2008 Woodie Awards
Mind your Cellular Manners
Common grievances about the users of the most popular piece of technology
Megan Obright
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Culture
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Ah, the cell phone. Not too long ago, this little device was a luxury that few people had and was coveted by the rest of the population that weren't important enough to carry a transmitter that would allow them to be reached anytime, anywhere. Now, you are considered an abomination to society if you don't carry around one of these handy dandy tools. Along with the convenience of these phones, however, comes a brutal side effect that affects the entire human race: cell-zillas.
Yes, cell-zillas is not a real word, but every one can immediately understand the reference. The psychotic type with their phone permanently attached to their hands, constantly pulling them to their ear as an obnoxious tune rings out. They then proceed to talk loudly about some inappropriate topic while in a vastly crowded environment. No one likes to hear "It's Getting Hot in Here" while in line at the grocery store, and then be stuck listening to a detailed account of when Jane had a bad case of diarrhea last Tuesday and how she's sworn off Grandma's home-made chili for awhile.
Since we now live in a society where the thought of being out of touch with everyone is horrific, we all need to take some time to learn how to use our phones with sensitivity for those around us.
First of all, don't talk on your cell phone while in a store or restaurant where employees will need to talk to you. They have much better things to do with their time than to awkwardly stand around waiting to ask you their mandatory schpeel while you chat it up with the family. If you need to interact with the people around you, put the phone away.
Secondly, turn off your cell phones before class. Honestly, this is common sense but there is always someone in every class who never seems to remember to switch their phone to silent. The most irritating and disruptive thing is when in the middle of taking notes during a crucial lecture when the very electronic sound of Rhianna's latest single echoes throughout the room. We all turn to watch as the blushing buffoon scrambles to find their phone in their bag, hoping to silence it before any one notices. No such luck, as it takes a great deal of time to turn all the attention back to the presentation being made. Hey slick, next time just set it to vibrate.
The next cell phone crime is one that the majority of users are guilty of…talking while driving. The people who run stop signs, swerve aimlessly in and out of traffic and almost kill a herd of orphans while trying to back up, all because they couldn't bear the thought of putting down their cell during their commute. As opposed to the other annoyances that we all see while others chat on their phones, this one actually puts other's lives in danger. Long story short, either hang up the phone or pull off the road.
We all have become accustomed to our beloved cells now, and it is quite obvious that they won't be going out of style any time soon. A line said in Spiderman strangely applies to this gadget: "with great power, comes great responsibility." So everybody of the cell phone era, either use them wisely or be hated amongst society. •
Yes, cell-zillas is not a real word, but every one can immediately understand the reference. The psychotic type with their phone permanently attached to their hands, constantly pulling them to their ear as an obnoxious tune rings out. They then proceed to talk loudly about some inappropriate topic while in a vastly crowded environment. No one likes to hear "It's Getting Hot in Here" while in line at the grocery store, and then be stuck listening to a detailed account of when Jane had a bad case of diarrhea last Tuesday and how she's sworn off Grandma's home-made chili for awhile.
Since we now live in a society where the thought of being out of touch with everyone is horrific, we all need to take some time to learn how to use our phones with sensitivity for those around us.
First of all, don't talk on your cell phone while in a store or restaurant where employees will need to talk to you. They have much better things to do with their time than to awkwardly stand around waiting to ask you their mandatory schpeel while you chat it up with the family. If you need to interact with the people around you, put the phone away.
Secondly, turn off your cell phones before class. Honestly, this is common sense but there is always someone in every class who never seems to remember to switch their phone to silent. The most irritating and disruptive thing is when in the middle of taking notes during a crucial lecture when the very electronic sound of Rhianna's latest single echoes throughout the room. We all turn to watch as the blushing buffoon scrambles to find their phone in their bag, hoping to silence it before any one notices. No such luck, as it takes a great deal of time to turn all the attention back to the presentation being made. Hey slick, next time just set it to vibrate.
The next cell phone crime is one that the majority of users are guilty of…talking while driving. The people who run stop signs, swerve aimlessly in and out of traffic and almost kill a herd of orphans while trying to back up, all because they couldn't bear the thought of putting down their cell during their commute. As opposed to the other annoyances that we all see while others chat on their phones, this one actually puts other's lives in danger. Long story short, either hang up the phone or pull off the road.
We all have become accustomed to our beloved cells now, and it is quite obvious that they won't be going out of style any time soon. A line said in Spiderman strangely applies to this gadget: "with great power, comes great responsibility." So everybody of the cell phone era, either use them wisely or be hated amongst society. •
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