Camila and Imani are best friends who love playing soccer...

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 8.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

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

The Dilemma

Camila and Imani grew up on the same street and have shared almost every milestone together. Recently, a new girl named Riley joined their team. Riley is very competitive and often makes mean comments about Camila's playing skills, trying to undermine her confidence. Camila feels hurt but tries to ignore Riley's remarks, hoping they will stop. However, during a crucial game, Riley's comments become even more personal and hurtful, affecting Camila's performance. Imani notices Camila's distress and encourages her to speak up. Camila The choice is theirs to make.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Courage
vs
Compassion

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

Your Options

A

Confront Riley about her behavior.

B

Stay silent and ignore the comments.

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 confronting Riley be difficult for Camila?

  3. 3

    How could standing up to Riley change the situation?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Camila 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

bullying
courage
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

Camila and Imani are best friends who love playing soccer... — 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

Camila and Imani are best friends who love playing soccer... — 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