Imagine that one day you are strolling toward University Avenue, about to grab a bite to eat before your 1:55 class, when it hits you: that first paper is due in an hour.
Well, no lunch today. You're frustrated at yourself, but somewhat relieved. There should be enough time to get it done. You race up the escalator in Library West - maybe even use the stairs instead of the elevator for that second flight - and are confronted with a full computer lab. As you desperately scan the panorama, you notice the activities at the various stations.
A few people are sitting in front of their computers, the login screens untouched, just reading or doing handwritten homework. Others have their heads down, the clock screen saver floating above their sleeping heads like a guardian angel. Still, others type with their thumbs on their cell phone while the keyboard rests unused.
Politeness. Etiquette. Consideration for your fellow man. Whatever you want to call it, let's reclaim it in force, people!
There is a category called rude, and it seems we are pushing past each other to get into it these days. Rather than describing what puts an action in this category, I'll just list a few characterizing items:
To those taking up computers and not using them for prolonged periods of time, I'll try to look at it from your perspective. Maybe you're tired or want the option to - nope, couldn't do it. You're just being inconsiderate. If the computer stations are all taken and you're on one, make sure you're using the computer.
Have you ever had an annoying bus driver who wants to fill the bus to capacity so that everyone gets to class on time instead of just you and the people who got on before you? Do you think it's unreasonable to be slightly uncomfortable so other people can actually get to campus? For that matter, isn't it annoying when someone thinks about anyone else other than you? Yeah, file to the back. You're rude.
Another thing - sometimes it helps the professor know that there's only five minutes left in class when you start loudly and conspicuously packing up your belongings. Maybe you should just blow an air horn. Either way there's no doubt that you don't care about what the professor is saying.
The UF home page should always post the announcement, "Remember professors, classes are 50 minutes including packing time - your students are ill-mannered and know neither patience nor virtue."
An entire column could probably be dedicated to cell phone etiquette, but let's face it, that would be terribly boring. I'll just connect it to the larger issue of rudeness.
I have a quick question for those who answer their phone in the library or even in class and shout-whisper, "I can't talk now!"
Why is it necessary to answer the phone at all? This may be a stretch, but I think the call not being answered will communicate to the person calling that you can't talk.
I'll admit that my ranting has been hypocritical: no one is immune from the temptation to elevate his convenience above others, myself included. Can we just do a better job of fighting it for the sake of those who have to skip lunch?
Gerald Liles is a history and religion senior. His column appears on Tuesdays.
