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"Well," said Pirate, "I suppose he might be in need of a friendly shock of rudeness to wake him to his interest. I can see that as an exception."
"How does it wake him to his interest?" asked Student.
"If it comes from someone he admires, someone he takes as the model of politeness, it will have a big impact. But the rudeness has to be very well chosen. It has to be directed toward that which holds him back."
"What holds him back?"
"Who knows? It's case by case."
"Can you give me an example?"
"He's a momma's boy and is polite for that reason. I don't know. What did you have in mind, Director?"
"I was thinking he's a papa’s boy. Imagine that. But I suppose there are many other types of 'boys' in need of different treatment."
"You make it sound as though this requires a doctor of rudeness," said Student.
"It's more a doctor of manners, good and bad," said Pirate.
"How does one gain skill in bad manners?"
"Practice," Pirate said with a glint in his eye
"Be serious," said Director playfully. "It takes knowledge."
"Knowledge of what?" asked Student.
"Knowledge of the boy, the man."
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Nick Pappas, pappasnick.typepad.com
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