Plugged In, but Tuned Out: The Evil Influence of Ear Buds
Darrell Thomas

I. Invasion of the Body Snatchers:
Have you noticed a change in the world around you recently? Have you seen how more and more people are walking around with little rectangles in their hands or pockets with long wires plugged straight into their ears? At the grocery store yesterday, I counted at least twenty people completely lost in the music provided by their ever-present cell phones. It’s as if the old science-fiction movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers was coming true; we are being overtaken by pod people. So at the risk of appearing to be a crotchety old man complaining about the “good ole days,” I have to make a stance against the evil influences of the cell phone and ear-bud phenomena on our society.

II. A Rational and Well-Thought Out Fear:
Now, I am not a Luddite; I have no desire to go around smashing up every cell phone or technological gadget in sight. I enjoy and benefit from technological advances just like everyone else. I have a microwave, a television, a lap-top computer, and a gas stove, and I use them all practically every day. I am not accusing people listening to music on their cell phones of having detrimental effects upon our society because I hate music either. I profoundly do not hate music—but I do, ridiculous as it sounds, hate when cell phones are used to block out the real world.

III. The Dangers and Distractions of Ear Buds:
People who have ear buds in their ears simply cannot hear danger approaching. All they hear is the pretend soundtrack of their lives. People walking with ear buds in cannot hear a dog dashing up behind them nor can they hear the footsteps of a thief or murderer sneaking up behind him or her either. People who drive their cars with ear buds plugged in their ears (an act that is considered a traffic violation in many states) cannot hear a child screaming or a horn blowing in warning. Cell phones are known to be a factor in many car accidents. I won’t even mention how distracting ear buds plugged into a cell phone can be for a student in a classroom setting! We basically have handed a device to students that invites them to not pay attention to the real world around them.

IV. Narcissism:
Beyond just being distracting and dangerous, ear buds are detrimental and damaging to society as a whole. Ear buds work against a community of listeners. Everyone is walking all over the neighborhood, plugged into their latest favorite playlist, but no one is talking to anyone. People who are addicted to their ear buds don’t care about other people. They don’t want community and contact with the real world. Ear buds also actively destroy live musicians' ability to make a living with their art form. No one wants live music anymore when they can pay less to hear it instantly and privately anytime they want. If we don’t curb our use of ear buds, all our musicians will languish and no new music will be developed.

V. Toss Them In the Trash!
People refuse to recognize the danger of ear buds because they simply love their ear buds too much to give them up. Ear buds are probably doing serious physical damage to their inner eardrums or even the brain itself, but apparently that doesn’t bother anyone. I shudder to think of what the future will be like if we continue on the path of ear bud slavery we’re traveling. Next time you’re tempted to plug in and tune out, remember my warning. Either we learn to live without ear buds, or we’re going to turn into a nation of complete zombies. Is that where you want to live?

Write a response to this passage, in which you agree or disagree with the author's position on the influence of ear buds. In your response, anticipate and address any counter-claims or rebuttals others may have against your position.