Jaya and Ava are best friends who love playing soccer...

By Frederick Douglass•Character Development•2 min read•Grade 6.3
Classroom
Intermediate

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 6.3
Word Count
323 words
Published
Jan 1, 2024

The Dilemma

Jaya and Ava have known each other long enough to know exactly which buttons not to push. Recently, a new coach, Mr. Thompson, joined their team. Mr. Thompson is known for his strictness and often yells at players for making mistakes. One day during practice, Mr. Thompson unfairly singles out Ava, blaming her for a mistake the whole team made. Ava is visibly upset, but she doesn't say anything. Jaya feels a strong urge to stand up for her friend, knowing that it might lead to Mr. Thompson getting angry with her as well. She remembers a time when she didn't speak up and regretted it deeply. Jaya The moment of decision has arrived.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Courage
vs
Autonomy

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

Your Options

A

Confront Mr. Thompson respectfully.

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 it be difficult to confront Mr. Thompson?

  3. 3

    How could speaking up change the team's environment?

  4. 4

    How might Frederick Douglass advise Jaya 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
standing-up-for-others
peer-pressure
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

Jaya and Ava 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

Jaya and Ava 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