CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION Ethical Citizenship Lesson Tom Burnett Family

ZOOM-IN Question What would YOU DO if several students were teasing another student because of his or her weight? Please write your answer on a blank sheet of paper and be specific about the actions you would take. Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

Q. Who is a citizen? A. YOU! Plus - the highest person in a

Ethical Citizenship • A citizen defines the character of society • It is earned by people whose conscience and character will not tolerate injustice or prejudice. • These sources give people a foundation upon which to base ethical citizenship. • What are the sources…? ? Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

What are the sources of ethical citizenship? • • • Laws and Government Empathetic

Laws and Government • There are many laws and rules: national and state level • Laws are intended to maintain an orderly process in society • Sometimes the law is a “good thing” and sometimes it is a “bad thing”. Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

Emphatic Compassion • The idea “put yourself in another person’s shoes” • Understand the

Religion • Actions based on customs and values expressed in religious doctrine • Sometimes

Self-Enlightenment • People should pursue the course of action which creates the greatest good

Equity and Fairness • A higher law that requires that people should be treated

Virtuous Approach • Concept that the citizen should take the course of action that is most consistent with the key attitudes and character traits of our cultural leaders. Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

Most Important Citizens take personal risk to stand up for someone in trouble Citizens

Do people really live their lives with these guiding pricincles? Yes - Absolutely! Tom

Read the story about Pee Wee Reese • Who is Pee Wee Reese? •

Directions • Determine what sources of ethical citizenship were used by Pee Wee Reese. • Place each of the sources in rank order. One being the most used and six being the least used by Pee Wee. • What did you admire the most in Pee Wee Reese? Why? Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

After you read the story • Share your responses with your table members • Come to a consensus regarding the rank order of sources used by Pee Wee • Be prepared to defend your group’s position • What did your group admire most about Pee Wee Reese? Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

THE CITIZENS FORUM • It is important for citizens to learn how to use their voice and share their opinion with others. • In addition, good citizens learn how to listen to other citizens. Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

FORUM GUIDELINES • • • No need to raise your hand. Be polite, listen to others, respect other viewpoint. Use “I Statements” rather than “You Statements. ” Use the Pee Wee reading and sources of ethical citizenship in the discussion. Use clarifying questions. Use your voice and let others use their voice. Build upon other peoples’ ideas. Include others in the discussion. Have fun and learn from each other! Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

Forum Questions • Knowing that his team members and fans were against Robinson joining the team, why did Pee Wee Reese decide not to sign the petition against Robinson? – A) He knew it was wrong to discriminate against someone because of his race. – B) He knew that Robinson was a good athlete and could improve the team. • Explain your response. Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

Forum Question • When Pee Wee Reese stopped his team’s warm up to put an arm around Robinson in Cincinnati, what do you think his fellow teammates and the crowd were thinking? • Do you think the team was embarrassed or proud of the fact that he would make such a gesture? Why? Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

Forum Question • Pick one to share with your group: – Share a time in your life when you have stood up for someone when they were being picked on? – Share a time in your life when you were picking on someone? – Share a time when you were being picked on for reasons you could not control? Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004

CLOSURE • Do you think there are people like Pee Wee Reese in today’s society? • Are they necessary? • Do you know anyone like Pee Wee? • What distinguishes them to be like Pee Wee? • Could you be like Pee Wee? Why or why not? Tom Burnett Family Foundation (c) 2004