Helga Gross, a survivor of Nazi eugenics sterilization, discusses this dark aspect of history. The podcast also explores the first descent into the flaming Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan and the fight for abortion rights in Italy. Additionally, it delves into the origin of the vuvuzela, dubbed the "world's most annoying instrument".
The efforts of Emma Benino and the Radical Party led to the legalization of abortion in Italy in 1978, marking a significant cultural shift and sparking conversations about reproductive rights.
The vuvuzela, invented by Freddy Saddam Marquet, gained notoriety during the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, becoming a symbol of celebration and unity for South African fans while generating controversy due to its loud and continuous sound.
Deep dives
The Fight for Legalizing Abortion in Italy
In the 1970s, Emma Benino and the Radical Party campaigned for the legalization of abortion in Italy. Their efforts included hunger strikes and supporting women in accessing illegal abortions. The Church's opposition and the predominantly Catholic country presented challenges, but their activism led to the passing of Law 194 in 1978, allowing legal abortions within certain parameters. The law marked a significant cultural shift and opened up conversations about abortion in Italy.
The Vuvuzela: Icon of the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa
The vuvuzela, a plastic trumpeting instrument, gained worldwide attention and became notorious during the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. Freddy Saddam Marquet, known as Saddam, claims to have invented it. Initially using a bicycle hooter to support his favorite football team, Saddam developed different versions of the vuvuzela over the years. It became a symbol of celebration and unity for South African fans, although its loud and continuous sound generated controversy among spectators and players.
The Terror Attack at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi
In 2013, the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, was attacked by gunmen from the Somali Islamist group Al-Shabaab. The siege lasted four days, and over 60 people were killed, with many more injured. Daniel Uma, a paramedic on duty, recounts the chaos and the challenges faced in providing medical assistance. The attack highlighted Kenya's exposure to regional tensions and the complex coordination of security forces during such incidents.
The Story of the Davaza Crater and the Journey Into Hell
In Turkmenistan, George Karunis became the first person to descend into the Darvaza crater in the desert, known as the Gates of Hell. The crater is a burning natural gas field that has been on fire for over 50 years. George's adventure aimed to study extremophile bacteria living in harsh conditions. Equipped with a specialized protective suit, he bravely descended into the enormous fiery pit, providing a unique view and collecting samples. His mission contributed to scientific research on extreme environments and the search for alien life.
Max Pearson presents a collection of this week’s Witness History episodes from the BBC World Service.
We hear about the people with disabilities who were sterilised in Germany following an order in 1933, passed by the then Chancellor Adolf Hitler.
Also, we find out about the first man to descend into the “Gates of Hell”, the Darvaza Crater, in Turkmenistan.
Plus the story behind the vuvuzela which was dubbed the “world’s most annoying instrument”.
Contributors:
Helga Gross who was sterilised in Germany as part of the Nazis’ eugenics order. This is an archive interview from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Dr Susanne Klausen, Julia Gregg Brill Professor of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the Pennsylvania State University.
Campaigner Emma Bonino who fought for legal abortion in Italy.
Explorer George Kourounis who was the first person to descend into the Darvaza Crater, in Turkmenistan.
Paramedic Daniel Ouma who helped people injured in the Westgate Mall terror attack, in Nairobi, in Kenya, in 2013.
Freddie 'Saddam' Maake who claims to have invented the vuvuzela.
(Photo: Adolf Hitler. Credit: Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)
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