-NiE ,
ADVANCED Courage
27 SEPTEMBER 2017
11
Standing up for what is right
WHAT would Rosa Parks say if she knew of the carnage that took place in Charlottesville? Who was Rosa Parks? She was a simple lady who worked hard for a living. On Dec 1, 1955, Parks was on her way home from work. She was tired. All she wanted to do was to take a bus home so that she could cook a hot meal for her husband. When the bus arrived, it was packed. Parks had no place to sit except for the “white-only” section of the bus. The people on the bus who were seated at the “white-only” section were upset. They wanted to
force Parks off the bus but she refused to move. She wanted people to be able to sit wherever a seat was available. Eventually, the bus driver called the police who arrived and took her to jail. Some people in the town where Parks lived became upset. They said, “We will walk if we can’t sit where we want.” This resulted in what is now known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Men, women and children walked to work, the stores and school, and eventually to their freedom. Because Parks had the courage to sit down, America stood up for what is right.
A file photo taken at the Henry Ford Museum. This is the bus Rosa Parks rode when she was arrested for refusing to vacate her seat for a white passenger.
NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason
● Measure ● Organise
Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm
Problem solving ● Question ● Research
● Recreate ● Present
Communicating ● Oral
● Written
Many people still fight for their rights to freedom. In groups of four, scan The Star for articles depicting such events. Remember that the definition of “freedom” is wide and the term “rights” can take on many forms. Look for as many such cases as possible. List them as follows:
NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason
● Measure ● Organise
Communicating ● Oral ● Written ● Non-verbal ● Aural
Part A
Headline and page of article Creative thinking
What are the people in How are they showing the story fighting for? courage
Problem solving
● Imagine ● Connect ● Brainstorm ● Invent
Are their actions justified? Explain your reasons.
● Question ● Present ● Recreate
Collaborating ● Listen ● Compromise ● Contribute ● Attain goal respectfully
Our first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman was a man of formidable character. He was much loved by the rakyat. People who knew Tunku personally had the utmost respect for him. Read an excerpt taken from an article written by Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who met Tunku when he was just a rookie reporter.
Meeting the Tunku became part of my regular beat. I would head to the residence when he wanted to give a statement... On such occasions, he would add value to the news reports by dispensing some advice, often on the need for moderation and for all the races to live together in harmony. He had many visitors and they ranged from ordinary Malaysians to VVIPs. And the one message that came from him was simple, consistent and clear – all Malaysians must live in peace and harmony, and there’s no room for political and religious extremism. His recollections of the fight for freedom enabled Malaysians to gain first-hand insights into the struggles and challenges that took place. He may not be a historian but as a direct participant in our nation’s history, his writings were powerful.
The Star, Aug 31, 2013
Do you think we are born courageous? Explain your opinion. How courageous did Tunku Abdul Rahman have to be in order to steer Malaya towards independence in 1957? That must have been some awesome courage! In groups of four, list out some challenges that require courage on Tunku’s part in order to gain independence. Share and compare your lists as a class thereafter.
Do you think there is a difference between awesome courage and everyday courage? Gather in groups of four to role-play situations. The character you represent in the scenario should be someone with Tunku’s qualities. Each group will be given one scenario. As you read the scenario handed to you, imagine being in Tunku’s shoes. How would he show courage in the particular situation? These scenarios are written with the problem only; no
Part B
solution is provided. As a group, read over the scenario together. Determine a way to conclude the scenario. The conclusion to the skit should demonstrate an act of courage on the part of the character. Your teacher will allow the class a 10-minute time span to plan and rehearse the skits. Next, groups perform their skits one at a time. Skits begin by groups reading their scenarios to the class. The audience is given the opportunity to provide feedback regarding group performances. Did the character in the skit solve the problem in a way that demonstrates courage?
SCENARIO 1
SCENARIO 5
Your friends ask you to perform with them in a school talent show. You really don’t want to, but you don’t want to let your friends down either. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?
Your teacher asks the class a question. You think you know the answer but you are not 100% sure. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?
SCENARIO 2
SCENARIO 6
When walking home from school with some classmates, one of your friends suggests that the group goes to his house as nobody is home. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?
Football tryouts are happening and you really want to go for it but you do not think you are athletic enough to make the team. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?
SCENARIO 3
SCENARIO 7
As you are lining up for recess, you overhear two of your classmates making fun of another student in your class. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?
Your friends invite you to go with them to a scary movie at the theatre. You don’t really like scary movies. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?
SCENARIO 4 While playing football in the field, your ball hits the neighbour’s window and shatters the pane. How would you handle this situation in a courageous way?