View source for Moving Image:How to Say No (Moral Maturity)

{{Filmjr |title=How to Say No (Moral Maturity) |embid=0517_How_to_Say_No_Moral_Maturity_01_48_46_16 |embsv=archiveorg  |desc=     This film deals with such teen-age behavior problems as smoking, drinking, and love-making and discusses the ways of saying "no" in such situations and still maintaining status and keeping friends.
     The film opens in front of a curtain on a stage.  A spotlight shines on Bill, who serves as discussion leader and introduces the subject of how to say "no" and still keep your friends.  Addressing the audience, Bill raises the curtain and reveals the members of the discussion panel -- Marty, Lucy, Nora, and Howie.  They are seated informally around the stage, which is arranged and set as a living room.  Their discussion constitutes the principal part of the film.
     Marty begins the discussion by relating his experiences with the fellows after a game or practice.  Usually they stop at a snack bar but occasionally one of the fellows suggests that they stop at a tavern.  Marty, who doesn't want to drink -- nor does he want to be a "drip," explains how difficult it is for him to say "no" and make it stick and yet belong to the group.  Members of the panel offer such suggestions as reminding the group he is in training and doesn't drink or simply ordering something else.  Marty thinks the latter plan is a good idea; the film shows him having a sandwich and French fries and still being accepted by the group.
     Nora introduces her problem: She doesn't want to smoke and yet her friends insist that she break down and smoke at their pajama parties.  Several suggestions are made to her; she thinks the one of bringing up the newest gossip is a good one.  She is shown effectively turning down the invitation to have a cigarette by following her "no" with an enthusiastic recital of the newest gossip.
     Lucy doesn't think distractions would work when a boy insists on petting.  The group discusses this problem and seems to agree that each situation is different and that each requires a lot of ingenuity.  They agree that the first job is to know yourself and your own standards.
     The conclusion summarizes with flashbacks illustrating such principles as these: try to avoid difficult situations, distract attention by changing the subject, know when and why you are going to say "no" and be firm, and say "no" but be friendly, not preachy.

(Educational Screen, Feb. 1952)

BEGINS W/ SITUATIONS IN WHICH SAYING "NO" IS RELATIVELY EASY, DISCUSSION MOVES ON TO QUESTION OF HOW TO SAY "NO" WITH GOOD TASTE WHEN ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN UNDESIRABLE ACTIVITIES.
     |forma=16mm |year=1951 |up=|next=|prev=|step= |lang=English |pbrs=Coronet Instructional Films |heldby=PA |len=10:30 |link= |bw= |ani= |ewid= }}