Differences of opinion are inherent in controversial issues, because controversy arises when reasonable people disagree about the best way to reach a solution to a problem. However, social studies teachers tend to shy away from disagreements because they want to avoid upsetting students or parents by bringing up controversial topics in the classroom. Role-play in the classroom that avoids mimicking, caricaturing, or minimizing events in history can broaden students' understanding of the complexities of the world.