Cell phones: An Editorial

You don't have a cell phone?! Wait. What?

I get this response a lot.

 

Why don't we have a cellphone or smartphone?  Simple.  A long time ago, we had an analog one that cost us about $30 a month. Obviously, since it was analog, it was a no frills, no text, no internet version (which I don't think analog cell phones were even capable of such things.)

Our cell phone carrier charged us a ridiculously low rate of $5 a month during their year of transitioning over to digital. Once that transition was complete, however, the cost of keeping the old analog outweighed the benefit. We didn't have room in our budget for a replacement either. When we did have that analog, I think we got the most use out of it  when we were buying our house, going back and forth with the realtor to negotiate our contract, and a road trip to Pittsburgh.

Once everything went the way of digital, it seemed like an unnecessary expense to buy and pay for another cellphone. And like everyone else who buys a house, every penny counts to make the payments that first year or two. So we decided to not replace it.

Since then, I've come to abhor cell phones. Yeah, a lot of people agree with me, but continue to justify it as a necessary evil.

My day job is in retail. I see you prancing around the store, browsing, continuing your cellphone conversation as if you were talking to world leaders. Despite your self-importance, I know that conversation is actually about whether you will be serving peas or carrots or what kind of toppings you want on your pizza. You know, great philosophical conversations that are so fascinating that you can't even engage in a civil dialogue with a cashier because serving peas or carrots with tonight's dinner is an earth shattering decision. And we all need to know your decision. Come on, share it with the world; we are all waiting with abated breath.

Let's face it, you cell phone users are obnoxious. Being at everyone's beck and call--literally--inflates your ego and sense of importance. I know because back in the day when I had one, I fell into this mental trap too. 

Far too often, you neglect the face to face contact in order to take that next call. Or to glance at the FB or twitter update about the status of your college roommate's socks or lunch options. As if such decisions should be up for discussion anyway.

And don't get me started on the people who check their phones while sitting at the stop light, so engrossed in the next status update that they miss that the light has turned green, causing me to have to sit through the light twice because of their dillydallying.

We've made ourselves too accessible, constantly plugged in and chattering nonsensically.

And to the naysayers who ask: What about if your car breaks down on the side of the road? What will you do without a phone?

Firstly, and most importantly, how often has that happened to you? When was the last time your car broke down on the side of the road? Why do we let fear of what might happen influence us?

Just say no to the cell/smart phones! Me and TEACHER HUSBAND, and the approximately 250,000 Amish in the world are getting along just fine without them! If you must have one, be courteous. Stop ignoring the person standing right in front of you, whether that person is your mom, you sister, your aunt, your college roommate or the bookstore cashier, for the faceless voice on the other end of the phone.

For further ideas, check out Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life by Nancy Sleeth.