Yasmin, a 12-year-old student, has always been passionate about art...

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 8.2
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.2
Word Count
316 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Yasmin, a 12-year-old student, has always been passionate about art. Recently, her school announced a new rule that students must focus on academic subjects during free periods, effectively banning art activities. Yasmin and her friend George, who also loves art, feel this rule is unfair and stifles their creativity. Yasmin decides to organize an art club that meets secretly during free periods to continue their artistic pursuits. However, the school administration finds out and warns Yasmin that if she continues, she could face suspension. George suggests that they should comply with the rule to avoid trouble, but Yasmin feels strongly about standing up for their right to express themselves.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Courage
vs
Creativity

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

Your Options

A

Disband the art club.

B

Continue the art club.

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 do you think Yasmin feels strongly about continuing the art club?

  3. 3

    What are the potential consequences of Yasmin's decision to defy the rule?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Yasmin 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

courage
standing-up-for-others
creativity
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

Yasmin, a 12-year-old student, has always been passionate about art... — 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

Yasmin, a 12-year-old student, has always been passionate about art... — 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