Liliana and her friend Dante have always dreamed of starting a school podcast where they can discuss topics important to their peers...

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 9.0
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9
Word Count
365 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Liliana and her friend Dante have always dreamed of starting a school podcast where they can discuss topics important to their peers. They've brainstormed ideas, created a plan, and even recorded a sample episode. However, the final step is to get approval from their school principal, who is known to be very strict and often busy. Liliana feels nervous about approaching the principal, fearing rejection or that their podcast might not be taken seriously. Dante encourages her, reminding her of how passionate they are about this project and how it could positively impact their school community. As the days pass, Liliana notices other students starting their own initiatives, and she worries that if they don't act soon, someone else might fill the gap they're aiming to address. Liliana The choice is theirs to make.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Courage
vs
Honesty

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

Your Options

A

Pitch the podcast now.

B

Wait for a better time.

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 does fear affect decision-making?

  3. 3

    What are the risks of waiting too long to act?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Liliana 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

courage
initiative
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.