While my grandfather was sick, I called my mom one evening to inquire about how he was doing while waiting for the bus on the corner of 4th Ave. and Atlantic. I was not being overly loud but I was in one place, thus intruding on another's space. I was probably 15 feet or so from the nearest person and there was also a lot of other noise at the busy intersection.
As I was finding out important information, the guy closest to me (he was in his mid 60's) started singing a song to himself very loudly. I thought that he was just a typical New York nut - he did look a little out of sorts. But then I heard what he was singing. It was along the lines of "I've got me a cell phone too/ But I only use if for emergencies/ Get off your fucking cell phone/ I don't wanna hear it/ Don't wanna hear your fucking cell phone/ Don't wanna hear it."
At first I was kind of pissed, I was just trying to find out about my grandfather. But maybe this guy had a point. Couldn't I have waited until I got home to call my mom? Had I turned into one of those people who insist on carrying on conversations in public so others are forced to hear it? I know that I have rules for myself (see above) but to this guy I was just as bad as all the people that bug the shit out of me.
Which brings me to this question- what is the proper cell phone etiquette? Is it okay to use it while walking if you are paying attention to what you are doing? It is okay to call your mom to inquire about your sick grandfather? Or is all public use of a cell phone forbidden in the world of courteous people? Please advise.
One of those RUDE cell phone users. Am I now one of them?
6 comments:
1. Turn cellphones off in church, school and the movie theatre. If god wants to talk to you he has numerous ways of communicating.
2. Do not call anyone on your cell phone to "chat" about anything insignificant while others are forced to listen to your idiotic and loud conversations.
3. Do not use your cell in the supermarket UNLESS you are asking for specifics. "Should I get a carton of milk or a gallon of milk?"
4. Do not put obnoxious ring tones on your cell phone. "Another one Bites the Dust, The theme song for I Dream of Jeannie or Inspector Gadget"
5. Wallpapers of your baby, puppy or grandma are annoying, especially when you insist on sharing them with others.
6. Remember that your cell phone is a means of communication and NOT a video arcade.
7. Talking on your cellphone while you are watching children at recess is not okay...wait...It depends on which class you are at yard with.
8. Parent Orientation Night is a good time to turn off your cellphone. Unless you do not enjoy the monotonous droning as your child's teacher lectures on the curriculum. But that's just crazy.
9. During love making, although before you reach over to turn your cell off., he might already be done. In that case your phone can be put on vibrate. I'm sorry that was bad!
We are not big fans of people talking on cell phones whenever and where ever they want to. BUT, is it OK to call and check on your sick grandfather - YES!!! Should you have waited - NO, not if you are worried and concerned. Sometimes we need to touch those we love and you did that. The guy singing to you - well, that is his problem, not yours - deal singer, all families should have such caring grandsons!
Ask yourself if your "me" moment is(no matter how important it is- if it is not an imediate emergency requiring attention its a "me" moment)is going to add to the host of petty annoyances that cumulatively make modern life, especially urban life, so tough. Then weigh that against your need to make even phone call that can have no immediate impact on a situation.
then call anyway- you're a New Yorker
one of the unfortunate things that i find is the use of cell phones in restaurants and other social situations when you're trying to direct someone there or making plans for later or whatever. these are to some degree unavoidable, but i usually try to tkae them outside. but then you've just taken your rudeness to people you don't know. but i think being mindful of potential rudeness is pretty much half the battle and it's a case-by-case basis from there.
screw that jerk. you should have sang back at him: "i'm on the phone with my mom/ to check up on my grandfather/ he's very sick/ but not as sick as you/ asshole."
I fear I may have seemed a little harsh above, especially as Youthlarge's song is so bloody adorable in its pithy comeback-ness.
Use your phone outdoors all you wish, just never break off a conversation to answer it. I think the true test of cell phone crapness comes when you forget it at home and panic all day that you are missing out on something. Then you need to get perspective.
When the 50 State Baseball Convoy reaches Maine you can use it all you want in public, because there aren't enough people up here to constitute a "public." There's also no signal, but you can't have everything.
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