An increase in noise and a decline in civility

Large numbers of people living in tight, crowded urban dwellings and the greater dependency of these people on noise-related technology are two factors that have contributed significantly to the growth of urban noise. Yet, another factor too often ignored, namely the lack of civility, has grown concomitantly with this increase in urban noise. Noise, recognized as a major pollutant in cities around the world, is often the outgrowth of a lack of respect for others that has characterized urban living. Playing television sets loudly at night, riding down streets with blasting stereos, or slamming apartment doors are activities that demonstrate disrespect for neighbors. Unfortunately, noisemakers view these activities as falling within their rights. However, rights are not boundless and cannot be exercised at the expense of other people. Individuals are not alone in disrupting the lives of others through noise. Governments have lagged in passing legislation to reduce noise in urban centers and businesses have promoted their products through advertisements that glamorize noise. When we recognize that rights and regard for others go hand in hand, then we will have both a quieter and a more civilized society

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