The Death of Common Decency

On Saturday, a group of us went to dinner and a movie.  We ate at Famous Dave's, a BBQ favorite of ours and caught an early evening showing of The Crazies.  We had lofty expectations for the film after seeing the trailer but my enthusiasm was quickly dashed after 15 minutes of uninspired direction.  The movie wasn't bad, I just expected more.

One thing that did not enhance our moviegoing experience was the rampant use of cell phones in the theater.  If it wasn't one person five rows in front of us texting for 90 straight minutes, it was the woman who got TWO calls in the last 5 minutes of the movie!!

My girlfriend took a poll of her 7th grade class on Monday and asked her students if they answered their phone in the middle of a movie.

All of the 25 or so kids raised their hands. 

She then asked if their parents answered their phones in the middle of a movie.

All of the 25 or so kids raised their hands again. 

BINGO!

As much of a curmudgeon as I might sound, I just don't get it.  I can understand if you get an important call.  By all means, answer it.  Just get up and leave.  At least put your fucking phone on "vibrate".  Shit, I do it.  I have received phone calls during movies, just never one important enough for me to pick up.

Cell phones in theaters are just part of the tip of a large iceberg.  People just don't give a shit about each other anymore. 

Last month, my girlfriend and I were coming back from the red-eye flight from Las Vegas.  We were waiting at baggage claim when this woman was trying to get her heavy bag off the moving platform.  Her bag was so heavy that she fell on the floor.  Mind you, I was a good 25 feet away but I ran over, got her bag off the platform and helped her off the floor.  There were at least 5 or 6 people closer to her who didn't even blink.  It was surreal.

I know I am not alone in this sentiment.  My girlfriend feels exactly how I feel and that is one of the many reasons we are perfect for each other.  We can't be the only ones...right?  Right?