On Saying Please class 12 | 2023 | HSC | by AG Gardiner | English | 1.2 | brainstorming ice breakers

Summary

The video script discusses the impact of politeness and bad behavior on society, using the story of a lift operator who throws out a passenger for rudeness, leading to a debate on the role of law and morality in such situations. It explores the idea that bad behavior can spread like a virus, affecting everyone's mood and actions, while good manners can uplift and create a positive environment. The script emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, as it not only reflects on our character but also influences the behavior of those around us.

Takeaways

• 😀 The essay 'On Saying Please' by Alfred George Gardner discusses the importance of politeness in daily interactions.
• 😀 The story starts with a young lift man who operates an elevator and encounters a rude passenger.
• 😀 The lift man pushes the passenger out of the lift because the passenger did not say 'please'.
• 😀 The lift man gets fined for his actions, but the root issue was the passenger's lack of politeness.
• 😀 Gardner explains that there is no law against being rude, but physical self-defense is legally permissible.
• 😀 The essay highlights that rude behavior can cause emotional pain and frustration, which can spread negativity.
• 😀 Gardner suggests that politeness and good manners are as infectious as bad manners.
• 😀 The author gives examples of how rude behavior can lead to a cycle of frustration and further rudeness.
• 😀 Politeness, such as using 'please' and 'thank you,' can smooth interactions and improve social harmony.
• 😀 Gardner uses the example of a polite bus conductor to illustrate how good manners can positively influence others.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script revolves around the importance of good manners and behavior, and how bad behavior can negatively impact society and individuals.

What is the story of the Lift Man and the passenger?

The story of the Lift Man and the passenger illustrates a situation where the Lift Man throws a passenger out of the lift for their rude behavior, highlighting the consequences of bad manners.

What does the script suggest about the law's stance on bad behavior?

The script suggests that the law does not provide punishment for bad behavior in the same way it does for physical assault, indicating that there is no legal recourse for moral or intellectual damage caused by rudeness.

What is the role of the 'On Singing Pleases' story in the script?

The 'On Singing Pleases' story serves as a metaphor to explain how a simple polite request can prevent conflict and the importance of using polite language in our interactions.

What is the example of the bus conductor's behavior in the script?

The example of the bus conductor's behavior demonstrates how good manners can positively affect passengers and contribute to a pleasant travel experience, emphasizing the impact of a single person's behavior on a group.

How does the script discuss the concept of 'moral damage'?

The script discusses 'moral damage' as a type of harm that affects a person's self-respect and emotional well-being, which is not addressed by the law but can have long-lasting effects.

What is the significance of the 'please' and 'thank you' words in the script?

The script highlights the significance of using 'please' and 'thank you' as small words that can make a big difference in our interactions, promoting a culture of politeness and respect.

How does the script relate the behavior of a bus conductor to the overall experience of passengers?

The script relates the behavior of a bus conductor to the overall experience of passengers by stating that a polite and considerate conductor can make the journey enjoyable and comfortable for everyone on board.

What is the message conveyed by the story of the bus conductor who helped the speaker without asking for money?

The message conveyed is that acts of kindness and good manners can leave a lasting positive impression and can significantly impact someone's day, even if the good deed is not reciprocated immediately.

How does the script use the example of a person wearing heavy boots to illustrate a point about behavior?

The script uses the example of a person wearing heavy boots to illustrate how one's behavior can have unintended consequences on others, emphasizing the importance of being considerate of the impact of our actions.

What advice does the script give regarding responding to rudeness?

The script advises that the best revenge or response to rudeness is to maintain good behavior and politeness, as this can lead to the person who was rude feeling shame and regret for their actions.