Why isn’t being quiet in airports, on trains, etc. a social norm in the US?
Mar 26, 2023, 2:32 pm
#16
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,884
No.
If someone is going to act in a way that irritates others, it's on the person to change his or her ways, and to act less irritatingly. And, no, if you're at an airport gate, particularly shortly before departure or in case of IRROPS, you can't easily move.
Being irritated by loud cell phone calls is a widespread view.
If someone is going to act in a way that irritates others, it's on the person to change his or her ways, and to act less irritatingly. And, no, if you're at an airport gate, particularly shortly before departure or in case of IRROPS, you can't easily move.
Being irritated by loud cell phone calls is a widespread view.
"I want this to change, but I recognize that my lone opinion won't carry enough weight. So I will anoint myself the spokesperson for 'everyone'."
Mar 26, 2023, 3:04 pm
#17
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I find it irritating also, especially if it’s a business call. I’ve seen way too many seasoned business travelers scream about their company’s finances or bad mouth others on the phone while in the airport. I assume with these conversations invariably concerning spending large amounts of money, they want to seem important.
Mar 26, 2023, 3:12 pm
#18
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Curious as to how much the OP spends on earphones in an average month that are then given away to voluble travellers. Or are they, perchance, a sales rep for an earphone manufacturer who always carries a bunch of samples?
Mar 26, 2023, 3:17 pm
#19
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I always travel with ear plugs. 
Mar 26, 2023, 3:21 pm
#20
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Personal freedom is highly valued in the US. The idea of "if you don't like a person doing something you don't like (eg being loud) then move away from them/go somewhere else" is more in line with the culture. In other places it would be more along the lines of "don't do something that could potentially annoy someone else."
Mar 26, 2023, 3:34 pm
#21
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In general, we are rude and self-righteous people. We think of others last.
YMMV....and I hope they do!
YMMV....and I hope they do!
Mar 26, 2023, 4:31 pm
#22
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For example, just look at the public’s reaction when allowing cellphone calls was considered onboard planes. And gyms, private clubs, etc. widely ban or restrict cellphone use.
Mar 26, 2023, 4:32 pm
#23
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I give away about one pair a month. They’re about $5 each in bulk online.
Mar 26, 2023, 4:36 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2016
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No, look at polling data, the articles I linked to above, etc. Cellphone calls in public are widely viewed as irritating.
For example, just look at the public’s reaction when allowing cellphone calls was considered onboard planes. And gyms, private clubs, etc. widely ban or restrict cellphone use.
For example, just look at the public’s reaction when allowing cellphone calls was considered onboard planes. And gyms, private clubs, etc. widely ban or restrict cellphone use.
The whole argument is weaksauce.
Mar 26, 2023, 4:50 pm
#25
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It's not just "1 person [who] finds [cell phone calls] irritating":
Why Overheard Cell Phone Conversations Are So Annoying | TIME.com
Why Are Public Cell Phone Users So Annoying? | Psychology Today
If you do something that is generally irritating to others...don't do it; that's basic courtesy.
Why Overheard Cell Phone Conversations Are So Annoying | TIME.com
Why Are Public Cell Phone Users So Annoying? | Psychology Today
If you do something that is generally irritating to others...don't do it; that's basic courtesy.
Yeah, loud cell phone conversations are a slight annoyance. But I'd rather have the option to make a call if I want to, than ban it entirely. If I want quiet, I can always just wear headphones.
Mar 26, 2023, 5:13 pm
#26
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1. Cellphone calls in public are widely viewed as irksome. Thus the question I posed.
2. There are lots of places where cellphone calls are banned or restricted (private clubs, gyms, etc.).
Mar 26, 2023, 5:15 pm
#27
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Why should what 1 person finds irritating dictate what hundreds, maybe thousands, of others do? Airports are public places, and as long folks aren't committing a crime, delaying or interfering with the operations of the airport and airlines, attacking or insulting others, maybe MYOB is the best policy.
Because it sNOT just one person!
Mar 26, 2023, 5:17 pm
#28
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Personal freedom is highly valued in the US. The idea of "if you don't like a person doing something you don't like (eg being loud) then move away from them/go somewhere else" is more in line with the culture. In other places it would be more along the lines of "don't do something that could potentially annoy someone else."
Yes, there are no freedoms in any other country !!
Mar 26, 2023, 5:20 pm
#29
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I find the trains in Chicago to be particularly noisy. A lot of times it's young people. They're loud and boisterous and kind of aggressive, like they're hoping you'll challenge them. Happens occasionally on the NY subway as well. But the worst was a bunch of drunken sports fans after a soccer game in Munich.
Mar 26, 2023, 5:43 pm
#30
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My 93yo father has dementia. Those here that have dealt with this know that they function best when things happen on a regular schedule. That means his mealtimes are consistent. It also means that I call him consistently at 6:15pm everyday. Regardless of where I am in the world, at 6:15pm in his time zone I'm calling him. It might be 1:15am where I am at that moment, but he gets a call at the same time every day. Sometimes that means that my call is while I'm at the gate at the airport. Sometimes it's when I'm in the jetway. Sometimes it's from the plane before the boarding door has closed. I'm gonna be discrete and find the quietest location available to call from, but I'm not skipping my call because of the OP or anybody else.