Think back to the Tommy Douglas’ speech, Mouseland. Re-read it if you need to. Then, in your head, answer a few questions:
- What sort of system do you think Tommy Douglas is poking fun of?
- Why did the mice label the mouse with the new idea a "Bolshevik" or a "Communist"? (Why does anyone make mock people with new ideas?)
- What was the real problem with politics? (Don't think in terms of cats and mice, but what did Douglas think the issue was in Canada at the time?)
- What was the solution according to Douglas? Can you accept his solution?
When you've thought a bit about Douglas's political fable, Mouseland, think about your own country.
- What are the politics like here? Are things good?
- Could they be done differntly? Better?
- What would you do if it were up to you to solve the problem/s?
What to CreateNow get creative. Come up with a story; a fable, an analogy, a metaphor, a parable. Write about your country, but use another image to explain the problem and to suggest the solution. Remember, you are writing about the troubles in Canada - writing a political fable - but you may not actually mention Canada or its troubles. Option 1
Your story:
- Will be written as a "stump speech."
- Should be about 500 words (or close to 2 minutes).
- May be done with one other person (or no partner at all).
- May be typed or neatly handwritten (or printed).
Option 2
Take that same story (that you created in Option 1) and make it into a comic. It should have - at least 20 panels
- and be spread over at least two pages
- and be neatly colored.
Option 3
Create a song/ ballad about that same story (that you created in Option 1). - The song should be about 30 lines
- The lines should be 8 to 10 beats per line
- The song should have an obvious tune/rhythm and thus be singable.
Evaluation- Is there a clear problem? (3)
- Is there a clear moral or solution? (3)
- Does the story take place in a logically consistent imaginary world? (4)
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