Posts Tagged ‘texting’

20th November
2008
written by Aylad MacOdys

I want to preface this post with a couple of disclaimers.  First, understand that it’s a rant.  Matthew Dryden challenged people to write angrily and “with abandon” this week, and although this didn’t come out as angry as it could have, it’s more aggressive than I normally would get.  Blame him; he says it’s ok.

Second, as I was casting about for a topic for my rant, I serendipitously discovered a contest Word Sell, Inc. regarding cell phone use and abuse.  Now, I’m not a huge contest person, but there was a cash prize offered, and I did need a rant topic, so…

“Sir, cell phones are prohibited to students.”

...sigh...

...sigh...

He looks at me, and I can tell that if he were half — rather than twice — my age, his lower lip would be trembling.

“But what if there’s an emergency?” he almost wails.  “How will I get in touch with my son?”

“There is an emergency,” I respond.  “Your son’s grades are on life-support, and by texting in class, he’s pulling the plug.  Oh, and we have…” I pause to count on my fingers… “three land lines here at the school.  Your tax dollars at work, and all that, you know.  If you need to get in touch with your son for any reason, well, use your imagination.” (more…)