Cutting lines in the school cafeteria has been disruptive during lunch. “ Do not commit an evil act just because it’s small” is a famous saying written by emperor Xuande Liu, which he used to discipline his son. Currently, cutting lines sounds like a small thing, but it has been a disturbing act. According to an informal interview with 14 GC students across every grade, cutting lines and other improper behaviors, such as leaving a mess on the table and so on, are very disruptive, disrespectful, and all too common during both first and second lunch. It seems harmless and

acceptable when only one person is cutting in line; however, aside from being rude, the student already in line may have something urgent to do and be in a hurry. On the contrary, this inexcusable behavior can cause a ripple effect that makes students wait longer. Cutting lines violates the prescribed conduct and rules of our Good Counsel community. 

Social scientist James Q. Wilson introduced a psychological and educational theory called the broken windows theory. This theory suggests that once the window in a building is broken and left unrepaired, all the rest of the windows will soon be broken. Cutting lines is like breaking the first window; if that student is not stopped and held accountable, there will be more and more people

cutting lines and ignoring the rules. Twelve out of fourteen interviewees, when asked if they had ever witnessed students cutting lines in the cafeteria, responded yes. Although there are some confounding factors due to the lack of further investigation, the ratio of 12 affirmative responses out of 14 signals that the first window has long been broken, and more windows are currently being broken.

Regarding this specific issue, Good Counsel Falcons should be more aware of the situation and pay attention to the behaviors of fellow students in the cafeteria and the school at large. Students should hold each other accountable. Remember that destructive behaviors, no matter how small they are, can affect the milieu. 

 

Sources:

McKee, Adam J.. “broken windows theory”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Sep. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/broken-windows-theory. Accessed 1 November 2023.