Use Benjamin Franklin's "Join, or Die" political cartoon and what you have learned in previous lessons to answer the following question:

Question

In 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 Franklin'approach in terms of creating a movement and promoting unity?

Answer 1

A modern campaign that mirrors Benjamin Franklin's "Join, or Die" message is the global climate movement, spearheaded by organizations like Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion. These groups emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change, akin to Franklin's call for unity among the American colonies in the face of external threats. They utilize social media to mobilize support and foster a sense of community, similar to how Franklin aimed to foster collaboration among disparate colonies. The movement highlights the collective responsibility individuals and nations share in mitigating environmental crises, mirroring Franklin's message that disunity leads to vulnerability. Just as Franklin's cartoon sought to awaken a sense of urgency and solidarity in facing a common enemy, modern campaigns leverage powerful imagery, grassroots activism, and collective action to galvanize public support and drive home the point that addressing climate change requires unified action from all sectors of society. In both cases, the goal remains the same: to illustrate that progress can only be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to a greater cause.