Skills

Press, 3 April 1989, Page 17

Skills

Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are two important rights guaranteed under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. It is not very often that these two rights clash, but in the Rushdie case they do. appear to have come into conflict.

(a) Can you explain what freedom of speech and freedom of religion mean, in general and in this case? Is one more important than the other? If so, which one and why?

(b) A democracy cannot exist without freedom of speech. Why? Name any countries where freedom of speech is forbidden. What usually happens to those who speak out against the governments in these countries? . (c) Can you think of any examples in New Zealand where either of these freedoms is threatened? (d) What is the controversy about the Madonna video, “Like a Prayer”? Why do Catholic groups in Italy think it is offensive? What is the reaction in New Zealand? Make a clipping file on this news story. (e) Letters: Write one of the following. (Do not post it).

(1) Imagine you are a Muslim leader in New Zealand. Write a draft letter outlining why you think “The Satanic Verses” should be banned. (2) Pretend you* are a

Problem Solving

writer who believes very strongly that an author’s right to freedom of expression is a precious thing, and that threatening to kill someone who writes something you dislike is completely uncivilised. Write a letter to Mr Lange expressing your views. '

(3) Imagine that Mr Lange has decided to take a very hostile attitude towards Iran over the Salman Rushdie affair. The result has been that New Zealand’s meat exports to that country have stopped completely. You are a sheep farmer and, as a result of the closing of this market, prices fall and your profits (which are small already) are further reduced. Write a letter to Mr Lange putting forward your views.

(a) Some of you may have seen a film, “Evil Angels,” or followed the story of the conviction of Lindy Chamberlain who was accused of killing her baby daughter. It has been suggested that Mrs Chamberlain did not get a fair trial because of her particular religion. (She was a Seventh-Day Adventist.)

Using the outline of the Chamberlain case, write the plot of a New Zealand story where someone suffers because of prejudice against them.

(b) An ultra Protestant organisation in Northern Ireland has an annual procession to celebrate the defeat of Roman Catholic King James 11. Every year, for hundreds of years, the procession has gone through certain parts of the town. In recent years Catholic people have moved in growing numbers into the area covered by the march. Fighting often breaks out during the march and last year one person was killed.

The Protestant group claims that, as part of freedom of speech, it has a right to march along the traditional route and applies to the council for permission to do this. Meanwhile a Catholic neighbourhood group asks that the march be banned on the grounds that it is an insult to the Catholic Church and causes violence.

You must make the decision on behalf of the local council. What do you say to each group? (c) You are the Mayor of a New Zealand city. A group of businessmen in the area has Invited the Christchurch Wizard to your city as a tourist and publicity stunt. The Wizard has been asked to put a spell on the rates, to stop them rising, and to use magic to bring the drought to an end. Some local Christian groups ask you to prevent the visit They disapprove of the Wizard because of his claims to use witchcraft and sorcery and his ridiculing of traditional Christian beliefs.

EXPO POSTERS

(1) You, as the Mayor, have the casting vote in the council, as to whether the Wizard should be allowed to perform on council property. What decision would you make and why? (2) Write a “pretend” newspaper story about these events. (You can choose the type of publication you would write for. It could be a slick big city magazine or a small church newspaper.)

Kia ora pupils, Why not produce a "front page of ‘The Press’ in the year 2000 A.D.” (for Social Studies Expo ’89)? You could use some of the ideas expressed on this page in your “newspaper” page.

Look at today’s front page for indications of layout, design and size.

What will New Zealand’s role in the world be in the year 2000? You could consider trade, aid and defence. A variety of human and natural global systems may affect our future, including earthquakes, exports and imports, weather and migration. Refer to the graphics in last month’s "Current Events exPress” (March 6) to get ideas on how New Zealand’s environ-

ACE REPORTER — HUMAN DISASTERS

As our page concentrates on one theme a month we are not able to provide information on all the major news events. Later in the year “Current Events exPress” will look at a number of natural and human disasters. You may wish to carry out some research now. Using newspapers, investigate one of the recent air or train disasters.

ment may look in the year 2000 A.D. Other front-page stories you may like to feature include race relations, changes in town and country, recreation, fashion, technology and unemployment. Naturally you will not be able to include all the topics mentioned above, but we hope that you can choose some to help you with your poster preparation.

Research questions could include: Where did the disaster occur? When did it occur? Who was involved? Why did it occur? What measures are being taken to prevent future disasters? How many natural and human disasters can you name (in the last month)?