Cell phone users need to answer the call of manners

By Brian Donovan
Collegian Reporter
October 4, 2006

Before cell phones became widespread, there seemed to be an unspoken understanding of appropriate manners when it came to using them in public. To have your cell phone go off in public settings was an embarrassment if you weren’t a doctor or a fireman. But the social taboo could be rectified if you quickly looked around apologetically and either silenced the phone or took the call in another room. However, if you remained there and answered the call speaking loudly so others could hear you, your rudeness was beyond question.

I’m not usually prone to waxing nostalgic, but how sweet (and how distant) does such a time sound?

As cell phones became more and more common, the very notion of cell phone etiquette seemed to evaporate as quickly as the novelty of having one. The ringing was everywhere. The irresponsible use of phones created a situation where there’s barely a single class syllabus in high school or college that doesn’t include a reminder (sometimes with grade-deducting punishments) about silencing your phone before class. Though it might seem laughable that such a reminder or policy would be necessary, phones never cease to interrupt class (more often than not with some asinine ring tone).

For me, it’s the loud public conversations which are the real nuisance. I was in the Communication Center lounge recently when a girl got a call from who I presume was her boyfriend. Aside from the painful monotony of this conversation between long-term beaus, an argument broke out over whether the fellow on the other end of the line should or should not purchase a motorcycle.

Don’t get me wrong. Surely, I’ve had slightly dumber arguments over the phone, but I am mercifully self-conscious enough to be reluctant to show the general public how petty and stupid I can be.

My opinion really isn’t the norm anymore. We live in an age of exhibitionism. Whether on reality shows or Web sites like MySpace and Facebook, people readily expose their lives for public consumption. That’s fine if you’re into that sort of thing and you’re somewhat interesting. But unfortunately, cell phone exhibitionists are failing to entertain us. So, since the old cell phone etiquette will never again be observed, a new policy needs to be in order.

If your private conversation has the potential to amuse or titillate a general audience (in that it involves, maybe, strange perversions or infidelity), you can stay in the room. After a minute or two, look around the room and silently ask your audience if their interest is peaked. Each person will vote thumbs-up or thumbs-down. A simple majority will decide whether your conversation is worth hearing.

But if you know in advance that your conversation is going to be about, say, your plans for tonight, how hard your religion class is or Grandma’s tuna recipe, have some respect and take it outside.

donovanb1@lasalle.edu