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Treat All Men Alike: Chief Joseph and Respect

45 min

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

  • What challenges are you facing?
  • What fears or concerns might you have?
  • What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions (unless specified otherwise, students may answer all questions about Chief Joseph with reference to Joseph the Elder, Joseph the Younger, or both.)

  • In what ways did Chief Joseph demonstrate respect for others, seeking to enhance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for himself and others?
  • What was the identity of Chief Joseph the Younger during the 1870s? To what extent do you see emphasis on the virtue of respect in his words and actions?
  • As he led his people, how did Chief Joseph see his purpose?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

  • What is the historical context of the narrative?
  • What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
  • How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
  • How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
  • How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
  • What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
  • Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
  • How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
  • Students will analyze Chief Joseph’s character as a leader and his commitment to respecting all people.
  • Students will examine Chief Joseph’s understanding of respect as a necessary virtue.
  • Students will understand why cultivating respect affects the future of the United States.
  • Students will demonstrate respect in their own lives to protect freedom.

Student Handouts