Attack of the iPod People

You've seen them, white wires growing out of their ears, oblivious to all around them. These "Pod" people. When you ask them a question they respond with a "huh?" and pull out one of the wires from their ears. That's right, I'm talking about iPod users.

They're everywhere. They can be your friend, your neighbour, your sister. It seems like they can't go more than a few seconds without being plugged in. In fact, I saw a guy playing in a Beach Volleyball tournament with those telling white wires sticking out of his ears.

What are the tell-tale signs of an iPod user? Consider the following:

1. White wires protruding from their ears, leading to their arm, or pocket, or some form of carrier.
2. Vacant looks, i.e. very little awareness of what's going on around them.

They may also exhibit:

1. Head bopping, in time with the music they're listening to.
2. Audible singing, or the mouthing of the words of the song they are listening to.
3. The wearing of a baseball cap, canted to one side (the "down and locked" position, as I like to say).
4. Baggy, hip hop style, clothes.
5. Hoods covering their heads and/or staring at the ground for fear of eye contact with anyone.

However, the one true sign you've seen an iPod Person is those darn white wires coming out of their heads.

Although I don't begrudge someone for listening to music that they like, whenever it's convenient, I just think it's gone a little too far. When people are listening to their iPods and become oblivious to their surroundings because they have the volume turned up (a majority do, according to statistics, even when informed of the possibility of hearing loss), then it becomes a hazard to the general population when these iPod People jaywalk, ride bicycles and drive cars. Not only could they seriously injure themselves, they could hurt other people too. Here's a grim thought: will we see statistics showing the number of deaths directly attributable to iPods?

Are iPods going to become the new cigarette? You'll only be able to use them in certain designated areas? Apple will get sued because of deaths caused by the use of iPods? Is Apple the tobacco company of the new millennium. Well, if someone can successfully sue McDonald's for millions of dollars because they spilled the hot coffee they ordered at the drive thru in their own lap, then I don't think Apple getting sued because of the hazards associated with using an iPod is farfetched. I think I'll have a good chuckle when that happens. But until then, I have one thing to say to current and future iPod People...

Be careful out there!

Wings Over The World