Mensch 101
The School of Everyday Decency
Good manners, honest work, personal responsibility, and knowing how to behave like a decent human being.
Welcome to Mensch 101, where the professors come from different television shows, the lessons are practical, and nobody gets extra credit for being rich or famous.
A mensch is a Yiddish word for a person of integrity and good character. Around here, it means being honest, responsible, considerate, and willing to do what's right even when it's inconvenient.
Fortunately, classic television gave us plenty of examples. Some characters demonstrated decency beautifully. Others showed us exactly what not to do.
Lesson 1: Honesty Matters More Than Money
In the Good Times episode "The TV Commercial," Florida Evans is offered money to promote a health tonic. But when she discovers what's really in the product, she refuses the job.
The Evans family could certainly use the money. But Florida understands that a paycheck doesn't justify misleading people.
The lesson: Making money is important, but how you make it matters. Don't sacrifice your integrity just because someone offers you an attractive reward.
Lesson 2: Take Responsibility for Your Mistakes
In "Opie the Birdman" from The Andy Griffith Show, Opie accidentally kills a mother bird, leaving three baby birds behind.
Andy makes sure his son understands the consequences, and Opie takes responsibility for raising the orphaned birds until they're ready to survive on their own.
The lesson: A decent person doesn't spend all his time making excuses. When you cause harm, acknowledge it and do what you reasonably can to make things right.
Lesson 3: You Don't Have to Be Wealthy to Be Generous
In the Good Times episode "The Rent Party," an elderly neighbor is struggling to pay her rent. James and Florida Evans help organize a party to raise the money she needs.
The Evans family is hardly wealthy. They're dealing with financial difficulties of their own. But they recognize that someone else needs help.
The lesson: Generosity isn't measured only in dollars. Sometimes it's your time, your effort, or your willingness to help someone who's having a difficult day.
Lesson 4: Character Matters More Than Status
In "Dorothy's New Friend" from The Golden Girls, Dorothy befriends successful novelist Barbara Thorndyke.
At first, Dorothy is impressed by Barbara's intelligence and status. But Barbara treats Rose and Blanche condescendingly and later reveals that her exclusive club discriminates against Jewish guests.
When Dorothy realizes what kind of person Barbara really is, she ends the friendship.
The lesson: Education, wealth, and social standing don't automatically make someone respectable. Pay attention to how people treat those they consider beneath them.
Your Mensch 101 Takeaway
You don't need a fancy education, an impressive job title, or a large bank account to be a mensch.
Keep your word. Tell the truth. Take responsibility when you're wrong. Help people when you reasonably can. And don't mistake somebody's status for somebody's character.
Most importantly, remember that being a decent human being isn't something you announce. It's something you demonstrate.
Preferably without expecting a standing ovation.
Class Dismissed!
You've completed Mensch 101. Your homework: Do something decent for someone today without expecting anything in return.
Extra credit if nobody has to remind you.
