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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 26

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 26

April 22, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

"Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!"

During Current Events today, we talked about the Middle East. It seems like that's all we ever talk about; I'm starting to wonder if it still counts as news. The Israelis and the Palestinians have been fighting for centuries. It's horrible and all, but I don't know how much it has to do with my life. The suicide bombings and murders are awful and I understand that, but they're taking place thousands of miles away. I don't even know any of the people involved, so I can't make a difference. Really, is it my problem?

I have other things to worry about: like teachers that are flipping out about the standardized tests next month and a mom that keeps bugging me about helping out more around the house. And then there's my problems with Chuck!

As I walk down the hall, and hear his voice behind yelling, "Hey, Moron, are you still too scared to come and fight me like a man?"

Before I have time to react, Chuck spins me around. I try to diffuse the situation by assuring him that I'm not after his girlfriend, but Chuck won't listen. He wants to make me look bad and embarrass me in front of everyone. Everyone is watching us and waiting to see what will happen next.

Spurred on by attention, Chuck decides to take action. His fist hits my nose and I can suddenly taste blood. I quickly regain my composure and retaliate by hitting Chuck square on the jaw. Then, suddenly, the crowd is breaking up. Mr. Hall is standing between Chuck and me. He orders us into his room to wait for the Asst. Principal to come and deal with us.

Even after I sit down, I'm still pretty worked up. On top of being livid at Chuck, I'm irate that I'm going to end up getting suspended because he picked a fight.

I look over at Chuck and, although I'm still angry, I realize that we need to find a more peaceful solution. Fighting hasn't made things any better between us and now we'll both have suspensions to add to our list of worries. If either Chuck or I had tried to listen more and talk less, we probably wouldn't be in this situation.

It's time to stop solving problems with violence and anger and start listening instead. Like the saying goes, "An eye for an eye leaves everybody blind."

This week's maxim is "An eye for an eye leaves everybody blind."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "An eye for an eye leaves everybody blind."
    Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Featured character trait

  • Peace - I strive to create understanding; I work to diffuse conflicts, not exacerbate them.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Understanding -I work to see situations from others' points of view and try to address all aspects of a problem..
  • Respect - I acknowledge and value differences and work to create healthy dialogue.
  • Acceptance - I recognize and am patient with others when they express different views.
  • Consideration - I take the time to really consider an issue, rather than coming to a quick, uninformed conclusion.
  • Patience - I take the time to make choices based on my beliefs and ideals.
  • Forgiveness - I am willing to look past the wrongdoings of others so our relationships can move forward.
  • Reconciliation - I am willing to work at my relationships; I see difficulties as opportunities for growth.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • What connection can be made between the narrator's story and the conflict in the Middle East?
  • How should the Asst. Principal handle this situation? What should his attitude be? What should be his main goal/concern?
  • What role do you think that the US should take in the conflict in the Middle East?
  • Does our nation have a responsibility to help create a more peaceful world?
  • If you do not have any friends or relatives in the Middle East, why is it still important to be concerned about conflicts there?
  • The narrator in today's story feels that he cannot do anything about the problems in the Middle East so he might as well ignore them. Is there anything that he can do to help? If so, what?
  • Even if he can't take direct action to solve the conflict, why is it still important that he stay informed? Why should he still feel concern?
  • How responsible are we for caring about our fellow human beings, even when we don't know them?
  • How are conflicts solved on a person to person level?
  • How should conflicts between nations be addressed?
  • What are some ways of creating compromise?
  • How do you handle situations in which you really don't like another person?
  • What should you do if someone is antagonizing you?
  • What should you do if someone makes you really angry?
  • How can you diffuse a volatile situation?
  • Do you agree with today's maxim?
  • What are some other situations/conflicts that it could apply to?

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