Synonyms for caring are kind, tender, kind-hearted, attentive, considerate, charitable, patient, humane,etc.
Linking articles: Respecting Neighbours ; Federation – Mighty Sparrow
What does it mean to be Caring?
Caring is feeling and showing concern and empathy for others and having compassion. when you are a caring person you do things to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.
A Caring Citizen
Let’s begin with a story.
THE INSOLENT BOY
James Selton was one of the most insolent boy in the village where he lived. He would rarely pass people in the street without being guilty of some sort of abuse. If a person were well dressed he would cry out, “Dandy!” If a person’s clothes were dirty or torn, he would throw stones at him, and annoy him in every way.
One afternoon, just as the school was dismissed, a stranger passed through the village. His dress was plain and somewhat old, but neat and clean. He carried a cane in his hand, on the end of which was a bundle, and he wore a broad-brimmed hat. No sooner did James see the stranger, than he winked to his playmates, and said, “Now for some fun!” He then silently went toward the stranger from behind, and, knocking off his hat, ran away. The man turned and saw him, but James was out of hearing before he could speak. The stranger put on his hat, and went on his way.
Again did James approach; but this time, the man caught him by the arm, and held him fast. However, he contented himself with looking James a moment in the face, and then pushed him from him. No sooner did the naughty boy find himself free again, than he began to pelt the stranger with dirt and stones. But he was much frightened when the “rowdy,” as he foolishly called the man, was struck on the head by a brick, and badly hurt. All the boys now ran away, and James skulked across the fields to his home.
As he drew near the house, his sister Caroline came out to meet him, holding up a beautiful gold chain and some new books for him to see. She told James, as fast as she could talk, that their uncle, who had been away several years, had come home, and was now in the house; that he had brought beautiful presents for the whole family; that he had left his car at the tavern, a mile or two off, and walked on foot, so as to surprise his brother, their father.
She said, that while he was coming through the village, some wicked boys threw stones at him, and hit him just over the eye, and that mother had bound up the wound. “But what makes you look so pale?” asked Caroline, changing her tone. The guilty boy told her that nothing was the matter with him; and running into the house, he went upstairs into his chamber.
Soon after, he heard his father calling him to come down. Trembling from head to foot, he obeyed. When he reached the parlor door, he stood, fearing to enter. His mother said, “James, why do you not come in? You are not usually so bashful. See this beautiful watch, which your uncle has brought for you.” What a sense of shame did James now feel! Little Caroline seized his arm, and pulled him into the room. But he hung down his head, and covered his face with his hands.
His uncle went up to him, and kindly taking away his hands, said, “James, will you not bid me welcome?”
But quickly starting back, he cried, “Brother, this is not your son. It is the boy who so shamefully insulted me in the street!” With surprise and grief did the good father and mother learn this. His uncle was ready to forgive him, and forget the injury. But his father would never permit James to have the gold watch, nor the beautiful books, which his uncle had brought for him. The rest of the children were loaded with presents. James was obliged to content himself with seeing them happy. He never forgot this lesson so long as he lived. It cured him entirely of his low and insolent manners.
Questions:
- What insolent actions did the James engage in doing?
- What did James do to the stranger?
- What was the consequences James had to endure for his actions?
A citizen is a member of a sovereign state or nation. A citizen have access to the benefits offered by a country. They can challenge the government on issues concerning their rights. These issues range from public education, raising children, legal right, work, voting, and access to public services. Part of good citizenship means that you can help transform your community to one that is better for all. We do this by improving our knowledge of things and sharing it with others. You are encouraged to express your citizenship.
You can become a good citizen. Here are some ways you can become a good citizen: don’t litter, help others, share with others, be responsible, participate, obey the rules, respect others, respect the property of others, and become a volunteer. Everyone can make a difference and ensure the betterment of their community and nation.
Discussion Question
Look at the short story video below. Then answer the questions.
- What does citizenship mean?
- Describe the community of the jungle?
- What issues were important for the Jungle Federation?
- Was the Jungle Federation useful?
- What was the main problem the Jungle Federation have?
- How did the members in the Jungle learn to take care of themselves?
- Consider your country, is it a member of a Federation? What is it called? What is the main goal of that Federation?
The Caribbean
Below is a view of the Caribbean.
The islands of the Caribbean Sea should be concerned about the oceans around it. This ocean sustain life and its offers a lot of resources. With this in mind, describe ways in which care can be shown for the ocean and its resources on a sustained basis.
In groups, or as a class discussion, create an action plan in harmony with abilities, interest and beliefs to protect the ocean from over exploitation through the use of a particular media of your choice.
Observe the video clip below. Then discuss how you believe the participants and volunteers feel after completing their mission. Do you think they practice good citizenship?
List the importance of oceans for the Caribbean people.
Use drama or visual art form to demonstrate care you would show for the ocean, waterways, shoreline and waterfront, particularly the disposal of garbage. Consider restoration efforts, clean-up drives, removal of wrecked ships, conservation practices within firms and communities, marches, newsletters, or blogs activities to promote care for the ocean.
Use the video below to help you answer the above questions.
Social Issues in the Caribbean
The Caribbean region is faced with a number of social issues. The most challenging of these issues are: climate change, oil prices, China, poverty, crime and drugs, financial markets, Cuba, digitalization, logistics, terrorism, good governance and education, demographic changes, and healthcare (Calmera and Goede)
Use drama or visual art form to demonstrate care you would show for tackling on of the above social issues.
Consider ways to help that can be given to persons plagued by social issues.
National Pride
National Pride is considered to be synonymous to patriotism. It refers to the love one has to one’s country. This idea is especially link to the notion that national pride begin when one shows themselves to be a caring citizen.
National pride is a feeling that is connected to a persons value system and beliefs. It affects the way you interact and treat others especially during times of crisis. National pride is shown most during major holidays and celebrations. What holidays are very important where you live?
National pride can serve a two edge cross when it is taken to an extreme. Fear and paranoia can lead people to become violent, show some forms of racism, because they believe certain races or countries are threatening their security within a country. In many countries, national pride is used to create certain propaganda. It is used to divide people. Reflect on whether this is done in your country. What divisive ideas are used in your country? How is this reflected on national pride?
For many people, national pride has much to do with the quality of living, opportunities available, shared cultural beliefs, and the purchasing power of its people and the cooperation of the people (as citizens).
How do you display National Pride?
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References:
Marine Pollution Threatens the Caribbean
12 Challenges facing Caribbean Small Island States
