Imagine a world of four regions: North, South, East, and West. Each has its diverse form of economy and political situation. For examle, “the North” is an authoritarian regime with a weak economy, while “the East” is a burgeoning nation of wealth. Interestingly these nations are engaged on discussion on forming a union with one another. What sort of negotiations would have to take place? How do the nations deal with one another? These were the types of situations that were brought before the Founders during this morning’s Citizenship class at BFTF.

This activity exemplifies the types of questions which are being addressed at the Institute; such as learning how to interact with new and often conflicting cultural points of view. Students have voiced various opinions, but most show enthusiasm and passion for the issues brought up during the discussion. Though obviously a simulation, the regions included in this activity illustrate the importance of understanding cooperation in intercultural discussion. North against South, East against West - these conflicts mirror global conditions. Ben Frankliners are learning that the process of forming a more perfect union requires us to investigate new ways in which diversity and cooperation are not mutually exclusive goals.

- This Article has been co-written by Taylor Hahn and Odile Hobeika