Alessia and Chinedu are best friends who love playing soccer...

By Frederick Douglass•Relationships & Social Skills•2 min read•Grade 9.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.8
Word Count
336 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Alessia and Chinedu met on the first day of middle school and quickly became each other's most trusted confidants. Their school is hosting a tournament, and both are determined to make the team. During practice, Alessia notices that Chinedu, who is usually very skilled, seems distracted and keeps missing shots. After practice, Chinedu confides in Alessia that he's been struggling with family issues, which are affecting his focus. Alessia, knowing how important this opportunity is for both of them, faces a dilemma. She could encourage Chinedu to talk to their coach about his situation, potentially risking his spot on the team but allowing him to get the support he needs. Alternatively, she could keep quiet, hoping he manages to overcome his struggles on his own, ensuring they both make the team. Alessia The choice is theirs to make.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Responsibility

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Encourage Chinedu to talk to the coach.

B

Stay silent and hope for improvement.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How might Alessia's choice affect her friendship with Chinedu?

  3. 3

    What are the potential outcomes of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Alessia in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

friendship
responsibility
communication
Portrait of Frederick Douglass, a distinguished African American man with a beard and intense gaze, embodying dignity and intellect.

Frederick Douglassc. 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass (c. 1818-1895) became a prominent American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. His powerful autobiographies and speeches exposed the horrors of slavery and advocated for emancipation and equal rights for all, i…

Abolitionism
American Philosophy
Civil Rights Advocacy
Explore how Frederick Douglass informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Frederick Douglass or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Alessia and Chinedu are best friends who love playing soccer... — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Alessia and Chinedu are best friends who love playing soccer... — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation