounds Hicks has conquered all odds and become a true advocate for peace across cultures, between communities, within individuals. Just as her organisation promotes, she is making a difference in others’ lives with her life.
^(The terrorist that failed and delivered peace.31/3/11. http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/03/30/3177435.htm )

MEDIA CRITIQUE
Background noise in the cafe is a little distracting during this radio interview by Brett Williamson (ABC Adelaide) with suicide bomb survivor Gill Hicks. Despite this, the informal setting emphasises the human element, possibly enhancing connection between the listener and the interviewee. Still images added to the sound clip by AusCivics help viewers visualise and focus on the events described by Hicks.

ANALYSIS & REVIEW

1. What was Gill Hicks’ initial reaction when lying in the darkness of the train tunnel? Did it change?
2. Compare Hicks’ attitude toward her experience and Germaine Lindsay, the person responsible, to the way you react to situations you think are unfair.
3. Australia is said to be a tolerant and inclusive society. Do you agree? How is this demonstrated (by government, businesses and individuals)?
4. Learn what Gill Hicks has chosen to do with and make of her life, regardless of her physical condition. How does she contribute to the common good?

THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION & AUSTRALIA TODAY
Sections 116, 117 and 119 of the Constitution indicate respectively, there should be no laws relating to religious observance; no resident should be subject to discrimination; and States shall be protected against international and domestic violence. Read and discuss the implications of these sections with a teacher or parent.

PERSONAL APPLICATION
It has been told that Abraham Lincoln (16th President, USA) once said, “I do not like that man. I must get to know him better.” Try following Lincoln’s example with someone you think you don’t like. You may find you share more similarities than differences.

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:*