The difference in “cell phone culture” between Korea (possibly most of Asia) and the U.S.A.
One thing I am reminded constantly when calling back home to the United States is the lack of people available on the other end. It’s not because they don’t have their cellular phones with them, but rather the fact they usually let phone calls go to voicemail. Even worse, if you’re calling with one of these free services, you better give your party that you’re calling a warning since they usually assume it’s spam or some solicitor calling them. Nevertheless, they usually end up let it go to voicemail with the possibility to call back.
The problem is calling back is sort of tough when the other person is on one of these free services. :)
In Korea, people pick up their cell phones almost anywhere and almost at any time. People will be in serious meetings picking up their cell phones or shall I say “hand phones.” I’ve even adjusted so much that I pick it up during class at times due to emergencies. What sort of message does this teach my kids? At times, they tell me it’s an emergency and it turns out to be their kiddie friend who has to get a hold of them. It’s fascinating how different it can be at times. We would probably call this “rude” or “disrespectful” back home. No?
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