In the movie "A Christmas Story," the Bumpus family is a perfect example of how not to be a good neighbor. They live next door to Ralphie Parker and his family, and their actions create a lot of problems for the Parkers.
By looking at the Bumpus family’s behavior, we can see several important lessons about how to avoid being a bad neighbor.
First, the Bumpus family is loud and disruptive. Throughout the movie, they are shown to have numerous dogs that bark constantly. This noise disturbs the Parkers, especially when they are trying to enjoy a peaceful evening at home. A good neighbor respects quiet hours and makes sure to keep noise levels down, especially at night. Loud pets, parties, or even yelling can make the environment uncomfortable for those living nearby.
Second, the Bumpus family doesn’t seem to care about the appearance of their property. In the movie, we see that their house is messy, and the yard is overrun with their dogs. A good neighbor keeps their property neat and clean, not only for their own benefit but also out of respect for those around them. An untidy yard or house can lower the overall appeal of the neighborhood and make it less pleasant for everyone.
Third, the Bumpus family shows a lack of consideration for the Parkers’ well-being. When their dogs knock over the Parker’s garbage can and spread trash all over the yard, it’s clear that the Bumpus family doesn’t care about the inconvenience they cause. A good neighbor helps keep the area clean and doesn’t create extra work or problems for others. If you see something wrong, it’s important to either fix it yourself or notify the responsible person.
Lastly, the Bumpus family’s behavior can be seen as inconsiderate because they don’t seem to apologize or make up for their mistakes. When the dogs cause trouble, they don’t seem to take responsibility for the mess. A good neighbor is someone who owns up to their actions and tries to make things right when they cause problems.
The Bumpus family shows us what not to do if we want to be good neighbors.
By keeping noise levels low, maintaining a tidy property, being considerate of others, and taking responsibility for our actions, we can all be better neighbors. The Parkers, in contrast, are much more thoughtful and respectful, making them an example of good neighbors to follow.
MORE INFORMATION
Have you taken the Engaged Neighbor pledge? The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special privileges and get invited to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.
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