I knew very little about the film Precious when I went to see a screening last week. What I did know was that Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry were so moved by it that they put their muscle behind it and that Mo’Nique, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd and Lenny Kravitz act in the film.

Then, as we sat waiting for the movie to begin, we were given a warning by our hosts that it was very graphic and that we’d be seeing some horrible things. We did. I spent some time looking at my lap and gasping at what was unfolding. The moments of humor along the way were most welcome. The actors mentioned above turned in moving performances, as did lead Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe.

After I left the theatre, I had no intention of writing a column about it. But as the weekend wore on it stuck with me and this Game Plan poured out: All You Need Is Politeness.