On Courtesy

I was driving to school the other day when a car heading in the opposite direction flashed its lights at me. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of this. I thought that maybe the other driver was informing me that my lights weren't on, but it was daylight, so I ruled out this possibility. Regardless, I slowed a little--or at least became more aware of what was going on around me. About forty-five seconds later, I spotted a police officer surreptitiously stationed on the side of the road. Then, it made sense. The other driver had been warning me to slow down because a police officer was ahead. This small, considerate gesture got me thinking about courtesy today.

We are in the midst of a period of time in which our society is learning how to handle new technology. Regardless, this does not mean that we should completely disregard our manners. Technology has fostered a need for a new etiquette. While courtesy conjures images of holding doors for others, saying "thank you," and other everyday acts, the permeating presence of technology in society has added another dimension to the practice of courtesy. For example, it seems that everyone has differing opinions regarding what is socially-acceptable, especially in terms of cell phone usage. Most cell-phone users, including myself, have been guilty of sending a quick text message, checking the time, or having a short conversation at an inappropriate time. However, I think there are certain times and places in which it is inexcusable to use a cell phone. For example, I would be hard pressed to justify using a cell phone at any religious service. The masses I attend are less than an hour. While I know the thought of abandoning one's cell phone for fifty-five minutes can be quite nerve-racking, one should make the sacrifice for everyone's benefit. (Nothing is more awkward than when a priest is delivering a sermon and a piercing ringtone so rudely interjects.)

Because cell phones are still relatively new to society, we are still trying to forge some sort of understanding, some sort of generally-accepted conduct. As society continues to grapple with new technology, it's important to promote "cell phone etiquette." There are certain rules that all cell phone users should strive to follow. For example, "Avoid texting during face-to-face conversations." I'll admit, I'm guilty of responding to a text while I'm chatting with a friend. However, I try not to maintain multiple conversations at once. (Not only do I find it rude, but I am also not capable enough for this kind of multi-tasking). One of my roommates is infamous for trying to maintain both an interpersonal conversation and a text message conversation simultaneously. The two of us might be having a fluid conversation, but once I hear the vibration of her cell phone, (the tell-tale sign of an incoming text message) I might as well just get up and occupy myself with something else for a few minutes. She'll stare at her phone, chuckle to herself, mumble something, then proceed to formulate a reply. Her attention completely shifts. If I am in the middle of a story as she receives a text message, I should probably just text my remaining portion of the conversation. The chance of effective verbal communication is pretty much shot. Still, I love my roommate, and the text-message-induced-shift-of-attention has now morphed into a running joke among the other roommates and me.

The onset of technology in society has caused a need to cultivate a new etiquette. I am grateful for my cell phone; it keeps me in touch with so many people in my life. However, we must be wary of the possibility that these same communication devices are responsible for the destruction of other outlets of communication and of societal interactions in general. We've made immense progress in the realm of technology. If we can create a cell phone that can practically do anything, we can surely construct and abide by a modest set of social manners