Noise

S

sparrow

Cathlete
Hey Ladies,

Does anyone mind if I just flat-out bitch for a second?!

I am so tired of NOISE in American society. It seems everywhere you go there's unnecessary noise: car stereos, cell phones, barking dogs, screaming kids, dirtbikes, oversized mufflers, people who have no concept of public volume, on and on. No matter where you go it seems you can't get away from it, even in places like the movies, where you'd think people would be quiet. The one place I thought I would be free from this is the library. I've always loved libraries and often go just for a little end of the day relaxtion with a magazine. But more and more it seems as if my local branch is being overrun by loudmouths, unruly kids and people who think they are at the coffee klatch. Today, there was a teenage girl talking non-stop in a loud tone of voice. I could hear her all over the library. A little boy was running up and down the stairs as well, cackling his head off, and a mother was walking around calling for her son loudly! Finally I asked the librarian if the library did not have rules against noise. She told me to go downstairs where it's quieter! I told her there was someone on their cell phone down there. She and the other librarians looked at me like I was insane for wanting it to be mellow in the library. I said to them, "You know, the library is one of the few places left in American society where peace and quiet is supposed to reign." And then I left. So now I am furious. When did Americans because so coarse, so unable to conduct themselves appropriately in public places? You know, my father said to me once that little by little "nice" people are withdrawing from public life, simply because of the masses they come up against when they step outside. Honestly, I don't know that he isn't right. Certainly, I don't go to movies, or sporting events, or much of anything anymore, because the aggravation is not worth it. Seems now that I have to add the library to that list. ;(

Sorry so long, fit chicks. I'm seriously frustrated.

Sparrow

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
You're singin' my song, Sparrow. DH and I are increasingly becoming two little turtles in our little townhome shell because it's QUIET. And DH shares your frustration with the transformation of the public library into yet another Cafe' Society.

I agree with every word you wrote. I'll shut up now.

A-JOck
 
Preachin' to the choir here too! I've been noticing a certain distaste I have when I feel as if I am just one of the masses. Like when we went to Disneyland a couple of months ago and I constantly had to fight the crowds of people clamoring to be entertained by fake African safaris and trips around the world, etc. And like last weekend when I took my DD and DS to the crowded theater and had to put up with the kid behind me kicking my chair off and on throughout the movie. I've been thinking there is something wrong with me. Apparently, I'm not alone!! Whew!:)
 
Oh, I could not agree with you more!!! I spend an hour in a noisy place like a mall and I feel like I'm going to go postal.

I find myself becoming more and more cranky when I go out among the mad people.
 
Hmm, I dunno, but maybe next time you can try stopping and being thankful for a minute that you can hear it. :)

Marie
 
I personally am very thankful for my hearing and all my senses, however, I do have a problem with pure in your face rudeness in public. I am the mother of 4 boys for goodness sake - I can certainly tolerate noise - but even my 3 youngest (and 1 grown up) know how to use appropriate voices, behaviors and manners in public. My boys often comment on the rudeness of adults and other children when in public places.

I am very proud to say that EVERY time DH, myself and the boys are out in public, and including restaurants and the library, an adult comes up to us and comments on the excellent behavior and manners of our boys --of course, I burst at the seams when they add the "how cute they are" comments.:) Proper behavior and manners have to be taught at an early age...it must be a way of life, a habit so to speak.

In defense of some children and adults, there are often special needs issues which can totally affect behavior in public places. I've dealt with those with 2 of my DSs, but yet in still, we get the good comments.

BTW, I LOVE the sound of silence and relish hearing that when an opportunity arises.:)
 
I've always had a avery low tolerance for noise. I love my solitude and silence. But yes, I think you're right Sparrow. Society is definitely getting noisier. There are few places a person can go anymore for true peace and quiet - even a lot of people's homes are noisy with constant TV, phones, etc. I'm one of those who prefers to hide - I love my country home, where, except for an occasional noisy pickup truck driving by, things are pretty peaceful. Thank goodness. Because the workplace sure is noisy!
 
>Hmm, I dunno, but maybe next time you can try stopping and
>being thankful for a minute that you can hear it. :)
>
>Marie

Marie, point taken ;)

I think it's not the actual noise so much as that most of it eminates from a place of social rudeness and discourtesy. :)

Sparrow

'Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
>I personally am very thankful for my hearing and all my
>senses, however, I do have a problem with pure in your face
>rudeness in public. I am the mother of 4 boys for goodness
>sake - I can certainly tolerate noise - but even my 3 youngest
>(and 1 grown up) know how to use appropriate voices, behaviors
>and manners in public. My boys often comment on the rudeness
>of adults and other children when in public places.
>
>I am very proud to say that EVERY time DH, myself and the boys
>are out in public, and including restaurants and the library,
>an adult comes up to us and comments on the excellent behavior
>and manners of our boys --of course, I burst at the seams when
>they add the "how cute they are" comments.:) Proper behavior
>and manners have to be taught at an early age...it must be a
>way of life, a habit so to speak.
>
>In defense of some children and adults, there are often
>special needs issues which can totally affect behavior in
>public places. I've dealt with those with 2 of my DSs, but
>yet in still, we get the good comments.
>
>BTW, I LOVE the sound of silence and relish hearing that when
>an opportunity arises.:)

Melody, why am I not suprised that your boys are well-mannered and receive many compliments? :) Actually, my niece and nephew are the same way. They are so great in public and often look at other kids and say, "wow, he wasn't acting the right way!" Sometimes I think they're impressed! :)

Sparrow

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
>I've always had a avery low tolerance for noise. I love my
>solitude and silence. But yes, I think you're right Sparrow.
>Society is definitely getting noisier. There are few places a
>person can go anymore for true peace and quiet - even a lot of
>people's homes are noisy with constant TV, phones, etc. I'm
>one of those who prefers to hide - I love my country home,
>where, except for an occasional noisy pickup truck driving by,
>things are pretty peaceful. Thank goodness. Because the
>workplace sure is noisy!

Shannon, I will be joining you in the country some time after June 9 and can't wait!

Sparrow

'Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
ITA with everything! Add to that the bass on my neighbor's daughter's boyfriend's car stereo. That thing shakes our house to it's very foundation!

I was dealing with another form of noise pollution all night last night...a big ole snoring DH!;( x(
 
The NYC Public Library enforces the no cell phones rule. In my local branch, someone's cell phone started ringing once, and one of the librarians *yelled* across the entire library (it's a small branch) Turn that cell phone off! Turn that cell phone off! I think that the cell phone ring was actually less obnoxious than her yelling. x(

I think that manners in general have gone down the toilet--people are just rude and selfish. It's all about me me me. A lot of the rudeness and noise I see have to do with cell phones. People get on their cell phone and think that they're in their own little bubble world where they can do and say what they want, and noone will care or be bothered by it. I was riding a train a few weeks ago, and some guy gets on his cell phone and starts talking loudly about how he's not ready to date some woman, how they're in a different "place," blah blah blah...lots of stuff I really didn't want to hear. Worse, he's doing this, and pacing back and forth in front of my seat, gesturing and talking loudly, then sitting down across from me and putting his feet up on my seats!! I gave him a nasty look and he was oblivious. I think he may have finally gotten it when the woman across the way from me rolled her eyes at him and she and I started laughing at him. Unbelievable.

One day I am going to do something or say something to loud and obnoxious cell phoners. Like singing I wish I were an Oscar Mayer weiner in a really loud voice the next time I'm riding an elevator and some idiot starts chatting loudly on their cell phone. Have been tempted to do this but haven't had the guts yet.
 
>One day I am going to do something or say something to loud and
>obnoxious cell phoners. Like singing I wish I were an Oscar Mayer
>weiner in a really loud voice the next time I'm riding an elevator
>and some idiot starts chatting loudly on their cell phone. Have
>been tempted to do this but haven't had the guts yet.


Hey Bunbun -

I think I'll have my boys join in and we'll try the above. We have to go into Atlanta for an appointment later today and, of course, there's an elevator in the building.}(

I'm with Shannon - I love my country mountain peaceful home.:)
 
This is my pet peeve, especially with people playing loud music. How can they not care that they are imposing their tastes on everyone else? Where is my peace and quiet in my own home with my windows closed? I've already given up being able to listen to birds and wind in the trees in my yard.
 
>This is my pet peeve, especially with people playing loud
>music. How can they not care that they are imposing their
>tastes on everyone else? Where is my peace and quiet in my own
>home with my windows closed? I've already given up being able
>to listen to birds and wind in the trees in my yard.

I feel for you. I honestly think people just don't even think about it, especially younger people, simply because no one has taught them basic consideration.

Anyway, here's the latest: I emailed the Library Director this morning. I was very nice but let her know that I was upset by the whole situation, especially the fact that I, the person who was not doing anything distruptive, was expected to adjust my position in the library so Chatty Kathy could carry on. The Director was very nice in her response but basically said "this is a public facility we can't really do anything about it." Now, my first reaction to that is, WTF? For years libraries were able to set standards and enforce them. On the other hand, she has to deal with the rude masses all the time, so I can understand the reluctance to confront them. Who knows what people will do or say if the librarian asks them to quiet down? Sigh.

Sparrow

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
Sparrow, I was shocked when I went into my city library a few months ago. I couldn't believe the NOISE!!!

I must say, a quiet refuge for me remains the Law Library at school. You kind of get evil eye spears sent your direction if you make noise in there, LOL! But you need your ID to get in...

At the city library, it was the librarian making the most noise, talking to a coworker!!! :eek: :eek:
 
i thought maybe as i am have hit middle age that i am just getting more cranky, but i see that i am not alone, and totally agree with all above!! unfortunately, children are no longer taught manners so we all must suffer for that, and as they grow into adults, they get worse. i get very sick of having rude, loud people constantly forced upon me. my dream (and i will live this dream one day) is to live on about 150 acres in the middle of nowhere out west where there are no shopping centers, movie theatres, traffic, etc., etc. to disturb me. my dream life is to live where i choose when i see people, not the other way around. don't get me wrong, i love my friends and family, and i can be quite social, but when i want silence and peace, i don't want to see another person around me, except of course my wonderful man. the only noise i truly love is the sound of birds singing, crickets cricketing and frogs croaking....

i don't know, maybe i am an old cranky fart....
 
I couldn't agree more with all of you. My current pet peeve is the constant barking in my neighborhood. Every house within a 2-block radius has a dog, and sometimes, it sounds like they are all barking in unison. When I have approcahed individual neigbors to ask them to please control their dogs, I have been laughed at, insulted, and physically threatened. Many have also explained that it is their right to hear their dog barking (and I lack the right not to hear it, even with my windows closed). It's gotten to the point where DH and I are talking about moving to a farm where we have no neighbors, even though we love our home and don't want to have a 30-minute commute to work.

Rude people. Ugh.
 
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