This goes out to all you overachievers, internship go-getters and constantly-talking-on-the-phone-to-your-friends/family/boyfriend types who are always planning get-togethers to save the world. Not that there's anything wrong with these activities, it is just that sometimes in your quest to acknowledge the plight of the oppressed you forget the common curtsies due to those around you.
This viewpoint addresses the alarming increase of inappropriate conversing in the Eaton computer lab. Many of us are there to get work done and some of you are getting in the way. So while on the way to dinner in Dewick I'll listen politely about your internship at Morgan Stanley, please, when in Eaton, let me finish my paper.
Let's clarify this: Eaton is not a space for group meetings or phone interviews. It is not for catching up with old friends. It is not for socializing. It is not Tisch. Eaton is a place for last-minute work and for those of us who can't do anything productive in our own rooms.
When you start speaking loudly, it is difficult for others to concentrate on their work. Instead of finishing my Viewpoint, I have to learn about how you're sooooo angry with Professor Blah Blah about having such a hard week. In case you haven't gathered, I don't care. In fact, it is likely that no one who you are disturbing cares. Instead, dislike is gathering for you the moment you pick up the phone.
Why anyone would think that it's OK to talk loudly on their cell phone in a computer lab is beyond my grasp. Has anyone else been bothered by this behavior? Maybe some students haven't yet grown out of the egocentrism of adolescence. Maybe they weren't yelled at as children or forced to consider the feelings of others. Whatever the reason, please, take the conversation with Grandma outside; you'll be doing everyone a favor.
In case there's any confusion, I think we can agree on appropriate behavior in Eaton. While it seems that we're all comfortable with the low murmur that usually pervades the room, it is clearly not OK to have a regular conversation, on the phone or in person.
A regular conversation is one in which speakers use a tone of voice suitable for being outside in open space or in a dorm. In general, conversation in Eaton should be kept to a minimum, but understanding they can be necessity at times, I propose a few rules.
Rule 1: A 30-second time limit on cell phone conversations. Rule 2: A one-minute limit on conversations with another person in the room. If you go over, or believe you might, you should step outside. The same applies for speaking to someone inside Eaton; if you go over, or think you might, step outside. Rule 3: All conversations must be at a lower-than-normal volume. I don't know how to emphasis the volume caveat enough; Eaton is a communal space for individual work. Treat it like a public library. Whispering is best.
But unfortunately this isn't so easy. Some Jumbos can't whisper. So if you can't/don't/won't whisper or speak softly, please step outside before engaging in conversation.
Please! We're only asking that you consider the Golden Rule, respect the space of others, and consider that you're not the only important person in the world. Talking loudly in Eaton is akin to what our elementary school librarian had to scold us about. Please. Get over yourself. Whisper.
As we head into finals all of this becomes increasingly critical. Grades are on the line. So when it's 3 a.m. and your BFF walks in and there's like, nobody really in here anyway, consider my friend Matt who is off in the corner confronting the inner demons which have placed him in the unenviable position of figuring out Kantianism at this painful hour. I hope that after a moment's reflection you'll do us all a favor and take the 15 paces to the door.
Arrash J. Baghaie is a sophomore majoring in philosophy.
