Sound, Fury And Cellphone Users
from the make-'em-shut-up dept
As airlines are increasingly moving towards allowing people to make mobile phone calls on flights, down on the ground, there's increasing anger over those who use mobile phones on trains. Amtrak has even set up a "quiet car", for those who'd rather not have to listen to mobile phone conversations. Unfortunately, not everyone obeys the rules in the quiet car - which has turned it into an angry mess on more than one occasion (with at least one story of a smashed phone). What's a little scary is just how opinionated people are on the subject - and how little room either side is willing to give. You would think that those who want to talk on their mobile phones would at least be willing to let the non-talkers have a "quiet car" - but even the existence of the quiet car seems contentious among them.
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Reflection on the populace...
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How this problem was solved in Australia
The answer was better mobile phone networks. Now that people don't have to shout, they just talk in a normal voice. Which is fine.
These days we have video mobiles. These aren't a problem, except that they are big and ugly.
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Can we make megaphones?
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Re: Reflection on the populace...
This is not a technology issue, it's a broad sense of every man/woman for his/herself. The phone cannot offend without human intervention, it is a lifeless piece of silicon.
Nobody gives a darn about anyone else, not even family these days.
This is one reason I have for hating our own people as a whole, although you can find decent people out there, just can't see them for the A-holes.
I am ashamed of the people who call themselves Americans and do these things.
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introspection
"Second-hand smoke" health effects allowed a flood gate to burst. I do not deny there are health effects, but, really, compared to the high carb/sugar food we eat, the way we drive, and the jobs we put up with, we are more likely to die of somehing else.
Anyhow, expect the Facism to continue. For my part, I let others do what they want unless it effects my Rights. Maybe the problem is that too many people don't know what their rights are? They think priviledges are rights? Or are they just selfish and mean? ;)
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Re: Reflection on the populace...
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Works in Japan...
(Side note, one day I was commuting in Tokyo on the subway and had a Starbucks coffee which I was really enjoying and saw quite a few people stare or frown at me - it wasn't until I was off the train that I realized that the subway was "no drinking", so I studiously finished my coffee from then on before commuting and wasn't the rude American from then on).
Since peer pressure (staring, frowning) works in Japan, and not the US, we would need some sort of enforcement action for talking in the quiet car - monetary penalty, etc. Or have people on the quiet car pay a little more for the "service" and kick people out who violate it. Just having the higher cost would probably discourage those who would ignore it.
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No problem here...
It is amazing what people will say on a cell phone in a crowded airplane or train, I listened to a woman on a cross-country flight disclose her userid, password, and ip address and some very sensitive financial and medical information. She sat and blerted the information out for all to hear.
And the airplane or train is not the only place...my favorite place to listen for sensitive information is at the airport itself. People sitting waiting for flights tend to carry on as if they are in their own private vaccuum, broadcasting sensitive information with no thought of the consequences. And when you happen to point this out to them, they become livid because you are "illegally" listening to their private conversation, like you have the power to tune them out.
It is a good thing I work for the good guys, but I bet it is safe to say that there are plenty of bad guys out there doing the same.
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Having fun with rude cell phone users ...
Oh, I forgot, I'm an American ... I'm not supposed to understand courtesy !
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Re: introspection
Maybe I am being too strong... ( I am strictly an Anti-Smoking person, and if I had it my way, noone would smoke ) But I do think it is incosiderate to smoke in a position where others are being troubled.
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Re: introspection
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Re: introspection
I'll make you a deal, the day you can smoke a cigarette while keeping every bit of smoke inside your lungs, you'll be able to smoke anywhere you want to.
I'm not a smoker, I'm not militant, but it IS a courtesy issue, just like the cellphone...smoke bothers some people so if you're courteous you find some place to do it where people won't be bothered by you...simple no? But you seem to have this attitude that YOU should have the right to push YOUR habits on me?
My not smoking does not affect you in any way...you smoking would affect all of those around you...there's the difference...no fascism there.
Its sad that this would have to be explained to you.
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Re: Having fun with rude cell phone users ...
note it says the people, that is not an all inclusive phrase, that was only directed at "the people who do these things", like being a rude freakin' jacka$$, and having no idea what common courtesy is, and no desire to better themselves, may all who fit the description die alone with a cell phone stuck to you ear
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