The Inevitable...

Am I for or against cell phone/pager/beeper use in public?

It is difficult for me to precisely answer this question. I believe that there is not a simple yes or no to such a question. As far as I am concerned, I straddle the for and against, but...

For:
Cell phone use in public seems inevitable. In our society, the normal person carries a cell phone 24-7. And for those who don't, society has come up with a colorful term; living off the grid. In addition to the all pervasiveness of cell phones, when you purchase a cell phone you enter into a certain kind of social contract. You cannot ignore calls if you're available. If you aren't available then you better send a text immediately after a missed call to explain that you are not currently available. If you send a call straight to your voicemail then you better call the sender later with a damn good explanation... As technology gives us better and better ways to stay connected, then these solutions have a way of becoming completely integrated into our lives; and cell phones have not escaped this vacuum. And so, I suppose that I am for the idea of cell phone use because I think they are an inevitable part of my and everyone else's' lives regardless of whether or not I like them.

Against:
As I appreciate any other form of courtesy, I appreciate cell phone courtesy. What I mean is I believe that, like everything else, there is certain etiquette one should follow when they become a cell phone user. The only real reason I am against cell phones is because of their obnoxious use in public. This, however, is a very big concern for me. I really detest when I hear cell phones in the wrong places (such as a movie theater) as well as when their users are unusually loud. (although this is not an unusual occurrence) In the consideration of others, one should monitor their behaviour. Regardless of what some people think, there are other people aside from themselves and these people have rights, thoughts, ideas and feelings. I don't want to hear how your girlfriend has that exotic bedroom ritual. Just keep your discussion at a level where I can tune it out...

...precisely where I stand is hard to figure. I would think I am more for than against. However, I refuse to acknowledge that our world is black and white. I am both bothered by the device(s) and enthralled by their connectivity. But, why go against human advancement and achievement because a few in the lot decide to act like jackasses? Plus, like I said, you better not ignore that call, or you have a new human problem caused by ever changing technology. Go figure...!