Passages book 1 video program unit #5 ''reactions to rude behavior''

I wanted to explore how different
people react to impolite behavior.

I asked my roommate, John,
to be rude to people in the library.

I videotaped
their interactions,

and then I interviewed the people
to ask them why they acted the way they did.

This is Jill.

She's all alone in the library
when John enters and sits next to her

rather than at one
of the many other free seats.

How's it going?

That was kind of strange.

There were so many
other places to sit.

I mean, it's unusual to sit so close
to someone in an empty room, right?

I asked her if she thought
about saying anything.

She told me that
she wanted to...

...but I never like to be
offensive, you know?

So I usually just leave
in a situation like that.

See you later.

Next, there was Ethan.

I asked John not to make
small talk with him, just to ignore him.

I think it's bad form
to sit right next to somebody

when there are lots of other
empty seats in the room.

Then he got a phone call and explained
to his mom that he had been to the doctor

- really personal stuff,
you know?

He said it's just a rash.

All over my back.

Yes.

He warned me that
it might be contagious.

And it's the library, you know?

It's supposed to be quiet.

So I finally asked him to stop.

I'm sorry,
but, you know,

it's customary to take calls
outside the library, right?

I'm trying to study here.

Almost done.

Yeah. So, I don't know.

He wrote me up a prescription and...

And finally, there was Andrea.

I think it's a good idea to say
exactly what's on your mind.

She warned John right off the bat
that she didn't like his behavior.

You're not planning on sitting there,
are you?

Yeah.

No!
No, you're not.

He said he liked the spot

and claimed that he had been
sitting in that chair all week.

I couldn't believe it.

Then he leaned in way too close and
asked me if I could help him with chemistry!

You're invading my personal space!
Back off, okay?

Is something wrong with you?

No, I don't...

Are you antisocial?

No, I'm just...

You're a loner with no friends.

Stop. Stop it!
You're being rude, OK?

It's rude to sit here when
there are so many other empty seats.

Talking so close to me is impolite.
And you're an interrupter.

Is this for real?
What is this?

What?
What's happening?

We're shooting a video
for a sociology class project

on how people
react to rudeness.

I think you should
always say something.

I'll tell anybody
they're not being polite.

Why should a rude
person get to ruin my day?

OK,
that's all we need.

Thanks. It was really great
to meet you.

Thanks so much
for helping us out.

Hey, you're not so rude,
after all!