I interact with a lot of people in the public sphere -- especially during the "work week" -- and am fascinated by the evolving social etiquette or lack thereof. The mobile phone/cellphone revolution makes things all the more interesting -- and obnoxious. While I have come to depend on my own mobile phone to the point of ditching my landline (and channeling work calls to the cell rather than my work phone), there's clearly a disruptive aspect to the thing. But not when I follow "my bubble, my rules." This new phenomenon (the phrasing is self-explanatory, isn't it?) is well and saucily considered in Lynn Truss's Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home and Bolt the Door (NY, NY: Gotham Books, 2005).
Truss argues convincingly that we need to think more about what we're doing in the light of new technology. Consider courtesy and basic kindness, for instance, but don't let anyone bully you into submission, either. Revolt against automated push-this-button-and-wait systems when one is the bill-paying customer ("Why am I the One Doing This?"). Be willing to question other people's "bubbles and rules," especially if they're random and ridiculous. For a primer on questioning how weird contemporary society has become in its social interactions, she suggests watching Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm.
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Today's Rune: The Blank Rune.
Ciao!
5 comments:
I want to read this book! It sounds great.
This book looks like a fun one. I love Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm. He does hit many of these topics. Like the time he apologizes over the phone while eating sunflower seeds. "You can't apoligize while you're eating," everyone says.
Sounds like a good book, Erik. What is touted as a convenience to keep you connected is actually used as a disconnect a lot of times -- I've seen people go through the checkout at a grocery store without speaking one word to the cashier, all the while talking on the phone. Completely rude. I'm a firm believer in connecting with who or what's in front of you. My cell phone is used only when necessary and the conversation is kept short & sweet, to the point, especially when I'm out in public.
Thanks y'all, for the comments. It's a quick read, and pretty fun. Lee, that's a damned funny show. And Robin, I agree completely.
Cheers, Erik
I refused to get a cell phone. It's also a big problem in the prison. Any employees found to have a cell phone in their possession at work can be fired. I know for a fact, about certain accidental cases with some of my coworkers.
As far as blogging, I love the indirect connectedness of it all. I still have to be careful, blogs can be subpoenaed.
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