I really don't understand people sometimes

[1gobluedem]

When I was flying back from a conference on Sunday, the flight attendants made the usual 'stow your electronic devices' announcement as we were coming into Detroit and then had to ask the woman (probably in her early 20s) across the aisle from me to shut off her iPod and take the earbuds out. As soon as the flight attendant was down the aisle, the woman popped the earbuds into her ears, pulled her sweatshirt hood over her head, and hid her iPod under her sweatshirt while continuing to listen to it. I'm no aviation expert but don't they make those announcements for a reason? Since we appeared to be making a smooth approach I didn't say anything to the flight crew but should I have? Could this have caused a problem? And, even if it didn't, should this person get away with deliberately ignoring a rule?

Then this morning as I left the gym I noticed a woman digging around in the shrubs around the parking lot. She wasn't a member of the grounds crew (this is a county facility and they wear a uniform of sorts) and I was absolutely stunned to see that she was digging up shoots from the bushes and putting them in a bucket in her car. I don't think she had permission because she kept looking over her shoulder. Was she stealing? Do you think she thought that since she pays property taxes in the county she's entitled to the shoots? :shrug:

Finally, as I was driving back from the gym, two people turned right on red even though there was a sign saying No Turn On Red. No, there was no traffic (it was early in the morning) but the crosswalk there goes from one park to another, is heavily used by pedestrians and dog walkers, and the traffic light is on a curve and you can't always see the traffic approaching. Does the fact that there was no traffic give these drivers the right to break the law?

More and more I see this sense of entitlement from people who think rules just don't apply to them. I don't get it.

[mikeytherat]

1. Maybe 10 years ago, you would see one or two cars parked in the Fire Lane

in front of the grocery store. Now, there are at least 10-15 cars parked in the Fire Lane, some with wheels up on the sidewalk or completely blocking the access ramps. Likewise, maybe 10 years ago, you would occasionally see someone cutting across the parking lot at an angle. Now, you have to watch as every other car seems to just cut across the lot at random.

mikey_the_rat

[Dangerously Amused]

2. People suck. And it's getting worse. Stick to kitties.

Seriously, I don't get it either.

[BarenakedLady]

3. I hate that mentality

Rules don't apply to them. Always trying to get away with something, get something for nothing, etc. My mother taught me better than that.

:shrug:

[Writer]

4. Me, too. Even if it came with a few insults.

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. And don't get me started on the people in the doctor's waiting room,

chatting on cell phones even though there is a HUGE sign telling them to step outside. Rudeness and entitlement has become the manner of the day and not the exception. It makes it hard to make it through a day.

[Fran Kubelik]

6. ok, but can anyone answer WHY we can't listen to music when the plane is taking off?

I used to listen to my walkman during takeoffs and landings and I truly don't understand why we can't anymore.
Anyone?

[1gobluedem]

7. Because of this, I think

My understanding of the electronics issue on planes is that electronic
devices create "chatter" on the airwaves used for air traffic control. It's
not likely that one iPod is going to make much of a difference, but if
enough people were doing this it would create interference with the flight
crew communicating with the tower. And that could be a HUGE problem.

[Fran Kubelik]

8. seriously?

I don't understand how something that doesn't broadcast a signal creates chatter.

[1gobluedem]

9. I'm no electronics expert

But this is what I've been told.

But, my point is, if they tell you to shut if off there must be a reason. Why can this person just blow that off? :shrug:

[Fran Kubelik]

12. I am going to get to the bottom of this.

But you're right. :thumbsup: The hoodied music girl was a jerk. ;)

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. I know some of them (MP3 Players with radio capabilities) do, but

I always thought the "stow electronic devices" was more of a nice way of saying "Pay attention in case of emergency while taking off or landing". I am probably wrong though.

[Fran Kubelik]

14. That makes sense

I am very curious. I won't stop til I get to the bottom of this. ;)

[ScreamingMeemie]

15. Well this (that I googled) is interesting...

http://everything2.com/e2node/FAA%2520regulations%2520prohibit%2520the%2520use%2520of%2520portable%2520electronic%2520devices%2520during%2520takeoff%2520and%2520landing

I think they are paranoid. :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

16. Ohhh, and I also found this, from a pilot...

http://www.salon.com/tech/col/smith/2007/09/07/askthepilot244/

"What with the nature of carry-ons these days -- expensive computers, phones and PDAs packed with valuable data -- the temptation to reach for your stuff would be strong. What's the difference, you think, in taking an extra second or two to pull out your laptop? Well, hundreds of people each taking an extra second adds up to a lot of seconds, and if there's a fire encroaching quickly toward thousands of gallons of highly volatile jet fuel, every one of those seconds counts. And although you may be one of the first ones out, you've slowed the channel of escape for those behind you.

This is the reason, by the way, for the litany of prohibitions during taxi, takeoff and landing: Tray tables need to be up, window shades open, laptops and iPods put away. It's not about electronic interference, it's about the need for a speedy egress and situational awareness should anything happen."

[Writer]

10. Here's another one: People who don't hesitate to tell you how awesome they are.

:P

Co-workers, etc., who need to posture themselves.

[Rabrrrrrr]

13. It's a result of 30+ years of Republican rule

Their nasty sense of entitlement, of doing whatever you want as long as you don't get caught, of not caring for other people, and of having no respect for social mores - get a country being led that way for almost 40 years, and of course the people are gonna follow along.