I’ve written before about studies that show just witnessing people being rude to others reduces your ability to solve problems and worsens your mood.
Another study just came out reinforcing those conclusions, and says if you witness rudeness you’re more likely to make mistakes.
I’m in the process of creating a lesson on rudeness that I’ll share in my upcoming book and in this blog. If I use your idea, I’ll highlight it in this blog and send you a free copy of my book next year. Can anybody think of:
* Movie or television scenes that show teens being rude to each other, and their showing a brave face in public, but then showing how they really feel afterwards?
* Similar examples in fiction?
* Anything a famous figure has written about rudeness?
Other ideas are welcome, too!
How about the first scene of the family having dinner in Donnie Darko?
Great idea–as far as fiction, since I am most familiar with books for elementary students/young adults, I recommend:
The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron–the main character refers to her meanness gland flaring up making her be nasty to the people around her.
Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles–rudeness as a coping strategy for rejection.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd–rudeness as a reaction to people who are different from you.
Good luck with your lesson. I could not agree more with the point you make and with the research–rudeness puts everyone who witnesses it on the defensive. Productivity is sapped, because energy that could be going toward achieving a particular outcome is directed toward making sure we are not about to be “attacked”.
Off-hand can’t think of any answers to your questions, but you’re welcome to mine my lesson plan on rudeness and politeness, though I came at it in a more cultural comparison way.
http://www.englishadvantage.info/lesson-plans/culture-shock
Larry,
I used this website for a video on honesty. I hope it has something that is useful for you.
http://www.values.com/