Cell Phone etiquette

     I really didn't want to touch on this subject because, one, I don't use cellphones and two, I like to think common sense is "common".  However, it appears that some people either don't know or don't care, or a combination of both, about common courtesy when using cell phones.

     Today I was in court for my monthly probation hearing when a I heard a cell phone ring.  The ringtone was a heavy metal song that I didn't recognize, which was loud.  The young lady, to whom the phone belonged to, fumbled through her purse, pulled out the phone, which got louder, and proceeded to...wait for it......have a conversation.

     Ya, I was shocked too.  Really.  I mean, this occurred while court was in session, as the judge was sentencing someone.  There's a list of things that are wrong with this situation and I will address them, but first there's more to this story.  After the young lady finished her conversation, a court officer chastised her about using cell phones while in court, and informed her that if it occurred again, she would be escorted out of court, hence missing her appearance, and be issued a warrant for her arrest.  She sat back down but not before calling the court officer a pr%ck and saying something about him being rude.

     Now, I'm going to be careful here and not lump all cell phone users together but it seems to me that a lot of cell phone users feel entitled to use their cell phones anywhere and at anytime.  That's just my opinion.  Like I said before, I don't use or have a cell phone so my opinion is biased.  Technically, all opinions are biased as they are given from a perspective of one.

      Anyways, as I see it, this young lady had some nerve calling the court officer rude when she had the gall to take a call in court.  She was disrespectful of the judge, the rest of the defendants, and most importantly, herself.

      Everyone in the courtroom had been there before and we are all aware of the rules concerning court behavior like proper attire, no hats, shorts, flipflops, mini skirts, bandanas etc., no newspapers, magazines, no children and ALL CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF.  Those rules came with our paper work, but they are also posted outside of the courtroom.  So what would possess this young lady to "take a call" while in court?  I don't know, but I see it all the time.  One of the most offensive places I regularly hear cell phones rings is in church.  My pastor once said, "that better be God calling you because there's no other excuse for "taking a call" in church!". 

     I just shake my head because I can't understand how so many people are so self-centered, self-absorbed and oblivious to common courtesy.  They lack common sense and discipline and could care less if they're being obnoxious.  I don't understand it.

     Anyways, here's a list of common sense rules regarding cell phone use:
1.  When in public, talk as low as possible so other people can't even tell you're having a conversation.
2.  Turn your phone off in church, court, funerals, libraries, school, movie theaters and during ceremonies.
3.  Don't text and operate a vehicle.
4.  If you borrow someones cell phone, don't call long distance and don't stay on their phone longer than two minutes.
5.  If people are looking at you crazy while you're on your phone, you probably should hang up.

     I know there's more that I didn't include and if you have some let me know, I'll revise this list.  Just be considerate of others and all will be good!