Hi,
The funadamental reason people do not listen is nothing to do with them being arrogant or irresponsible.
The majority of people who fly (passengers I mean) are inherently nervous, they do not understand the process involved, most have never seen the flight deck, they rarely see the guys or gals who are flying them. Basically to the passenger, they are putting there life into the hands of a total stranger.
They do not listen to the safety brief because it implies by it's very existence that something could go wrong, and that is a fact they do not want to admit to.
Now, take off your hats of working in aviation, or being avid enthusiasts, and put yourself in joe bloggs position who may fly once a year - it can be daunting.
Don't beleive me - watch the passengers in the departure lounge, loads of them will be on the phone to loved ones telling them how much they love them and that's they'll see them soon ... how many people do that before getting the train or the bus home?
Gareth