MAKING THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD

(RESPECT, RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITY, & REVOLUTION)

Directions: After reading the Message to the Youth of America from Nelson Mandela, viewing the film Gandhi, and listening to the songs Revolution by the Pretenders, and Chimes of Freedom by Bob Dylan, answer the following questions.

1. Define the four R's of life: Respect, Rights, Responsibility, and Revolution. Create a chart showing the application of each of the four R's to yourself:

a. Describe what respect towards yourself looks like

b. Provide a list of what you believe to be the five most important rights of humankind

c. Provide a list of what you believe to be the five most important responsibilities of humankind

d. Describe an example of an individual revolution you have experienced, or anticipate experiencing

2. From each of the two songs you have heard, Revolution and Chimes of Freedom, select a verse and explain how it relates to one or more of the four R's of life. In addition, describe how the verses relate to the lives, teachings, or aspirations of one of the following men: Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Gandhi.

3. Many aspects of our society require change and reform. As we approach the 21st century, what parts of our society do you believe require a revolution? Make a list of at least three and next to each choice with a brief explanation.

4. Define passive resistance. Relate Gandhi's saying "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" to the concept of non-violent protest. How did Gandhi's tactics appeal to the human conscience?

5. Describe the role of the media in the success of Gandhi's passive resistance efforts. How did it impact what Gandhi was trying to do? How do you see the media of today impacting the major revolutions of the world (i.e. environmental, human rights, etc.)

6. "Laws outside the laws, laws we don't subscribe to" is a line from the song Revolution. How does this line relate to the concept of unjust laws? Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela all encouraged others to break laws that were "unjust". Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this philosophy. Do you agree with this point of view?

7. What did Gandhi mean when he said, "I am Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Jew." What was Gandhi's view of religion? How does his perspective of religion compare to your own?

8. "Poverty is the worst form of violence". What does this quote from Gandhi mean? Provide examples of its application to today's world.

9. One of Gandhi's most famous quotes is "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." What does he mean? How does that apply to you personally today, in the next 5 years, in your lifetime?

10. Create a visual that depicts your concept of all four R's of life: Respect, Rights, Responsibility, and Revolution. Use photographs, a collage of cut-out pictures, original artwork, a slide show and/or a collection of music that speaks to these four R's.