Diamonds and Death

Introduction

There have been many stories in the media this year about the civil unrest in the western part of Africa, especially Sierra Leone and the Congo. Grotesque pictures of adults and children with severed limbs defy understanding. Investigative journalists have uncovered a connection between the brutality of these civil wars and diamonds. Rival groups competing for control of the government in Sierra Leone finance their campaigns with profits made from diamonds. Whoever controls the diamonds will control the country. This web search will investigate the world of diamonds, advertising campaigns, and the grim reality of their connection with human suffering.

Guiding Question

Are diamonds really a "girl's best friend?"

Questions

1. What is a diamond?
2. Why are diamonds considered so precious? How is their worth measured?
3. What places on earth are the major sources for diamonds?
4. How do diamonds get from the earth to your engagement ring or ear?
5. Who are the major international diamond companies and where are they located? Where do they buy the gems?
6. Where do you find advertisements and information about purchasing diamonds?
7. Where is Sierra Leone and what does it have to do with diamonds?
8. What are the effects of the diamond business and civil war on the citizens of that country?
9. What is the history of Sierra Leone - from colonial times to the present?
10. Besides diamonds, what is the basis of the economy of Sierra Leone?
11. What humanitarian efforts are being made in Sierra Leone to assist the victims?
12. What is the United Nations' response to the situation in Sierra Leone?
13. What is the response of the diamond companies to accusations against them?
14. What do human rights organizations suggest citizens of the world can do to alleviate the situation?

Internet Resources

Diamond, an Encarta Encyclopedia Article
Adiamondisforever.com History and Tradition
Adiamondisforever.com 4C's Diamond Guide
Sierra Leone: Cutting the link between diamonds and guns - The Diamond Trade
Rex Mining Diamond Corporation - Diamond Producers
Shane Co
Sierra Leone - Map
Sierra Leone Fact File
Civil War in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone: Boys taught to torture and maim
Sierra Leone: Chronology of Events
Sierra Leone: Pressing Human Rights Concerns
BBC News | AFRICA | Sierra Leone diamonds banned
POLITICS: UN Security Council Bans "Blood Diamonds"
Sierra Leone: A Call for Justice  
Chronology of Sierra Leone Diamond Conflict

Activities

1. Draw a map of Africa and show where diamonds are mined.
2. Make a graphic presentation of "the diamond"- how it is measured and what determines its value. Include famous individual diamonds.
3. Collect advertisements about diamonds from magazines, the Internet, and television.
4. Write a paragraph that analyzes the advertising strategies used to promote diamonds.
5. Make an annotated time line that shows the political history of Sierra Leone from pre-colonial times to the present.
6. Take on the role of a featured journalist and write "on the scene" reports on what has happened to the citizens of Sierra Leone as a result of the diamond wars.
7. Develop a written plan for a public service announcement that will graphically connect diamonds with human rights abuses.
8. As a "60 Minutes" style investigative reporter, interview the following people to get their reaction to the diamond situation and what could be done about it: a student wearing a diamond stud, a sales person in a jewelry shop, a sales representative selling high school rings.
9. Research and write up the positions of: the world's largest diamond company, De Beers; the United States Department of State; Amnesty International; Human Rights Watch.
10. Create a point-counterpoint debate between two students: one arguing for a boycott of diamonds vs. another who says that a boycott will serve no purpose.

Mike Monley, Teacher, and Trevor Claiborne, AP student, collaborated to develop this web hunt.

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Checked by Cheuk Leung