Can we curb rude cell phone manners?

By Al Neuharth, USA TODAY founder

July is National Hot Dog Month. Also National Baked Bean Month. And National cell phone Courtesy Month.

I love hot dogs. And baked beans. But what really makes my mouth water is the possibility of more courteous cell phone users.

The latter is the brainchild of etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, who runs The Protocol School of Palm Beach, Fla. She thought it up when she consulted for Sprint PCS and realized how many rude cell phone users there are.

This is the first year cell phone Courtesy Month is being observed. Here's why it's important:
There are 137 million cell phones in use in the United States.

Millions of them go off menacingly every day. In theaters, restaurants, libraries, museums, classrooms, churches. Even at funerals.

Many public places have put in rules against incoming cell phone calls. More are considering it. As a lifelong advocate of free speech, free spirit and free press, I'm reluctant to side with those who want to curb cell phone use. But ...

Most cell phone culprits inherently are ill-mannered underachievers. Getting a phone call in a public place and carrying on a long, loud conversation gives these wannabes a feeling of importance.

Some cell phone companies encourage cockamamie behavior. Example: Cingular Wireless has ads on television in which a phone rings and rings at the Statue of Liberty until the great lady reaches inside her robe for her cell phone, steps down from the pedestal and answers her call with a smile.

Those who misuse cells, or encourage their misuse, should heed the wake-up call during this cell phone Courtesy Month. If they don't, free speech and free spirit may become victims of their oafishness.

Feedback

"Technology does not trump thoughtfulness. Infringing on the rights of others reflects poorly on you and certainly isn't what wireless technology is about."
 - Tom Wheeler, president/CEO, Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association

"We need to use our cell phones responsibly now, before we find ourselves outside in the cold sneaking a call the way smokers sneak a cigarette."
 - Carol Page, founder, CellManners.com

"Cingular Wireless believes deeply in wireless courtesy. When you're at a movie, museum or place of worship, set your phone to silent or vibrate."
 - Daryl Evans, vice president, Cingular Wireless

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