By CD

May 22, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

I see more men displaying this behavior usually during the lunch hour. However, my pet peeve is women on their cell phone in the grocery store blocking the aisle with their cart while they carry on some nonsensical conversation. Totally oblivious to everything! That is about as rude as it gets!

By Sugar

May 22, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

No matter where we are, at home, or in a restaurant, we turn our phones OFF when dining. If we dine out, I usually leave mine in the car. If anyone calls, I have caller id and I can see who called, then I can return the call later.

By Sandy

May 22, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Oh CD, you are so right. I get really aggravated when women especially do this. I usually glare at them and have been known to reach over and move their basket so I can get past. Sometimes men will be on the phone asking advice on what to get which is understandable. We were in Houston’s (on Northside) a few weeks back and this guy’s phone rang, he answered, and immediately the hostess very graciously escorted him to the front door (as they should).

By Matt

May 22, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Cell phones in any public place is rude. I was in a store yesterday, and this lady was on the phone talking about how the guy she was dating didn’t think he could maintain the lifestyle she was use to. Did I want to know all of that? NO! You are not that important! Get off the phone.
If people knew how ridiculous and LOUD they sounded, they would get off the phone. Then again, in our reality tv society, people think their lives are much more interesting than what they are, and we should all be thankful to be privy to it. I am not thankful just very annoyed.

By Sarah

May 22, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Cell phones have helped facilitate the dumbing down of America like nothing we’ve seen in ages. Where people once picked up a magazine or a book and read when they were afforded a few moments of spare time, now they pick up the phone and babble with mindless chatter. There is nothing that says ” Look how dumb and shallow I am…,” than a person sitting alone in a place to eat, yaking on the phone. You’re telling the world you’re too illiterate to read; you are void of intellectaul curiosity and you’re a co-dependant. As far as people in stores expecting me to wait until they get off the phone to conduct their business in line to purchase something, no way. Just because you don’t pocess the basic amount of social skills to earn the right to be in public, do not think for one moment I will adhere to, or accept your poor breeding and lack of manners. God only knows what these classless and illbred people are feeding and clothing at home in the form of offspring which means we’ll have muti-generations of dimwits whose only gray matter is sitting in the laundry basket in form of yesterdays underwear.

By Rod

May 22, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

As a server in a restaurant, I find it very rude that a customer will not give me the courtesy of putting the phone down while I attempt to take thier order..Then continue to chat away through the entire meal. Is that call so important that you have to interuppt everyone around you and those trying to serve you?

By Duluth

May 22, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

A bit off topic, but I see alot of people lately driving their cars, and texting on their phones…….is that completely insane or what?

The past three nights on the way home from work, and I witnessed numerous people attempting to drive and text.

I wonder how many made it home safely. And, if I am in an accident caused by some idiot texting, I will sue them for EVERYTHING they have, cell phone included!!!

By RCH

May 22, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

The all time showstopper seems to those that are on the phone trying to check out at the grocery store. They are trying to hold a conversation with both the check out person and the person on the phone. The checkout person does not want to interrupt them but needs to convey information,the individual usually forgets to get their credit card or checkbook and causes a backup.

Please finish your phone calls BEFORE you shop. You will get finished quicker,not cause others a longer wait, and you can get back on the phone quicker in the car where you will probably cause an accident! LOLThe all time showstopper seems to those that are on the phone trying to check out at the grocery store. They are trying to hold a conversation with both the check out person and the person on the phone. The checkout person does not want to interrupt them but needs to convey information,the individual usually forgets to get their credit card or checkbook and causes a backup.

Please finish your phone calls BEFORE you shop. You will get finished quicker,not cause others a longer wait, and you can get back on the phone quicker in the car where you will probably cause an accident! LOL

By CC

May 22, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

RCH-I totally agree. You forgot to mention that while the person is holding the phone with one hand, he/she is trying to unload the grocery cart with the other hand. People need to end their calls so that they can unload their carts and complete their transactions.

By Edward

May 22, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

When I encounter a “public talker” now I will frequently attempt to embarrass them by moving up close to them and LOUDLY making rude comments and statements that hopefully the party they’re speaking to can hear clearly. I’ve done this several times, now, and to great effect: the talker has either gone outside or ended the conversation. One woman ended the call and began telling me how rude I was. I simply told her I was only responding to her rudeness, that this was a public venue and she can’t expect privacy.

In my old apartment building, I waited for the elevator to arrive on my floor, it did, the doors opened and there was a woman talking on her phone. She looks up and says, “Can you take the next elevator, this is a private conversation.” I said, “This is a public elevator, I’m not going to wait for another.” I got on and she began making comments to whomever she was speaking with like, “sorry, but some white b*tch got on the elevator, I can’t talk right now.” When we got to the lobby she stormed off.

Some people….

By SD

May 22, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Atlanta ranked third in driver who text the most while driving. We pay higer insurance rates because of these idiots. I am courteous driver, I ahve no problem allowing a car to merge in front of me. Howeveer, if you’re on the phone sitting ther with your turn signal on to changes lanes, foregt it. Not a snowballs chance in hell that I will let you. Hit my car and see how fast we end up in court. You better have all your ducks in a row when we enter the courtroom becasuse I know I will. My spouse is a terrific attorney, try me sometime! I think women are the biggest offenders and to break it down one more level, black women are by far the worse to talk all the time and to use foul language.

By cy

May 22, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Let’s face it, we now live in a co-dependent world. People are scared to be alone; so, they use their cell vice to make them feel okay. I think it is a sign of how out of reach people are getting from one another. Next time you see someone so needy of that phone, you should pity them. It is obvious that they either need a friend, backbone, or life…..or even worse, they are stuck with a job, child, or loved one that is leaching them dry.

As to the texting while driving. I admit that I have done this in stand still on 400 to tell someone that I would be late. There are exceptions to every rule. And 400 at 5:30 is parking not driving.

By John

May 22, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Edward - I’ve had the same happen to me. I think black people are more racist than white people. They openly use slurs towards white people, but heaven forbid the tables are turned and a slur is directed at them.

By Rodney

May 22, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure who talks more (men or women) but I would think it is about even.

By What Would Scooby Do?

May 22, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I was in a restaurant recently - a couple was eating at a small table - each of them was on a phone talking to someone else for about half the time they were at the table, occasionally picking at the food on their plates while they talked to two other parties. What kind of a relationship is this where they can’t even talk to each other during a meal out? There’s no way they could have enjoyed their food - I’ll bet if someone asked them what they ate, they wouldn’t be able to recall.

By Edward

May 22, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I can’t count the times male coworkers of mine have been talking in the bathroom, on their phones, and gave me a look because I flushed the urinal while they were talking. Now when that happens I make as many bathroom noises as I can, even if I fake them, and flush and flush and flush.

By Ilene

May 22, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Love this question…Once my husband and I were at a Japanese restaurant which everyone knows is a community table as the food gets cooked on a Hibachi. Before the chef came, the woman opposite me got a call and kept on talking. Well, I decided if she was talking at my table, then I could listen. So I stared and stared and stared. She got so upset that she and her husband wound up leaving our table and eating in another section of the table. Yay me!

By ABC

May 22, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

The racial slur theory is dead on. I think that it would be a great blog topic..hint…hint.

I am constantly hearing white and latino based slurs from black people. It is alarming what they can have and we can not. I mean, We can not have our own t.v. network or how about along side the NAACP- we have the NACA (National Association for Caucasian Advancement. We are way past the point of what the organization was designed for and now are at the other end of it.

And by the way, BRAVO to the first white Valedictorian from Morehouse.

By RDG

May 22, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

It’s very simple. Most cell phones have caller id. If it is an important call you excuse yourself from the table, get up and go to a private area (such as outside the restaurant). This way you do not disturb your dining companions nor the other diners at the restaurant. If it’s not important..let your voicemail get it.

By I don't get it

May 22, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

I just can’t wrap my mind around it, or for that matter really LOUD cell phone conversations anywhere, including doctors’ waiting rooms. Has anyone asked them, why they do it? I don’t have a problem with having a quiet conversation if you’re dining alone, after all one is entitled to pleasant company, but the real loud ones, and esp. when you’re with other ppl. It esp. breaks my hear to see moms with their kids at fast food places, on the phone the whole time. Just breaks my heart. But then I’m more introverted so I don’t feel the need to always be reaching out and touching someone.

By Me

May 22, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Why does EVERYTHING have to be about race???????? This is about cell phones in restaurants!!!!!! Hey here’s an idea….. expand your circle of friends, and ask your black friends (not your black co-workers they don’t count) these questions and stop blogging about it. Jeez.
Now back to the topic………

By RCH

May 22, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Lets make this simple.Let restaurants ban the use of cellphones in their establishments.Simple

By Annoyed

May 22, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Rude people come in all forms. I’ve been disgusted by a loud black women cursing out someone over the phone in the middle of Walmart. And I’ve been disgusted by a white woman talking way too loud, giggly and high pitched about a whole lot of foolishness in an elevator. I see many white men talking on their phones and weaving all across the lanes. I’ve seen just as many black men trying to dangerously merge their way over, clearly distracted by their conversations. Everyone should try to be more courteous. We all have to share public spaces and places.

By Annoyed

May 22, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Rude people come in all forms. I’ve been disgusted by a loud black women cursing out someone over the phone in the middle of Walmart. And I’ve been disgusted by a white woman talking way too loud, giggly and high pitched about a whole lot of foolishness in an elevator. I see many white men talking on their phones and weaving all across the lanes. I’ve seen just as many black men trying to dangerously merge their way over, clearly distracted by their conversations. Everyone should try to be more courteous. We all have to share public spaces and places.

By cy

May 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

RCH-

what about doctors or emt? are they just not supposed to eat or enjoy their time off with their families. granted i do not think this what you meant but it is still a factor.

ME-

some stereotypes are created simply by observation. yea, i do agree that black people seem to be a little more robust at times. they do seem to have the loud ringers and often seem lost unto themselves in loud cell phone conversations.

By Jeannie

May 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

I agree it’s rude to be on your cell phone while someone is attempting to wait on you. Hang up the phone (or at the very least, put the call on hold) and do the waiter/waitress/cashier the courtesy of paying attention to them.

However, what absolutely breaks my heart is seeing parents out with their children and they’re chatting on the phone with someone else. Hang up and pay attention to your children. The worst example, that has stayed with me for two years, is the time my husband and I were at a nice restaurant on Father’s Day. In walk Mom, Dad and two young (about 5-8 years old?) girls. I thought “How nice, they’re taking Daddy out for lunch.” Then I spotted both Mom and Dad with Bluetooth devices in their ears. I wanted to cry. I can’t imagine how that effects the girls’ self-esteem? Dad can’t get off the phone long enough to have lunch with his two adorable kids? On Father’s Day no less? I’m betting he never gets nominated for Father of the Year.

By RCH

May 22, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Cy

I think many of us carry cellphones in case of emergencies.Simply set the phone on vibrate. If there is an alert, look at it,if it is an emergency excuse yourself and go outside and take the call.

Also if you are at a church service,PLEASE set your phone to vibrate!

By Anna

May 22, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

I just knew it wouldn’t be long before the racial factor came into this discussion. Can’t we ever just have an open discussion about the ACTUAL topic without some one making this into an anti-white/anti-black bashing? Geezus.

By A p**&^d off momma

May 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

WOW! I’m so glad all of you are so considerate & polite in public. You must be the same people that let everyone over in traffic/rush hour. I guess living in an imperfect world is hard for all of you perfect ones.

By A p**&^d off momma

May 22, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

WOW! I’m so glad all of you are so considerate & polite in public. You must be the same people that let everyone over in traffic/rush hour. I guess living in an imperfect world is hard for all of you perfect ones.

By cy

May 22, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

RCH-

i only use vibrate. In truth, I hate the device and all the side affects I see that it has caused. I do leave the table/ building if it is a call I must take. I believe that people have lost site of face to face conversations. That the cell is a luxury but it is often what is separating them from what they want. I think people use the cell to fill a void, they are afraid of being alone….so, out comes the phone. they are afraid of confrontation….so, call, text, or email the person in front of them later. they don’t know what to say to their kids or spouse…so, they talk to anyone else while they spend “quality time.”

It is sad and the downfall of society.

By Michelle

May 22, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

For some reason there is a trend in our office building for women to talk on the cell while in the rest room. NO ONE needs to hear that. I will purposely flush 5 or 6 times just to annoy them.

By Niki

May 22, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Also, can you imagine how much worse it will be if the airlines allow passengers to use cell phones in flight??

By CKM

May 22, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

So ironic that this topic would come up today. I had a date last night with a guy I’ve dated several times in the past month. From the moment he arrived at my place, he began receiving/sending text messages. This was followed by numerous conversations with various people. One conversation was him making plans for this holiday weekend with a group of his friends to stay on his boat. We went out to eat nearby. He did not text/talk on his phone during the actual meal, but the SECOND we hit the door to leave….back on his phone. I dumped my to-go box of food (that he paid for) in the garbage and marched forward to my place (we had walked) as he continued to talk on his phone. Upon arrival at my door, I said thanks for dinner and shut the door in his face. Money will never buy class and thoughtless people like this are not worth my time…ever.

By EMMA

May 22, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

WOW I can just about agree with everyone because I see ME!! Which is why I have started to be cautious about when and where I talk on my cell phone out of respect for people around me. I started by finishing my phone conversation before I walk into a grocery store. If I go to any event of anykind I put on vibrate and only answer if it’s my child because it could be an emergency. Anyone else has to wait. Also, when I go to church I just leave it in the car totally. Someone stated that if that person could hear themselves they would immediately stop talking. I’m guilty as sin and I truly apologize to my fellow Americans. You guys have a great day:)

By dw

May 22, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Mind your own darn business!!!! What are they for if not to be used in public? That’s why we have landlines AT HOME. This is the most sensitive country on the planet and also one of the nosiest. Mind your own business and don’t worry about what I’m talking about on MY phone, you know the one I pay the bill for.

By What Would Scooby Do?

May 22, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

2 stories - A few years ago, a priest at my church got tired of cellphones going off during mass despite an announcement for people to turn them off. So - during his sermon, he had arranged for someone to call him on his cellphone. It rang while he was preaching, he stopped talking, said, “excuse me a second” to the congregation, answered the call, said “oh, not much, just talking to some people - what are you doing?”. Had a conversation for about a minute, hung up, looked straight out at the congregation and said, “I believe I made my point” and went back to saying the mass. Ever since then, you hardly ever hear a phone at mass anymore.
Second story - I own a bar and all my bartenders will not take an order from someone who is talking on the phone - they’ll just ignore them until they hang up. They always want a drink so eventually they get the point and hang up.

By Andrew

May 22, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

My boss is the most cellphone-addicted person I have ever seen in my life! At times, he has both the cell and the landline in each hand. He is never where I can actually have a conversation with him and finish it because if the phone rings he is going to answer it no matter how important my conversation is. He keeps it on vibrate, but then unless I am looking at him, I can never tell if he is talking with me or someone on the phone! What makes it worse, he never says “excuse me” if we are talking and he answers his phone! When he shows up to work in the mornings, he walks in on the cellphone. I can’t even say good morning to him!

By Andrew

May 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

My boss is the most cellphone-addicted person I have ever seen in my life! At times, he has both the cell and the landline in each hand. He is never where I can actually have a conversation with him and finish it because if the phone rings he is going to answer it no matter how important my conversation is. He keeps it on vibrate, but then unless I am looking at him, I can never tell if he is talking with me or someone on the phone! What makes it worse, he never says “excuse me” if we are talking and he answers his phone! When he shows up to work in the mornings, he walks in on the cellphone. I can’t even say good morning to him!

By Andrew

May 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

My boss is the most cellphone-addicted person I have ever seen in my life! At times, he has both the cell and the landline in each hand. He is never where I can actually have a conversation with him and finish it because if the phone rings he is going to answer it no matter how important my conversation is. He keeps it on vibrate, but then unless I am looking at him, I can never tell if he is talking with me or someone on the phone! What makes it worse, he never says “excuse me” if we are talking and he answers his phone! When he shows up to work in the mornings, he walks in on the cellphone. I can’t even say good morning to him!

By CD

May 22, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

dw - you sound angry. And it is impossible to “mind your own business” when you decide to “flaunt your business” by verbalizing it in public on your cell phone. There is a time and a place for everything (usually your parents teach you this - goes with learning manners). The point is that none of us has the right to impose ourselves on anybody else. Anyone who thinks that they do - well that is just pure ego talking. We should all strive to be more considerate of each other.

By jmb

May 22, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

DW - when your running your mouth while I’m trying to eat lunch, your making it my business. I pay for mine too but I don’t impose my conversations on you. Why don’t you just shut up or leave it in the car?

By meridith ford

May 22, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

I’d like to leave race out of this, too. But Jeannie — I’m with you: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a guy out with his kids and he’s on the phone instead of paying attention to them.

By CD

May 22, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

I have to believe that if someone is holding a personal conversation near me in a public place it is because they WANT me to hear their conversation. Whether or not I want to.

By CD

May 22, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Perhaps they require a second opinion on their topic of conversation.

By Becky

May 22, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Yes, there is a time & a place for talking on the phone..My boss is the same as yours Andrew, always on his cell or land line..Then if that’s not bad enough, he’ll be walking round the office with his bluetooth poking out of his ear, talking & it’s a no win deal..If you speak to him, he’s on the phone, if you don’t talk to him, he wants to know why..Scooby, loved your story..

By Jill

May 22, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Men are worse about this in restaurants than women. I don’t really know why, but it’s true. My boyfriend has done this. His father has done this very often. One of my best guy friends (and HIS best friend) do this ALL THE TIME. It’s maddening!

By new mom

May 22, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Andrew—I think I used to work for your boss!! I learned the only way for me to get a word in edgewise with him (and I was his assistant!) was for me to call him on his cell. Even from my office next door. Suddenly I was important enough to listen to. What a putz.

So many people feel like whatever happens via cellphone automatically takes priority over real life people. How annoying.

I sure sound like a grumpy old man!! :D

Emma, what a mature response to this column. Kudos to you!

By You rang??

May 22, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Let’s see….we’ve covered the following topics:

• illiteracy and co-dependency
• the hazards of multi-tasking
• white women who use public elevators
• insurance rates
• bathroom noises and multiple flushes
• racism
• an apologetic cell phone user

So I am just here to say that I don’t for one minute regret getting my tattoo. I may even announce it on my cell phone speakerphone.

By Marty111

May 22, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Ask the AJC to repost a picture that ran of the King family walking into the Church for Bernice’s funeral. You will see Yolanda with a Bluetooth in her ear as she enters for her sister’s funeral. Nuff said!

By Lynn

May 22, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I have absolutely no problem with this as I hate my cell phone. DH on on the other hand would answer his if he were sitting on a toilet or painting a car. I think it’s more of a guy thing as they feel that all calls must be answered and it’s always important. I don’t tell my friends but unless I feel like talking, I even let their calls go to voice mail. I just hate phones I guess! Can’t even remember the last time I answered the land line…..does anyone still use those?

By CD

May 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

I am with you Lynn. I more often don’t answer my phone. Especially after I have been at work all day. Last thing I want is a lengthy conversation with anybody. Just a little peace and quiet.

By Logically Speaking

May 22, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Isn’t the purpose of the bluetooth to promote saftety while driving? My guess is that Bernice King had just driven to the church. Or could you tell in the picture that she was talking? Or do you know that she kept it on once inside the church? Just curious…

By Logically Speaking

May 22, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Sorry - I meant Yolanda. Berniece probably wasn’t on anyone’s phone!

By Lundy

May 22, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

I was sitting on the train today behind a woman who was screaming into her cell phone about her recent trip to the OBGYN, and gave full graphic details about what happened at the appointment. I really don’t need to know about how she’s doing “down there.”

I also hate it when people have loud, screaming, profanity laced arguments while on their cell, then get mad when people are staring at them. My mom would have slapped me into next week if I dropped the “F” bomb 26 times in public while on the phone!

By greg

May 22, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

White people do have their own TV Network it’s called TV. Grab your remote and channel surf.

By greg

May 22, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

White people do have their own TV Network it’s called TV. Grab your remote and channel surf.

By greg

May 22, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

White people do have their own TV Network it’s called TV. Grab your remote and channel surf.

By Az

May 22, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

While cell phone use is bad enough in restaurants, I think the worst offenders are those that use the NexTel phone-to-phone “walkie talkie” service. A loud annoying beep before each incoming conversation, and it is loud enough to be heard across the room. If it wouldn’t get me jailed for assault, I’d go slap the thing out of their hands…

-Az

By Jessica

May 23, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

The thing that bothers me the most is the walkie talkie cell phones.

I’ve asked to be moved in a restaurant before because of those things.

I do keep my phone with me at all times. On Vibrate. And I only answer the phone at a restaurant if it’s my husband, my stepkids, someone I’ve just called about something important, or my sister.

Hubby, stepkids, or sister might have an emergency. I’ll answer and if it’s not, I let them go because I’m eating.

Important person I called is often a doctor’s office or something similar that I’m trying to make an appointment with. Which I’ll make the appointment quickly and quietly and hang up quickly. This is often done by the time I could get up and walk to the door to answer, so I don’t. I do however, say excuse me to the person/people I’m with and tell them why I’m answering.

Also, folks, have patience, your post will show up, quit posting three times.

By WD Lockaby

May 25, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I must confess to a certain bias; having become quite hard of hearing, I hate using phones and avoid them when possible. However I have always considered my phone as being for my convenience. I finally broke down and bought a cell phone, and feel even more strongly about this now. Simply put, I don’t have emergencies while I’m eating or driving that might somehow be mitigated by answering a phone. Eating and (especially) driving are far more important to me than phone conversations. For this reason my phone will be turned off at such times unless I have to place a call, in which case I’ll leave the table or the road first. Of course some people must be accessible for various reasons, but potential callers can be told in advance to leave a message or callback #. In any event talking on a phone while dining, driving, worshiping,entertaining or being entertained demonstrates misplaced priorities.