“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world.” ― Robert McKee
As humans, we learn by example and through stories. With stories, we relate to the characters and apply their fictional circumstances to our own real-life situations. We especially love stories about heroes who overcome adversity and defeat tyrants. But what about heroes who use powers, brute force, or even weapons beyond the scope of mere mortals.
Many of the most popular stories include combat or martial arts as a means of righting wrongs. Here are some favorites that fit this criteria:
- The Avengers & pretty much every superhero comic or movie
- Lord of the Rings
- Star Wars
- Harry Potter
- James Bond
- One Piece
- The Karate Kid franchise (especially Cobra Kai)
- Most of the Saturday morning cartoons so many of us grew up with
- Even teacher & archaeologist Indiana Jones 'fought' his way out of scrapes
Our Kindness program flips the script, showing how goodwill can be the most effective weapon in the war against disrespect and cruelty. Our story written for this project—the Mark of X—features primary characters ranging from ages 11-16, all of whom handle bullying differently.
Each chapter comes with a learning lesson that does more than teach vocabulary and reading comprehension. It includes immersive activities that address real-life scenarios students go through, albeit in a fictional world so things don't hit too close to home. Browse through the options below to find out how your family and friends get started spreading kindness.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
—Maya Angelou
