Use Benjamin Franklin's "Join, or Die" political cartoon and what you have learned in previous lessons to answer the following question:%0D%0A%0D%0AIn a paragraph, reflect on a modern campaign/movement that seeks to address a collective challenge (e.g., a public health crisis or environmental issue). How do the strategies used in this modern campaign/movement compare with Franklin's approach in terms of creating a movement and promoting unity?

Answer 1

A contemporary movement that echoes the sentiments of Benjamin Franklin's "Join, or Die" is the climate change movement, particularly initiatives like the Fridays for Future protests led by young activists like Greta Thunberg. Similar to Franklin’s cartoon emphasizing the necessity of unity among the colonies to confront a common threat, the climate movement stresses the urgent need for global solidarity to address the existential crisis of climate change. Franklin’s approach used a stark and memorable visual to provoke thought and action, while modern campaigns utilize powerful social media tools to mobilize and connect diverse groups across borders. The climate movement employs shared imagery and hashtags to create a sense of collective urgency and identity, similar to the fragmented snake symbolizing the need for cooperation among the colonies. Both movements utilize strategies that foster awareness, emphasizing the importance of coming together in the face of adversity and encouraging individual participation for the greater good. Ultimately, while the mediums may differ—artistic illustration versus digital platforms—the core message of uniting for a collective challenge remains a timeless call to action.