Monday Manners: A Refresher Course

I got my first cell phone ten years ago, and even then, it wasn't new technology. My parents had each owned a couple of Zack Morris phones back in the day, and seeing as Zach Morris last appeared on Saved by the Bell (the real show, not the college spin-off) in 1993—over fifteen years ago—it's safe to say that cell phones have been part of our popular culture for, oh, twenty years.

Which is why I was absolutely shocked when, at a movie screening last week, not only did somebody's phone ring, but the owner of said phone answered it. Now, I'm not one to sush people for a little quiet conversation with their seatmates, but taking a phone call? In 2009?

That her phone rang was kind of understandable—she had only just walked into the theatre. That she didn't apologize to those around her and instantly shut her phone off was not. And that she then proceeded to yell at the woman who asked her (quite politely) to please get off the phone was not only not understandable—it was unbelievable.

Folks, I can't believe I need to write another cell phone etiquette column, but maybe everyone needs a reminder: unless you have your own White House-style private screening room, phones at the movies are not okay. They're not okay when they're ringing and they're certainly not okay when they're being answered. End of story.

To conclude, I have a little question for movie theatre managers: if strip clubs make their patrons check their phones at the door, why don't you? Honestly, I'd be much less bothered by a ringing phone at Delilah's.

Image Credit: Flickr user mecredis.