Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.1
- Word Count
- 318 words
- Published
- Jan 1, 2024
The Dilemma
Ethan and Tom were excited about the upcoming school talent show. This year, a new student named Alex joined their class. Alex was shy and had a unique accent, which made him stand out. During lunch, Tom noticed Alex sitting alone and suggested to Ethan that they should invite him to join their talent show group. Ethan hesitated, thinking about how including Alex might change their dynamic and possibly make them less competitive. However, he also remembered how nervous he felt when he first joined a new school and how much it meant when someone reached out to him.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Invite Alex to join the group.
Keep the group unchanged.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers ā the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How might including Alex change the group's dynamic?
- 3
Why is it important to make new students feel welcome?
- 4
How might Frederick Douglass advise Ethan in this situation?
- 5
Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Frederick Douglass
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
