Decision 98: The End of Colonialism
Scenario:
After a long period of colonial domination, the European colonial ruler, Prospero, has ceded control of the territory formerly called Prospero's Island, now called the Republic of Shango. Two local political parties contend for power:
A left-wing party, the United Humans Undertaking Removal of the Usurper (UHURU), has fought a long and bitter guerilla war against the former colonial government, and now claims credit for the victory and independence. UHURU argues that it is their just and democratic right to run the new government because they have paid the price in blood, sweat and tears in order to overthrow the colonial regime.
A moderate party, the Union of Trans-Oceanic People In Alliance (UTOPIA) draws its strength largely from among educated, middle-class Shangoans. UTOPIA argues that the middle-class's accommodationist approach toward the former colonial regime has gained the country a European-style educational system, a legal system, and a structure of government that would have been destroyed had the UHURU guerillas had their way. UTOPIA argues further that it has within its ranks large numbers of professionals and bureaucrats educated in the European system, and that these educated Shangoans alone can guide the country on a prosperous course now that the island has gained its independence.
Some possible questions for both parties during the debate:
(1) What is your party's position on the preservation of the environment in Shango?
(2) What will your party do to bring the former colonial regime to justice for its crimes against the people of Shango?
The class will be divided into three groups:
UHURUUTOPIATHE PRESS
Each class member should sign up to participate as a member of one group. Next week we will prepare for and stage a presidential campaign debate in which members of the press will pose questions to members of the two opposing political parties. Each party will be able to pose two questions of its own choosing to the other party. The press will formulate the other questions. Each party will have an opportunity for rebuttal of the opposing party's opeing and closing statements. The format of the debate will be worked out in greater detail later.