Any place is politically correct when it comes to answering cell phones, even if it inconveniences or endangers others. Ever had a guest at your home only to have the visit continually interrupted by incoming calls? Of course there’s always that little apology. “I’m sorry, I have to take this call.” That supposedly makes it all right. But it’s rude: if they wanted to talk to other people on the phone why didn't they stay home? Taking a call is now considered not just acceptable, but obligatory in many places like libraries, theatres, places of worship and other public venues too where silence was once more becoming. For instance, in my doctor’s waiting room a prominent sign politely asks people to turn off their cell phones, but fails to make an impression on most. Now perhaps some can’t read this language because loud conversations go on in undecipherable tongues, but there are just as many making noise in plain English. Nor is the slightest regard or respect given for those who do know how to read and don’t wish to be distracted by loud, inconsiderate, and generally unnecessary prattle while attempting to do so.
Highway commuting is always environmentally incorrect, as well as a waste of time and energy, but the ignorant use of cell phones while doing it is politically correct and even considered normal by many, regardless of the known dangers. It is considered a ‘necessity’ or at least allowable when driving because the penalty in the court of political correctness for missing a call is apparently higher than that doled out for breaking the laws of the land. Those who do it think nothing is so natural. What a load of bullshit! When did answering a phone outweigh all other considerations and turning one off become a capital offence?
Telephones can be a convenience, but one doesn't have to be tied to them. People were liberated from their land-lines by the use of answering machines or ‘voice mail' as the process is now quaintly called. Personally I don’t have one and I usually won’t talk to a machine unless there’s money to be made from it, but for those who have the service it perhaps allows them to enjoy home life without feeling obligated to answer a telephone. Cell phones are supposed to make life easier too, so it’s unfortunate that those with them can’t emancipate themselves from their devices by shutting them off to try living free again – at least once in a while.
Highway commuting is always environmentally incorrect, as well as a waste of time and energy, but the ignorant use of cell phones while doing it is politically correct and even considered normal by many, regardless of the known dangers. It is considered a ‘necessity’ or at least allowable when driving because the penalty in the court of political correctness for missing a call is apparently higher than that doled out for breaking the laws of the land. Those who do it think nothing is so natural. What a load of bullshit! When did answering a phone outweigh all other considerations and turning one off become a capital offence?
Telephones can be a convenience, but one doesn't have to be tied to them. People were liberated from their land-lines by the use of answering machines or ‘voice mail' as the process is now quaintly called. Personally I don’t have one and I usually won’t talk to a machine unless there’s money to be made from it, but for those who have the service it perhaps allows them to enjoy home life without feeling obligated to answer a telephone. Cell phones are supposed to make life easier too, so it’s unfortunate that those with them can’t emancipate themselves from their devices by shutting them off to try living free again – at least once in a while.
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