Playing music from cellphones in public is a growing social norm, often met with complaints and frustration by others. The phenomenon draws parallels to the boombox culture of past decades, where loud music signified territorial claims. Sociologist Elijah Anderson noted this behavior as an assertion of self in shared spaces. However, perspectives on this issue can vary widely depending on personal experiences with music, which can lead to unexpected revelations about diversity in musical tastes and social interactions.
Some regard it as a direct threat: The person playing his iPhone like a radio... daring you to say something so he can lash out in response.
In the influential book Streetwise, the sociologist Elijah Anderson describes... they play their radios as loud as they please, telling everyone within earshot that this is their turf, like it or not.
I have come to see it in terms of the challenge of diversity... It seemed natural... to assume that their music gave everyone else joy, too.
These days, many have similar feelings about people casually playing music, sports videos, and TikToks on their phones in public, especially in confined spaces.
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