Tala and Owen have been best friends since kindergarten, sharing countless memories and adventures...

By Frederick Douglass•Relationships & Social Skills•2 min read•Grade 8.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.8
Word Count
355 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Tala and Owen became close after being paired together for a competition neither of them wanted to enter. Recently, Tala's parents announced that they would be moving to a new city due to a job opportunity. Tala is devastated by the news, as it means leaving Owen and the life she knows behind. As the moving day approaches, Tala struggles with the thought of being separated from Owen. One day, Owen surprises Tala with a scrapbook filled with photos and notes from their time together. Owen suggests they could try to stay in touch through video calls and letters. However, Tala's new school has a strict policy on using personal devices during school hours, and Tala worries about fitting in and making new friends. Tala Every option has its cost.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Stay in touch with Owen.

B

Focus on new environment.

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 important are friendships when moving away?

  3. 3

    What are the challenges of maintaining long-distance friendships?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Tala 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?

Did you like this dilemma?

Loading poll data...

Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Frederick Douglass

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

Related Topics

friendship
family-dynamics
empathy
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

Tala and Owen have been best friends since kindergarten, sharing countless memories and adventures... — 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

Tala and Owen have been best friends since kindergarten, sharing countless memories and adventures... — 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