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Changing the World

Essential Questions:
• What are the conditions required to make change happen?

• How does one gain the appropriate amount and type of power to create
change?
• How does effective, persuasive communication help to bring about change?

• When — if ever — is violence an appropriate means for creating change?

ith so much injustice in the world, as well as racism, sexism, and other forms
Wof discrimination, at some point in your life, you’ve probably said to someone,
“If I could change the world, I’d .” Maybe you’d focus on a big topic like
climate change, or maybe you’d look at a local issue like a school policy that prevents
younger students from taking certain classes. The point is that our world is far from
perfect, and there are a number of issues that need addressing. In this chapter, while
you will read speeches, editorials, and other pieces that address topics like gun control,
sexual harassment, labor rights, and others, the focus is not on the issues themselves,
but on HOW the changes the speakers and writers propose can come about. Because
most people, especially those who are in power, are resistant to change, those who
hope to change the world need to give careful thought to what will persuade others and
move them to participate. What roles do dialogue and communication play? Is it ever
appropriate to turn to violence to bring about justice? How can people avoid becoming
cynical and disillusioned?

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Copyright © Bedford/St. Martin’s. Uncorrected proofs have been used in this sample chapter.
Distributed by BFW Publishers. Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.

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