The Importance of Self-Respect: Should Ingrid join the art competition or go shopping?

By Mary WollstonecraftRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 9.4
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Imagine a girl who always tries to impress her friends by wearing the latest fashion, but feels sad inside. If she learns to value her own interests and talents instead, she might find true friends who appreciate her for who she is, not just how she looks.

The Choice

Should Ingrid join the art competition or go shopping?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 9.4
Word Count
294 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Ingrid, a lively 12-year-old, loves spending time with her friends at school. Recently, her friend Felix noticed that Ingrid has been trying really hard to fit in with a popular group by wearing trendy clothes and mimicking their interests. Even though Ingrid enjoys some of these new activities, she often feels uncomfortable and misses being herself. One day, Felix invites Ingrid to join him in a local art competition, knowing how much she loves painting. However, the art competition coincides with a shopping trip organized by the popular group. Ingrid is torn between nurturing her passion for art and continuing to impress her new friends. Ingrid What should they do?

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Autonomy
vs
Loyalty

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

Your Options

A

Join the art competition.

B

Go shopping with friends.

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 Ingrid feels torn between her interests and fitting in?

  3. 3

    How might Ingrid feel if she chooses the art competition over shopping?

  4. 4

    How might Mary Wollstonecraft advise Ingrid 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 Mary Wollstonecraft

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

Related Topics

self-respect
peer-pressure
authenticity
Portrait of Mary Wollstonecraft by John Opie, circa 1797, showing her in a white dress and black hat, looking thoughtfully to her left.

Mary Wollstonecraft1759-1797

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was a pioneering English feminist philosopher and writer. Her seminal work, 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' (1792), argued for women's rationality and the necessity of their education for societal progress.

Feminist Philosophy
Enlightenment Philosophy
Liberalism
Explore how Mary Wollstonecraft informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

The Importance of Self-Respect — 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

The Importance of Self-Respect — 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