Gibbons 'guilt' was of ignorance

British teacher Gillian Gibbons, now working in Sudan, is not guilty of insulting the image of the Prophet Muhammad or of Islamic beliefs. She is "guilty" of negligence.

Fifteen days, no problem. At least the "punishment" was not more severe. When you are teaching, the first admonition is to become familiar with the local culture.

"Teddy bear" brings up the image of cuddly-cute to us and the children in her class offered the name. While Mohammad could not be described in that manner, the name combined with a toy carries no deliberate insult or satire. In fact, in our Western world, it suggests affection.

Gibbon's error while living in that community was to allow herself to be ignorant of the community's sacred values. And the danger of trespassing them.

Jeanne Arcus

Rolling Meadows