Editor,
"You're a problem for other people if you don't have a mobile phone," said James Katz, Rutgers University professor, in a recent program aired on National Public Radio.
Katz examines the social impact of cell phones. I'm one of those fuddy-duddy college English teacher types who has no cell phone and who rides his ancient and creaking bicycle at snail's pace across the UNM campus in all kinds of weather.
I know just what Katz is talking about. During the recent cold weather, I was creeping across Redondo Drive on my bike when down I went right onto the sidewalk by the Bookstore. After the initial blackout, I lay there like a bug, the back wheel of my bike spinning aimlessly. Just then a wonderful young woman, a student perhaps, dressed to the nines in a sleek black coat and stylish boots, came forging along the sidewalk.
On her cell phone, she was talking to her mother in a very loud and strained voice about the biscuits she was making for her dog's birthday party. She stepped right over me as if I did not exist and continued along, hunched into her phone.
I called out vaguely, "Help. Call 911. Summon the bicycle doctor." All to no avail. She just kept marching and talking.
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Several days have gone by now, and I'm still here flat on my back by the Bookstore waiting for someone to notice. If you happen to be passing by, and you're on your cell phone, please don't step on my face.
This letter is my apology to all of you on your cell phones during the past days who have walked over me, through me and by me. I'm so sorry, and I really, really mean it. I've just become another problem for other people because I don't have a cell phone.
James Burbank
UNM instructor
