PSA project

1. By:
Greg Biagi
Riley Travers
Kevin Mahlman
Katie Lewis

2. JOHN LOCKE INTERVIEW
Katie: Hi this is Katie Lewis here from T.H.E. News. Today we have a very special
guest Mr. John Locke. So Mr. Locke I know that you are a very influential
enlightenment philosopher.
Locke: That is correct miss. I believe strongly in natural rights. I believe everyone
has the right to life, liberty, and property. I believe that humans are all good,
reasonable, and moral.
Katie: I’m familiar with the fact that you also wrote "Two Treaties of Government"
which states that the government should protect these natural rights.
Locke: Yes ma’am I did. I believe that the government is responsible for protecting
everyone's natural rights. If the government does not protect these rights, then it is
us, we the people who have the right to overthrow that form of government and
create a new one.
Katie: What role do you think citizens should play in a society?
Locke: I believe in a democracy, citizens should play an active role in their
government. Power given to the people is every nation's backbone. When sole power
is in the government, common people are no longer citizens, but subjects. We have
no purpose in society other than to do what the king says. This has been repeated in
history too many times! It limits any chance for people to be innovative and have
dreams of making life better. Citizens are free to give more than just "the minimum"
that they are required to do.
Katie: Well thank you Mr. Locke for that excellent insight on your enlightenment
ideas. Thank you for your time. Now to my interview with Mr. Robespierre...

3. JOHN LOCKE

4. CLAIMS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP
• Citizens have obligations to follow the laws
• Power within a society should be with the
majority
• All citizens are born with natural rights
• Citizens have the right to overthrow an unjust
government
• Citizens should play an active role in their
society

5. MAXIMILIEN ROBESPIERRE
Katie: Mr. Robespierre, thank you so much for taking the time to be
interviewed on a very busy day. Sir, I understand that you created an
organization to "protect the revolution" from enemies at home and
abroad.
Robespierre: Why yes that is correct. I created the Committee of Public
Safety. We were at war with several other European countries who
wanted to restore the monarchy in France. There was a greater threat
though. We were being attacked from within.
Katie: You said that you believed France could achieve a "Republic of
Virtue" through terror and blood. What made you use terror?
Robespierre: Unfortunately there were people within our own country
who were enemies of the revolution. I had to protect the revolution at all
costs even if it meant executing a few of our own. I took it into my hands
to end the monarchy by bringing the king and queen before the
guillotine as well as execute anyone in the way of the revolution's
progress.
Katie: But Mr. Robespierre, what makes your "Republic of Virtue" any
different than a harsh dictatorship. You're killing your own people!

6. ROBESPIERRE (CONTINUED)
Robespierre: Believe me. If people get the idea that the revolution isn't a good
idea; if their voice is heard, the revolution will fail! They shouldn't have the right
to speak their own opinion because it could prove fatal for the revolution. These
people that are being guillotined know the consequences for being an enemy of
the revolution, and they deserve it. I know it seems hard now, but change is
very hard. Believe me, I do all these things for the good of France.
Katie: Mr. Robespierre, are you familiar with the statement "Power to the
People“? How does this apply to your "Republic of Virtue"?
Robespierre: It applies because power is given to those loyal to the revolution
Katie: Well then what is the role of a citizen in society? Are we all just subjects
of the revolution, waiting in terror at your wrath?
Robespierre: If terror and wrath are necessary then yes!
Katie: I'm sorry Mr. Robespierre but it sounds like your revolution is ruining the
idea of democracy and rights for all people along with power to the people.
Good day sir!
[the interviewer was executed the next day]
*a moment of silence*

7. MAXIMILIEN ROBESPIERRE

8. CLAIMS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP
• Too much power to one person corrupts a
government
• Using terror to control a country is not the right
way and should be done fairly
• The right to a fair trial instead of immediate
execution

9. JIM HAWKINS
Katie: So Mr. Hawkins, what was your view on the how the pirates acted to get the treasure?
Jim: Well, the pirates caused a great amount of chaos and corruption because they would never
even try to work with us to get the treasure. Instead, they decided that they wanted the treasure all
for themselves which shows a great amount of greed and selfishness. People didn't have to die on
Treasure Island. If we all were willing to sacrifice a little, everyone would've gotten a fair share, but
instead of working together, we separated. This hurt both of our groups, and ended in a very sad
way with many deaths.
Katie: So what should've happened Mr. Hawkins?
Jim: Well, if we did work together as one team, if we discussed how we were going to attain the
treasure, there wouldn't have been this conflict and tension that leads to death and destruction. As
one team, we would've achieved our goal, but instead our own pride and greed got in the way.
Katie: How do you think your experience relates to citizenship?
Jim: It showed how the desire for total power and wanting some kind of material so bad that it
brings you to kill another human, ruins a society. It causes conflict and makes no room for growth to
occur, or for a citizen to achieve a prosperous and good life. Power and greed consumes people
and turns them into monstrous people. Much like how a powerful dictator gets power hungry and
can oppress an entire nation.
Katie: What traits got you through this journey for survival?
Jim: Well on my part, it took lots of courage obviously, but it also took a great deal of innovation.
There were situations that presented me that I had never dealt with before, and I had to approach it
being open for innovation. I really needed to think on my feet in situations like when the pirates
invaded the stockade, and when I decided to leave the island on the coracle and take over the
Hispaniola. Lastly, I needed to get past my natural human greed and realize that life is more
important than treasure and material gain. This is what got us through Treasure Island alive; a
sacrifice individually for the overall group's survival.
Katie: Well thank you Mr. Hawkins.

10. JIM HAWKINS

11. CLAIMS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP
• As individuals we must contribute to society in some
way
• Perfect balance between power and conflict
• A certain amount of power must be given to citizens
• Everyone has equal rights
• Each citizen has the right to state his or her opinion
• No one person should have all the power in a
government

12. ATTICUS FINCH
Katie: So what exactly what was your reason for defending Tom Robinson?
Atticus: Well Ma'am I believe in the equal rights of ALL people, and this includes
colored people. Culture today has made it so we are desensitized to how horrible
racism really is because it is just a part of society. I decided to take a stand
because this is something I truly believe is wrong in our world today, and I'm willing
to suffer for my decision.
Katie: Do you think defending Tom Robinson was effective in stopping racism?
Atticus: I think it was. As you saw, people weren't happy at all about me defending
Tom Robinson. My actions brought light to the problems with racism in society,
and it made us all question our ethics and morals. This is a small step in the cause
for equality, but it was necessary for me to stand up for him.
Katie: Well I must say these are very admirable traits Mr. Finch. Do you believe all
citizens should have these qualities?
Atticus: I believe so. For a society to function fully, it needs people that when they
see a problem, they stand up for what they believe and let their voices be heard.
Everyone needs to have the boldness to participate in government. Without it, we
would repeat history over again. This form of government leads to oppression and
suffering because it isn't a unified nation where everyone can speak their own
views and opinions.
Katie: Well thank you Mr. Finch! Good luck to you on your future quests for this
nation's greater good.

13. ATTICUS FINCH

14. CLAIMS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP
• Everyone no matter their race should be treated
equal in a society
• People have the right to deem something within
their community wrong, and it is their job to
question their morals and ethics

15. CLAIMS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP
• What is Good citizenship?
A good citizen is…..
• Someone who respects others and their property.
• He/she is helpful and considerate, willing to put others first.
• He/she listens to the views of others and thinks about what they have to say.
• He/she helps people who are not in a position to help themselves.
• He/she respects the environment and does not damage it in any way.
• He/she works hard.
• He/she is well mannered and pleasant.
• He/she is always willing to learn
• He/she gives back to the community
• When he/she sees a problem, they act on it

16. CLAIMS ABOUT CITIZENSHIP
• What is bad citizenship?
A bad citizen is…..
• Someone who does not respect others and their
property.
• He/she is uncooperative, and selfish.
• He/she will not accept or listen to anyone else's input
in society
• He/she does not respect the environment
• He/she is ill-mannered

17. CITIZENSHIP IS…
Citizenship is being an active part in your
community and having a say in the decisions
that are made. Citizens are all born with natural
rights and are equal. Citizens should take the
opportunity to stand up for what they believe in
and have a say in the government.

18. AND THAT’S WHAT
CITIZENSHIP IS!
THE END