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NYC Law Aims To Ban Cell Phones In Theatres

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the when-moral-suasion-isn't-enough dept.

LunarFox writes: "This article on Wired says a New York City councilman is trying to ban cellphones in 'places of public performance'. It would be the first legislation of its kind, following the recent state-wide ban on cellphone use while driving. Wired mentions that actor Laurence Fishburne, in the middle of a Broadway performance, yelled to an audience member to "turn your f___ing phone off!" And here I thought I was the only one who didn't like hearing Flight of the Bumblebee as a ringtone."

3 of 928 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Maybe it's time by whirred · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Sorry kind sir, but you're utterly full of shit on this one.

    Talking on a cell phone is in no way anymore dangerous than fiddling with a CD player, changing radio stations, or talking to other passengers. These "numerous studies" you mention either don't exist or are likely quite biased.

    Statistics can prove any aspect of any argument, as can "numerous studies".

    I think having conversations with passengers is easily more dangerous, as anyone here can agree with me on, because you are more likely to make gestures or attempt eye contact.

    As for radios - no one "listen[s] to radio only". They often channel surf whenever commericals come on, or they fast forward or skip songs on their radios.

    And don't get me started on kids. I have nothing against kids and obviously they can't be banned, but I have seen more people distracted while driving by their offspring than cell phones at all.

  2. no more laws by jchristopher · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    We don't need anymore laws. What we need is a little vigilante justice.

    Yes, I'm being serious. Things like phones going off in theatres only happens because WE allow it. If we start beating the fuck out of these people and smashing their phones, maybe people will think twice about bring a cell phone into a theatre.

  3. Too specific by Pyromage · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    This is shitty: This in no way is dangerous, such as driving in a car. It's only annoying.

    Think of it as the same level of sitting next to the fat & smelly guy in the theatre: Annoying, but should the U.S. ban fat people?

    What should be done is to pass a law allowing cell-free zones, such as HOSPITALS, or a particular business if they desire it. There could be a cell-usable zone in a restaraunt, like smoking areas.

    This way, theatres which wish to allow it may, while not forcing all of them to allow it.