Edward R. Murrow: In His Own Words

Why does others perception of us matter as leaders? Examine this narrative about Edward R. Murrow and McCarthyism.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• How did Edward R. Murrow fight for freedom during McCarthy’s unproven accusations that a communist conspiracy was to blame for America’s problems?
• What was Murrow’s purpose in broadcasting the 1954 See It Now show about McCarthy?
• Why was it important for Murrow to do the 1954 television broadcast about McCarthy?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze and interpret Edward R. Murrow’s identity during the McCarthyism era.
• Students will evaluate perceived versus actual identities and their effects.
• Students will determine how their own identities affect their own lives and the lives of those around them.