Cell phones: How did we live without them? Watching pre 1990s movies, who hasn’t thought “Oh, that’s right. They had no cell phones then.”
As great as cell phones are, there aren’t too many of us whose work concentration and/or tranquility have not been disturbed by LOUD fellow passengers on planes, trains, waiting areas … who are on their cell phones. Many of us have suffered through the details of deals, travel delays, family problems, sales pitches, or office traumas. They could almost be entertaining, except for how annoying they are.
Amtrak’s solution is to designate one car the “Quiet Car.” But shouldn’t all cars be “Quiet Cars?” Why not name each car “Consideration Car?” In fact, because some travelers don’t know better, are totally oblivious, or don’t care, the Quiet Car is actually a “Silent Car” with extreme rules such as no cell calls even if you whisper.
Tell us what you think the etiquette should be for travelers with cell phones?
Linda Richardson
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11 comments:
I am no longer traveling first class on the Metroliner since they started the quiet car. There are too many boisterous people in First, and some of them have two cell phones. It is so annoying to hear people say, "I just got on the Metroliner, and I am on my way." Why can't they use a text message to broadcast their personal trivia?
I have been taking note of the behavior of people with cell phones in public. Last week, I was in line to purchase movie tickets. The lady in front of me was talking on her cell. She was next in line and then moved up to the ticket window. She was talking on her cell phone and kept talking. Briefly, she blurted the movie name and number of tickets she wanted while handing the money to the clerk. Without even taking a breath she picked up her conversation on the cell. She didn't miss a beat. I felt bad for the clerk who must have felt even a little bit disrespected. Really, not even making eye contact? Where was the common courtesy? Decency? Consideration? It was like the clerk was viewed as an object and not a person. When you're treated that way, it can make you feel that way. I felt bad for the clerk, I really did. I walked away thinking, did she just do that? She did. And it may be anecdotal, but most would agree that we're seeing a lot more of this kind of social behavior. Or is that 'anti-social behavior?'
Cell phones? Where do I begin? The truth of the matter is that business travelers must lead the way on this initiative as we are usually the main culprits. Technology being ever present in our world today has caused us all to feel that we have to be accountable for our whereabouts each and every second whether we are traveling or not. That should not be the case. Cell phones should be for emergencies only when we are out in public. Please put your phones on vibrate when you are in a public setting, while traveling or for Goodness sakes when driving. Just because the technology is there doesn't mean that you "HAVE" to use it. You are truly letting old habits such as smiling at strangers and other basic common courteousies go by the wayside and for that we will all suffer sooner than later.
Recently I spent 4 days up at the Grand Canyon of PA where there is very little technology and few cel phone (poor reception). What amazed me though was how pleasant and friendly people were with no pressure from deadlines. They appreciated each other and spoke directly to each other without any interruptions or distactions from cell phones.
Are we loosing the personal connection with life and people?
Are we taking time to "smell the roses?
Are we appreciating the beauty of just being alive?
Are we too much controlled by deadlines, immediate responses and pressures to achieve even more than we already have acomplished?
I know we must always raise the bar, but is technology (ie, cell phones)making us go faster each day and removing the pleasure of living at the expense of our health?
Over the past weekend with friends we talked about “smelling the roses” and how the generation before us while hard working and busy seemed to have the quiet time to smell the roses. Maybe this Saturday each of us can put down our cell phones (or two) and Blackberrys and take time for something we love — whether a sunset, thinking creatively, or being with a friend.
Linda
I like Richardson's idea...let's give it a try. (I'm testing the blog with this comment.)
I like Richardson's suggestion. (I am just testing out the blog.)
We have had some provocative thoughts about cell phones and their impact, from behavioral to philosophical, on us.
Let’s hear your ideas for some Cell Phone Rules.
Let me suggest — when in a public space, treat everything you say on a cell phone as highly confidential
Regards,
Linda
Cell Phones are useful tools when kept in their proper place.
I agree, many relationships have been strained by cell phone interruptions. We are so use to checking it when it rings/buzzes and because of habit we do it even when we should be with the human in front of us! It can wait!
I couldn't help but think about the movie with Bruce Willis called First Kid. There is a part in the movie that he walk in and his business partner says, "Put it away, your with a human now!".
Pretty much sums it up.
P.S. NEVER EVER Take your cell phone into a customer appt. or at least turn it off!
I like the idea of treating every cell call as though it were confidential. Cell phone etiquette is clearly something we need to add in raising children and in the work place...along with cover your mouth when you cough; say excuse me when walking thru crowds;give your seat up for a lady or elder, you get the gist. Our worst offenders are driving and chatting and texting, no doubt solving the problems of the world. I say... HANG UP AND DRIVE IT'S JUST NOT THAT IMPORTANT!
My rule - never approach a counter, window, kiosk or enter a meeting room until you FINISH your cell call. You can chat in line but when you're "up" hang up, or step aside and let someone who is ready be helped. Humans deserve common courtesy and respect as humans - it's appalling that we have to put up signs in businesses that say "finish your call before stepping up to clerk". Where has common decency gone?
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