Marina and Rohan are part of a school club that organizes events to support local charities...

By Frederick Douglass•Relationships & Social Skills•2 min read•Grade 10.5
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 10.5
Word Count
317 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Marina and Rohan are part of a school club that organizes events to support local charities. Recently, they noticed that their classmate, Alex, has been unfairly excluded from participating in club activities due to his different ideas and approaches. The club president, who is influential and popular, has been subtly encouraging this exclusion, and most members, including Rohan, have been going along with it to avoid conflict. Marina feels uncomfortable with the situation, recognizing that Alex's exclusion is unjust and that the club's mission is to be inclusive and supportive of all students. She believes that taking a stand could inspire others to do the same, but fears the social repercussions of challenging the president. Marina The moment of decision has arrived.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Compassion
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Speak up for Alex's inclusion.

B

Stay silent to avoid conflict.

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

    Why might some people choose to stay silent in such situations?

  3. 3

    What are the potential consequences of Marina's choices?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Marina 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

inclusion
peer-pressure
standing-up-for-others
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

Marina and Rohan are part of a school club that organizes events to support local charities... — 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

Marina and Rohan are part of a school club that organizes events to support local charities... — 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