Jerry Wilson Over Coffee Appearing each Wednesday in the Edinburgh Courier, the weekly newspaper in Edinburgh, Indiana and periodically in Indiana's Daily Journal newspaper.

Use Common Courtesy When Talking on a Cell Phone

Whether you call them cell phones, cellular phones, car phones, or wireless phones, almost everyone has one these days. What was several years ago a status symbol-affordable only by wealthy business executives-are now carried by many teenagers.

Fifteen years ago, cell phones were much larger than today’s tiny models. Most were mounted in cars, requiring outside antennas. Such was the status symbol of owning a cell phone that some novelty catalogs even sold cheap plastic replicas of the cell phone antenna that you could stick on your car to fool others into thinking you were important enough to own one.

Today, in spite of its popularity, or because of it, the cell phone has become much maligned. There is a push in some states to make it illegal to use one while driving a car. They are said to be the cause of many accidents. And many people are simply annoyed by them and the way others use them.

There are those who misuse their cell phones. They use them in theaters or the doctor’s office waiting room or in other areas where it is inappropriate. But that’s not the fault of the cell phone, only its owner.

Some people have developed a negative attitude toward the devices. But rules of etiquette are emerging, designed to dictate how and where cell phones should be used. Some say they shouldn’t be used in a restaurant. But why not? Most restaurants I’ve eaten in have people sitting around the table eating and talking to each other. What makes any difference whether they are speaking to the person next to them at the table, or to someone on their cell phone? The key is not to be obnoxiously loud.

To me, and probably to most others who own one, cell phones are the greatest invention since the toaster. No more do I have to find a pay phone, pull over and get out of my car, then fumble for change and hope I have enough to make a call.

My son and daughter now have their own cell phones. It’s a great way to keep track of them.

Basically, the rules for using a cell phone should be the same as the rules for talking in general. Don’t use it during a movie; don’t use one in church; don’t use one in a quiet waiting room or other place where you’re expected not to interrupt the peace and quiet. And don’t use one while driving. Otherwise, use it anywhere you want-including restaurants, public rest rooms, or while walking down the sidewalk.

It’s no longer a status symbol. It’s no longer for use only by business executives. They have become affordable enough for almost anyone and the convenience of owning one is worth every cent.

Copyright © 2003 by Jerry Wilson.