YeaH...mobile phones and etiquette don't seem to mix. I find them more a problem on public transport as per the following.

http://anothergrumpycommuter.wordpress.com/2010/12/13/the-joy-of-mobile-phones/

But then again, I'm not an opera goer so I can't really comment on that audience. Mind you, I ran the City to Surf recently and a guy running near me answered his phone and started talking about how he was currently running in the race (I am not joking either).

hasbeen,

I think you've misread Dr West. Even though he claims to be an expert on men and boys, articles I have read of his left me with the distinct impression he has some serious issues with masculinity. My impression is that Dr West is an ardent feminist and as such I have little sympathy for him.

These academics spend a lifetime attacking social norms because they feel they represent white male privilege and then when these norms are torn down and they have, well, nothing...they complain. It's a bit much.

I'm sure those opera goers were just expressing the numerous 'rights' they have learnt about. The main one being their right to do whaterver they bl**dy well like whenever they like. That is called modern society.

Firstly - the opera is merely an example of the public purse being used to subsidise a small minority's obsession with the theatre of two centuries ago. Don't really understand it myself. There are few demands for the public purse to be pillaged to stage regular productions of Euripides.
Secondly - I think it is beyond doubt that there has been a general decline in public civility. I tend to agree that children who have been raised to know no wrong and who are taught to believe that no-one else in the world is anywhere near as important as they are will exhibit self-absorbed and anti-social behaviours. They have never been told 'no'.
I personally think society would be a much better place if everyone could call people out from improper behaviour in public. Smoke in enclosed spaces - everyone should tell you off. Use foul languagae (particularly in front of women and children) - everyone should feel able to tell you to stop. Carry on like a lout - everyone has a stake in telling you it is just not acceptable.
Unfortunately no-one is prepared to stand up and say 'no'.