Top 10 Best Argumentative Essays on the Cultural Behavior of Students Today

Expressing gratitude or offering an apology are key indicators of cultural behavior, reflecting civility and politeness in social interactions. When delivered sincerely, these gestures not only showcase an individual's cultural values but also make it easier for people to engage with one another.

In many situations, saying thank you or sorry brings joy to the recipient, while also helping to clear up misunderstandings and ease tensions, ultimately fostering a more forgiving and understanding community.

Historically, offering thanks or apologies was considered standard in social relations and served as an important measure of one’s cultural integrity. However, in recent years, these expressions seem to have diminished in everyday communication. Some attribute this decline to the loosening of social norms, while others point to the influence of industrialized living, or to individuals simply not being accustomed to saying 'thank you' or 'sorry.'

Another reason might be an unwritten rule where only children apologize or thank their parents, and younger individuals show respect to the elderly, yet many older people fail to express gratitude or apologize when interacting with others.

In public interactions, especially among older generations, it’s rare to hear apologies or expressions of thanks, even when help is received or when one’s actions inconvenience others. Children, on the other hand, are more likely to say thank you or apologize after making a mistake, but as they grow older, these habits seem to fade. This could be because, beyond being taught these words in school or by their parents, children learn them through the behavior of older generations around them.

Apologizing when one has made a mistake should be a common practice, and people handle their errors in different ways. Some openly admit their faults, apologize, and make amends, while others may know they’ve made a mistake but hesitate to acknowledge it, or simply don’t apologize at all. Being able to say thank you or sorry is a clear sign of cultural awareness and proper behavior. To make these expressions a regular part of our social interactions, we must become more mindful and strive to communicate with greater respect.

Knowing when to express gratitude or offer an apology is a key indicator of one’s character and cultural awareness, contributing to the development of a more civilized and harmonious society. However, it’s important to ensure that these expressions are sincere, as empty apologies or thank-yous can come across as disingenuous.

Humanity values etiquette as a standard that affirms knowledge. When a beauty queen is celebrated, beyond the criteria of beauty, face, and body, the result of the behavior section always carries significant weight in securing the victory. Broader still, behavior is the foundation of culture, the noble beauty of the soul, which requires profound wisdom, determination, and talent to attain. It may take just a few years to achieve wealth, but to adopt a cultured lifestyle or manner requires many years of study and disciplined learning.

Everyone wants to be witty and act with grace and courtesy. Yet, in daily life, we still hear vulgar and rude language, and encounter many who use sophistry to mask their flaws. One expert noted: 'Thieves have no concept of shame and don't read books. Rude men who curse and treat their families poorly are rarely readers. They lack self-respect and thus cannot respect others, even those they love.'

This statement by the expert is not always true, but what resonates most with me is his observation: 'They lack self-respect, so they cannot respect others.' To gain respect from others, one must first respect oneself and then others. There is a truth that many people with high degrees still lack deep understanding in social fields, even in their areas of expertise. On the other hand, many uncredentialed people are wise and insightful, earning the respect of others.

Living in a community, I’ve realized something that is often overlooked: Culture is not a distant concept, but begins with everyday respectful behavior. Culture has different levels and fields, with some requiring 'academic sophistication' or elite status, but generally, culture starts with sincere, simple, honest interactions that are filled with humanity.

For example, on a friend’s birthday, a kind wish, a beautiful bouquet, or a small gift can express congratulations. How many people actually remember to do this? Or a surprise visit after work hours, when the host is exhausted, is it really appropriate? Even small matters like the way we answer the phone with politeness are often overlooked. Answering the phone abruptly without pleasantries can be irritating, and some people speak endlessly, ignoring whether the listener actually wants to hear. Smoking in offices, on trains, or in theaters, regardless of complaints from others, is also an inconsiderate action.

We are currently troubled by rude behaviors happening around us, particularly among the younger generation who are heavily influenced by the negative aspects of the market economy, pursuing selfish, utilitarian lifestyles, and forgetting the noble value of 'others before self' that our ancestors passed down. Nowadays, it's common to see situations where older people enter a house and children don’t greet them, or young people on buses not offering seats to the elderly or women with young children. Using foul language or swearing in public is also a display of lack of culture. Rudeness not only shows a lack of respect for others, but also a lack of self-respect, tarnishing one's own image in front of others. These behaviors are clear signs of a lack of cultural understanding, unacceptable in social interaction.

For instance, when greeting an acquaintance, we show that we recognize them, often with a handshake, a smile, or in some cultures, an embrace if there is a close bond. The way we greet someone is governed by certain rules, influenced by cultural norms, and especially by social status. For example, younger people greet older people first, and lower-status individuals greet higher-status individuals first. The form of greeting can vary depending on the level of intimacy and cultural context: shaking hands, patting shoulders, or embracing, depending on the occasion—whether it’s a public space, home, or somewhere else.

The purpose and meaning of greetings lie in positioning ourselves within a system of established norms, accepted by society. There’s a saying: 'A greeting is worth more than a feast.' Yet, some people intentionally ignore each other when they meet on the street. Even teachers, entrusted by the state with the responsibility of educating students, often fail to acknowledge a student's greeting, considering it a duty for the student and disregarding the need for a reciprocal greeting. This is a clear sign of rudeness and lack of cultural behavior. Courtesy teaches us to respect others, regardless of their age, social status, occupation, gender, or personal life. It’s an art of living with grace and cultural etiquette. A leader, or someone talented, shows humility and respect for others, especially those below them, greeting and conversing with them to demonstrate their appreciation. I recall two lines of poetry by poet Huu Thinh: 'The sea is still proud of its vastness; Yet, lacking a sail, it becomes lonely.'

President Ho Chi Minh was a shining example of cultural etiquette. His compassion, tolerance, and generosity were key aspects of his cultural behavior. His affection, respect, and esteem for people were central to his profound humanistic philosophy. With officials, party members, and the public, his approach was warm, friendly, and often gentle in correcting mistakes, using kindness and understanding. His simple and subtle way of interacting left a lasting impression on everyone, regardless of their background, earning their admiration and respect due to his moral integrity and cultural behavior.

The influence of President Ho Chi Minh’s cultural etiquette had both objective and subjective factors. With his sensitive approach, he bridged gaps, reached the peak of understanding, and overcame differences to achieve goals suited to the historical context, benefiting the nation. Through his influence, he brought together patriots, intellectuals, and people from various backgrounds to serve the country. His ability to persuade figures like Bui Bang Doan, former Minister of Justice, to serve in the National Assembly, and other intellectuals, demonstrated his leadership in fostering unity. His philosophy was: 'A small cup overflows with water; a large sea can contain countless waters without filling.' He believed in the people, which is why he always advised his comrades to have a soft, tactful, and respectful attitude toward all people, even those who had once opposed the revolution. He emphasized that we should not dwell on past mistakes, and for those who were less dangerous, we should embrace them with tolerance and understanding.

Even the President displayed such humility and respect, so why can’t each of us learn a little from his etiquette and character? Back when society was poor and living conditions were low, people still loved, shared, and empathized with each other. Today, although material life has improved, the moral and ethical values of many have deteriorated, leading to corruption and mismanagement that has become a national crisis.

It is my hope that through the movement 'Learning and following Ho Chi Minh's ethical example,' launched by our Party and State, President Ho Chi Minh’s cultural etiquette will continue to live on, helping to shape our policies for greater integration. It will serve as a valuable legacy for the Party and the State to build a more respectful, fair, and just society, following the noble values of 'being for the people.'

Today, the term 'cultural behavior' is perhaps mentioned more than ever before, highlighting its growing importance in our lives. This widespread attention indicates both the significance of cultural behavior and the alarming decline that we must address, prompting many to reflect on their own behavior.

Culture is understood as a collective of values, ideas, and practices, shaped by past and present interactions between individuals and within communities. Through these creative activities, successive generations have formed standards and values, defining what makes a community or nation unique. Cultural behavior, in simple terms, refers to how we respond to others when they interact with us. It is manifested through our attitude, actions, words, and gestures, which shape how others perceive and judge our character. In essence, cultural behavior encompasses human relationships and our interactions with everything around us — nature, plants, animals, and the environment.

Cultural behavior is a reflection of our character, and through our interactions, we display the spirit and identity of a nation, a community, distinct from others. True cultural behavior is rooted in civility and respect. For example, when we speak, we should do so gently and politely, with dignity and education. It is not about using vulgar language or speaking ill of others. It also means respecting our surroundings — we should dispose of trash in the right place, not carelessly toss it anywhere.

Firstly, we must discuss human-to-human cultural behavior, which has been nurtured through generations by our folk wisdom, expressed in sayings like 'Words cost nothing, but choose your words to make others feel comfortable,' or 'A greeting is worth more than a feast,' 'Think before you speak,' and 'Drink water, remember the source.' This is a culture that values relationships, care, and mutual respect. Our first lessons in cultural behavior come from the family. From a young age, we are taught by our elders to smile when meeting older people, to bow and greet them respectfully, to accept gifts with both hands, and to apologize when we make mistakes. As we grow older, we learn to announce our comings and goings to ensure our family members don’t worry. A family full of love, laughter, and care provides the best foundation for nurturing the cultural behaviors of future generations.

However, today, some students have become so focused on enjoying life that they neglect their studies and moral development. They avoid their responsibilities, make excuses for not doing their homework, and speak ill of teachers behind their backs. This is heartbreaking, as it undermines the tradition of honoring our teachers and the value of learning, which has been passed down through generations in Vietnam.

Next, we need to consider cultural behavior toward our environment. While we often focus on how we interact with each other, we sometimes overlook the importance of respecting our surroundings. This is a significant oversight because humans are not the only beings on Earth. Therefore, how we treat our environment is also part of good cultural behavior — protecting nature, conserving resources, and living sustainably. While some people act selfishly, there are those who tirelessly work to protect and improve the environment. These are the sanitation workers who clean our streets, the volunteers who travel to remote areas to help build schools and homes for children in need.

In every era, cultural behavior is highly valued. Thus, let us all strive to live with cultural awareness. When each individual takes responsibility, we can build a society that is conscious and capable of thriving both socially and environmentally.

In life, people connect through emotions, and with kind words, they share so much with one another. The way you speak, the way you express yourself — that’s cultural behavior. Behavior is often seen as a standard, a measure of one’s knowledge and character. Nowadays, it’s easy to gauge someone’s personality and education just by how they behave.

Many might wonder: What does good behavior bring? Of course, a person who behaves well will earn the respect and affection of others. On the other hand, those who speak crudely, use offensive language, or engage in disrespectful actions are often ostracized and disliked. People who display poor behavior not only show a lack of respect for others, but also fail to respect themselves. Without meaning to, they create a negative image in the minds of others, even if they themselves aren’t bad people.

It’s undeniable that a well-behaved student who is diligent in their studies, respectful to teachers, and polite in all situations will be loved by their teachers. Conversely, a disruptive, ill-mannered student will never be liked — they’ll be seen as a troublemaker. Even if the student isn’t inherently bad, their actions create a negative impression. This is similar to beauty pageants, where despite the many rounds of beauty assessments, candidates still undergo a behavior test to evaluate their intellect and attitude, as both inner and outer beauty are essential. How we behave reflects our morals, our character.

Sadly, among today’s youth, behavior is increasingly deteriorating. With the rapid development of technology, people are living more in a virtual world, where technology reigns supreme. Online, we’re courteous, remembering birthdays, showing care in messages. But in real life, we can’t even greet one another. Online, a person might seem polite and considerate, but in person, they use vulgar language and behave rudely. Even when talking, many prefer texting rather than engaging in direct conversation. This decline in face-to-face communication is especially evident in schools, where students often skip classes, argue with teachers, and children disrespect their parents. Mutual respect seems to be diminishing.

Therefore, now more than ever, we need to adopt proper behavior and cultivate positive habits. Good behavior reflects the intelligence and character of an individual. It shows whether a person is cultured and well-educated, and it is easily observed through their conduct.

In conclusion, behavior is the key to our interactions with society, to blending in with educated, civilized, and respectful individuals. Every student should focus on studying hard, listen to their teachers, and become someone who earns the respect and admiration of others.

Not only in our country, but all around the world, there is a growing focus on educating students about "cultural behavior." Why is this issue receiving such priority? It’s clear that teaching proper conduct is a fundamental task for every nation, but could it be that our cultural behavior is rapidly deteriorating? What exactly is cultural behavior, and how can we become individuals who exhibit good cultural conduct?

Cultural behavior refers to the way we express our attitudes, actions, gestures, and eye contact with others. To be culturally aware, we must learn how to communicate properly—through words, actions, and our attitude towards others and different situations in life.

How important is cultural behavior in our daily lives? Within the family, showing respect and love for our parents and elders reflects our morals as good and dutiful children. In school, there is a more standardized measure—our behavior and academic performance. Our teachers assess how we demonstrate ethical behavior, which is reflected in our conduct. In society, good cultural behavior leads to respect and affection from others. From this, we see that how we behave is crucial in every aspect of our lives. For example, in the Miss Vietnam pageant, in addition to the costume and beauty rounds, there is an important segment—the behavior round. This segment reflects the contestant's intelligence and ability to interact with others. That's why alongside the titles of Miss and First and Second Runner-up, there is also a title for Miss Congeniality. Similarly, when applying for a job, aside from evaluating skills, employers will also assess ethics. This highlights the importance of cultural behavior, especially in today's society, where social standards are becoming more demanding.

Our country is on a path of development toward becoming a civilized and prosperous nation. For this to happen, we must open up to international integration. While we celebrate the achievements we’ve made, we also face numerous challenges. As our country opens its doors, many different cultures are influencing us, which forces us to adapt. But how can we blend these cultures without losing our own identity? It’s clear that we’re increasingly adopting Western cultural practices. Some are beneficial, but others may cause confusion. For example, in South Korea, making loud noises while eating is considered polite as it shows appreciation for the meal, while in our culture, eating quietly is preferred. If we imitate this foreign custom, we may come across as rude and culturally insensitive. Therefore, we must recognize what aspects of foreign cultures are worth adopting and which ones we should avoid, ensuring we blend without losing our identity.

We all want to live in the best environment, both in terms of quality of life and cultural behavior. However, in any society, there will always be a mix of civilized and uncivilized individuals. Some people open their mouths and speak coarse, vulgar words. We cannot blame our environment or education for this; it is the individual's own responsibility. Inside each of us, there is a 50% chance of harboring both good and bad thoughts. If we can suppress the negative, we will become better individuals. I recall a news article about charitable meals priced at just 2,000 VND, an act of kindness showing a deep sense of humanity. On the other hand, a regular restaurant may charge up to 50,000 VND for the same meal, which reflects a lack of integrity and a disrespectful approach to business. Recently, I learned about a new dish in Hanoi called "bun chui" (cursing noodles). How did this vulgar practice become a specialty of Hanoi? Is profanity now considered part of modern culture? There have been many articles about this, with opinions divided. Some see it as amusing, while others, like myself, view it as a lack of decorum and cultural sensibility.

If we wish to be the bright, promising future of our nation, we must continuously learn, not just from textbooks but from real-world experiences. Let’s suppress the negative aspects of ourselves and nurture the good, allowing our better qualities to flourish. Beauty and goodness will always have a place in life. By becoming individuals with cultural awareness, we will be valued and respected by others. The positive actions you contribute will help guide our nation toward a society that upholds a high standard of cultural behavior.

In every social relationship, the culture of behavior is of utmost importance. It serves as a standard through which the level of knowledge of individuals and nations can be assessed. This is why there is a saying from the past:

"Words are free, but one must choose them wisely"

In the educational environment, for students to develop comprehensively, it is essential to not only focus on knowledge, health, aesthetics, and career skills, but also on moral education. Morality and behavior are measures of one's character. However, the culture of behavior among students today is a pressing issue that needs attention.

In practice, schools are a place where students have the opportunity to affirm themselves, receive well-rounded education, and create favorable conditions for personal growth. Students who are respectful to their teachers and diligent in their studies are sources of pride for their families and schools. In their work, these students show responsibility, a willingness to learn and explore, and the ability to seek guidance when facing challenges. As a result, the teacher-student relationship improves continuously.

Many students express sympathy for their teachers' difficulties and offer help, sharing heartwarming stories. In their interactions with peers, they show kindness, support each other's learning, build a strong community, and assist classmates from disadvantaged families. Some students even go to great lengths, such as carrying a classmate to school from a remote mountain area, demonstrating profound empathy and humanity. Their manner of speaking is always polite, they greet others, respect their elders, and show courtesy, all contributing to a healthy and respectful school culture.

However, on the other hand, we cannot ignore the concerning behaviors of some students today who display a lack of cultural understanding and disrespectful conduct. Many students are impolite, unaware of the importance of their teachers, and even deliberately ignore or argue with them. Some students have the audacity to speak rudely to teachers, calling them names or even using harsh language. Articles continue to report incidents such as students assaulting teachers or using foul language in front of them, highlighting the alarming decline in moral standards among students. Actions like deliberately interrupting lessons, insulting teachers, or vandalizing school property are still common.

In their homes, some students ignore their parents, focus only on playing video games, and neglect their studies. There are even cases where students steal money from their parents to satisfy personal desires, causing their families stress and worry. With friends, some students use crude language to assert their own identity, and even make jokes at the expense of others' parents. Worse yet, incidents of physical violence in schools are becoming more prevalent, where minor disputes escalate into physical fights, causing emotional and physical harm. Disturbingly, many videos of such incidents circulate on social media, exposing the serious ethical decline among students. Some students use platforms like Facebook and Zalo to bully, insult, and fight with others, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes. There are even signs of criminal behavior among students while they are still in school.

So, what is causing the deterioration of behavior among students today? Should we place all the blame on the education system? It is believed that both schools and families bear a significant responsibility, and each student must also be accountable for their actions. The lack of attention from families and schools, inadequate management, and ongoing social issues all contribute to this problem. Therefore, a collaborative effort is necessary to educate students on morality and proper conduct, with adults acting as role models. Teachers must lead by example and create a supportive, cooperative learning environment where students can flourish. Above all, students must recognize their own worth, follow ethical principles, avoid societal pitfalls, and strive to excel academically and socially. Living honestly and humbly, putting forth the effort to improve oneself daily, is the key to a better future.

As President Ho Chi Minh once said: "Talent without virtue is useless. Virtue without talent makes everything difficult." Therefore, we – the future generations, the buds of our country – must strive to create a beautiful, vibrant school culture, filled with good character and positive behavior, as President Ho Chi Minh envisioned.

Nowadays, behavior is considered a key standard for evaluating a person's grace and intelligence. The issue of how we behave in communication is causing many people to wonder what constitutes proper and cultured behavior.

Indeed, we meet and interact with many people daily, and communication must occur through both words and actions. So, what kind of behavior leads to a successful and smooth conversation? The way we interact is a reflection of our understanding and knowledge. Many can judge someone's character by how they behave in everyday situations, as behavior is the measure of a person's awareness and intellect.

Our daily interactions are what maintain our behavior. Are you someone who handles situations smoothly, processing information swiftly and effectively? Some people are naturally skilled in communication and interaction, while others need constant practice to improve. Those who communicate gracefully and appropriately usually gain the respect and affection of those around them, creating a healthy and positive environment. Conversely, individuals who lack proper behavior often find themselves isolated, unable to connect with others.

Behavior plays a crucial role in our lives, paving the way for future success. Good behavior can help you reach your life goals faster, as it allows you to leverage your social advantages. Today's youth must learn to interact with people of all backgrounds in a polite and appropriate manner. Unfortunately, some individuals exhibit rude and disrespectful behavior, leaving a negative impression on those around them.

We can start learning good behavior within our families, from our parents and siblings. Being polite and respectful is also a form of good behavior. In society, it's important to know your place and interact with others accordingly. A person's behavior is often used to measure their character, and everything in life requires culture and order, which we use as our standard. Through our words and actions, we are continually shaping who we are.

Behavior's role in today's society is truly vital. By recognizing both our strengths and weaknesses, we can continuously learn and improve ourselves.

Schools are institutions responsible for shaping the intellectual class of the nation, determining the future of the country. The educational mission is therefore crucial, not only in imparting knowledge but also in cultivating moral values. However, the ethical standards of today's youth, particularly students, are in a state of decline. This is evident in the everyday behavior of students within their schools and classrooms.

Regarding the state of school culture, Pham Thi Thuy, a sociologist, educator, and psychologist, asserts, "The culture of student behavior in Vietnam is at a red-alert level. There are far too many uncivilized actions among students. The decline in school culture is the most alarming degradation within our educational system." Reflecting on the cultural norms established by our ancestors, there are many sayings that still serve as moral standards:

"The wise bird sings in clear tones"

"The wise person speaks in a gentle, pleasant way"

Or:

"Words are free, but choose them wisely to please others"

Moreover, within the school environment, the teacher-student relationship is fundamental, based on principles passed down over 4,000 years of history, such as: “One word makes a teacher, half a word is also a teacher,” “Respect the teacher, honor the tradition,” and the common saying in schools, “First, learn manners, then learn academics.” It is no accident that our ancestors emphasized the importance of proper conduct towards teachers, akin to the reverence shown to kings or fathers.

This principle has been demonstrated in various ways, such as when a teacher passes away, students sometimes mourn as if losing a parent. In daily interactions, there are clear norms of respect, such as greeting the teacher politely before asking questions, dressing appropriately in their presence, bowing with hands clasped when addressing them, and only raising one's gaze once the teacher responds.

However, today’s students often fail to observe these rituals. Some even distort these customs, showing disrespect toward teachers. For example, when greeting a teacher, students may rush by and lazily call out, “Teacher!” or “Sir!” without proper acknowledgment, followed by inappropriate laughter. They may refer to their teachers as “that person” or even “it,” and in the worst cases, they may tear up a test paper in front of the teacher to express dissatisfaction. Other students may argue with teachers when they are reprimanded, refuse to stand when a teacher enters the classroom, answer questions abruptly, and fail to participate actively in lessons. They may even leave the classroom without permission.

Outside of school, some students fail to greet teachers in public, refuse to give way to them, or speak disrespectfully about their teachers on social media platforms such as Facebook or Zalo. These disrespectful actions are not limited to interactions with teachers; the behavior among students themselves is also concerning. They may call each other by inappropriate slang, engage in fights over trivial issues, and even make derogatory comments about their peers’ families, using vulgar language in front of teachers.

This painful reality raises the question: How can we address and change this situation? It is the collective responsibility of society, parents, and teachers who are directly involved in education.