In the year 2123, with the Earth facing overpopulation, Mars Inc. agreed to fund an expedition to colonize … Mars, with the stipulation that in all future establishments, Skittles would be prominently displayed for all to eat. Over time, it became apparent that children born on Mars were colorblind until they turned 18. This complication was rarely a hazard, except for the fact that green Skittles were found to be toxic to children, not adults.

The Martian government moved swiftly to address the problem. Some officials proposed for an outright removal of all Skittles from the Martian colony; others proposed that the green Skittles be imprinted with a different symbol, like a “G.” Ultimately, it was determined that the green Skittles should be manufactured under stricter guidelines, and separated from the red, yellow, orange, and purple ones.

But periodically, a disgruntled Skittles employee would mix in a batch of green Skittles with the other, safe colors. Here and there, around the Martian colony, classes of Martian children and occasionally adults who were caught unawares were killed. The disgruntled employees were regularly held accountable, but the problems continued over the years.

As the casualties piled up, the Martian government found themselves under intense criticism. Children whose classmates had passed away called for the removal of green Skittles; the parents of dead Martian children appeared on news shows and at marches, calling for regulations. But the connection to Mars Inc. kept the government stalemated, and Skittles proponents argued that removing green Skittles would reduce the value of the other Skittles, that those who were opposed to green Skittles were really aimed at removing all Skittles.

The divide continued to grow, and children kept dying.

How would you lead the Martians in a healthy conversation about Skittles?