EXERCISE: Decisions, decisions...

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Original Posting  2 September 2009

It's been a while since we did a scruples exercise. It's very simple, start by picking a number from 1 to six. You can roll a die (that is the singular of dice, you know), you can look at the clock and see which 10 minute segment you're in, or you can just pick a number. However you do it, pick a number from 1 to 6. And I promise I don't have any numbers up my sleeve...

So you have your number, right? Then let's see what you picked:

1. The taxi driver asks if he should leave the amount of the fare blank on your receipt. You can claim expenses. Do you indicate that he should?
2. You see a man preparing to jump to his death in front of a subway train. Do you try to stop him?
3. You are an unmarried university professor. You sense a mutual attraction between you and one of your students. Do you keep a professional distance until the course ends?
4. A friend asks you to join a demonstration for worldwide nuclear disarmament. You are busy. Do you go?
5. Your in-laws show up at your Tupperware party unexpectedly and purchase a set. Do you keep the commission?
6. You're unemployed and enjoying the freedom. To collect unemployment insurance, you are expected to look for a job. Do you take the money if you aren't?

All of these are from the game A Question of Scruples.

Each of these describes a small question of scruples or ethics. What's a person to do? Your task is to put some characters in this situation, and in a few scenes, have them face the issue, struggle with it, and make a decision. They may fall, they may stand tall and proud, they may come up with an innovative solution, but do something. And then face the consequences. What happens next? And...

Go ahead. Tell us that little story, of a person faced with a choice. And how they decided.