A Story About a Group of People

Larry G. Coleman

Gallaudet University

Seven people went out for a cruise on a pleasure yacht about 50 miles northeast of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Normally there were two inflatable lifeboats attached to the side of the yacht, but this time the owner had forgotten one of the boats, which had been recently repaired. The capacity of each one of the small inflatable lifeboats was FIVE PEOPLE. If more than five people got into one of these little boats, it would sink immediately.

The name of the yacht was “Marimba,” and it was sleek and golden brown and beautiful; it was luxurious, with a full upper and lower berth, a wet bar, and a spacious wooden deck. On this day, TRAGEDY STRUCK—the boat hit a hard rock coral reef, which tore a gaping hole in its side. Immediately it began to sink into WATER THAT WAS 300 FEET DEEP—and the people began to panic. BUT, since the one little lifeboat they had could only hold five people, who among those seven would be the survivors?

1.A 75-year-old retired doctor, hearing.

2.A 15-year-old high school student from Puerto Rico.

3.A 25-year-old black deaf man from D.C.

4.A pregnant woman from Los Angeles, hearing, 25 years old.

5.A deaf teacher from Gallaudet’s English department, white female.

6.A 6-year-old boy who lived in the Virgin Islands, a Godchild of the Gallaudet teacher.

7.A 60-year-old woman vacationing from Toronto, Canada.

Since there really isn’t a lot of time because the yacht is sinking three feet every minute, YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE AS A GROUP TO REACH A CONSENSUS ON WHO SURVIVES. (P.S.—the problem solvers should also try to come to individual conclusions.)

After the group finishes processing the story, introduce the concept of DIVIDE AND CONQUER. The Win-Win outcome would have all people survive by having some hang onto the side of the boat while treading water.

Also tell them that the LONGER it takes for them to see a technique or method for playing Win-Win and trusting each other … the MORE IT WILL COST them.