Has cell phone use gone too far? Many people think so and it’s easy to see why. People can now be found talking on their cell phones in restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores and even public transportation. However, one man in Philadelphia decided that he had had enough. Known simply as the Philadelphia Cell Phone Jammer, the man decided to purchase a cell phone jammer to block the signal of fellow bus passengers that he claimed were talking to much and that it was rude. What message was he trying to get across and was he right to make the stand against cell phone abuse?
What Did He Hope to Accomplish?
It’s easy to see that the Philadelphia Cell Phone Jammer was hoping to make fellow passengers realize how rude their actions were. However, it’s been stated that the man felt a sense of power by being able to interrupt people’s calls. It’s true that cell phone use has gotten out of hand, but was the man doing it to bring awareness or just because he was annoyed or both? Some may even ask if he was doing it just to because he could. There are many that are thrilled that he stood up against others by blocking their annoying behaviors, but others are claiming foul ball in that some people need to use their cell phones for emergencies. Was he right to take a stand?
Was He Right to Take a Stand?
While the Philadelphia Cell Phone Jammer may have had good intentions in mind there’s one tiny problem. Cell phone jammers are illegal in America. The only people allowed to use such devices are the military and law enforcement. Blocking the signal to a person’s cell phone is seen as theft because it prevents them from using services they’ve paid for. The honest truth is it’s a free country and while some people don’t practice good cell phone etiquette, we cannot simply take away their privileges.
We’ve all been annoyed by someone talking loudly into their cell phone. Unfortunately, we cannot just prevent their behavior without taking legal precautions. While the Philadelphia Cell Phone Jammer got his message across, it doesn’t change anything. What does change things is getting companies to ban cell phone use on buses, trains and other public places with the use of petitions. If you’re thinking about doing the same thing the Philadelphia Cell Phone Jammer did, just remember that it was illegal and can land you in some serious legal trouble.
About the Author: Talitha Laderer may not be a huge fan of cell phone conversations in public places, but she thinks there are better ways to relive your stress after being subjected to other people’s conversations. She herself enjoys sipping the oolong tea she got from www.goldenmoontea.com while drowing out other people’s sounds with her own music.