CELL PHONE HAVENS

The cell phone is our disembodied life, unconnected to the our immediate surroundings. Where we can have a cell phone on our person, then it means that part of our consciousness is far away, caught up in the possibility (or reality) of an information exchange with a distant person -- the information exchange may consist of a conversation, or of merely receiving the information that someone has called (even if we aren't able to talk, when the call is received). Even if we choose to leave our phones home when going to a concert, or to turn the phones completely off, we run the possibility that someone near us is distracted by a vibrating message of an incoming call -- meaning that the consciousness of the group is divided.

There are few areas where we remain connected to the group, such that it is impossible to possess a cell phone that is capable of receiving calls (at least by vibrating). These places -- where we cannot have our phones on us, or where we can have them but they can't receive calls -- fall into a few categories. There are places where there is no signal (on a flying airplane, generally, and in some subways). Also, places where possessing a cell phone violates enforced rules (taking a standardized test). Also, places where we can't have phones on our persons, because the phone would be damaged (in a shower, in a swimming pool), or the phone would be at risk of breaking (playing contact sports). In a sense, these few places are the only places where we are truly tuned into our immediate surroundings, in a simpler manner. In pretty much all other places, people can have phones -- and they can be on, receiving calls, at least in vibrating mode (regardless of whether the person can talk at the moment a call is received). And whereever people have operating phones, a part of us is caught up in the daydream that is the cell phone.

To be sure, many other places, such as concerts and other public spaces offer opportunities -- excuse me for a moment, I'm getting a call ...