A Serious Man - Debate on Cultural Differences and Ethics
Clive's Father:
Culture clash. Culture clash.
Larry Gopnik:
With all respect, Mr. Park, I don't think it's that.
Clive's Father:
Yes.
Larry Gopnik:
No. It would be a culture clash if it were the custom in your land to bribe people for grades.
Clive's Father:
Yes.
Larry Gopnik:
So... you're saying it is the custom?
Clive's Father:
No, this is a defamation. Grounds for lawsuit.
Larry Gopnik:
Let me get this straight: you're threatening to sue me for defaming your son?
Clive's Father:
Yes.
Larry Gopnik:
But it would...
Mr. Brandt:
Is this man bothering you?
Larry Gopnik:
Is he bothering me? No. I, uh...
Larry Gopnik:
See... if it were defamation there would have to be someone I was defaming him to, or I... all right, I... let's keep it simple. I could pretend the money never appeared. That's not defaming anyone.
Clive's Father:
Yes. And a passing grade.
Larry Gopnik:
Passing grade.
Clive's Father:
Yes.
Larry Gopnik:
Or... you'll sue me.
Clive's Father:
For taking money.
Larry Gopnik:
So he did leave the money.
Clive's Father:
This is defamation!
Larry Gopnik:
It doesn't make sense. Either he left the money or he didn't.
Clive's Father:
Please. Accept the mystery.
Larry Gopnik:
You can't have it both ways!
Clive's Father:
Why not?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.