Overview
Rafael sees his older cousin spray-painting graffiti on the side of a community center at night. His cousin tells him to keep quiet because family sticks together.
The Choice
Should Rafael report the vandalism he witnessed?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.788174498609283
- Word Count
- 297 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Rafael is walking home from a friend's house when he sees someone spray-painting the wall of the neighborhood community center. He gets closer and realizes it is his older cousin, Victor. Victor spots him and says, "Don't say anything, Rafa. Family sticks together. Besides, it's just a wall." Rafael looks at the fresh paint dripping over a mural that local kids spent weeks creating. He knows the community center staff will have to spend money to fix it — money that was supposed to go toward summer programs.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Report the vandalism to a trusted adult.
Stay silent out of loyalty to his cousin.
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
Does family loyalty override doing what is right?
- 2
What happens to the community if the vandalism goes unreported?
- 3
Could Rafael talk to Victor directly before reporting?
- 4
What if everyone stayed silent when they saw something wrong?
- 5
Is Rafael responsible for what happens to Victor if he reports it?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Immanuel Kant
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.