(Column) - In my last column, Why Everyone Loves Apple, I mentioned Apple’s great customer support by using the latest iPod volume level patch as a supporting example. That apparently didn’t stick well with a few readers who e-mailed me expressing their anger towards consumers in general and the way companies have to protect themselves from litigations because of redundant and obvious warning labels on products. I’m inclined to agree with the select few that replied to state their opinions. It’s dramatically idiotic.

In our society, we’ve reached a point where we, as consumers (though only a select few of us), would rather litigate companies than work hard, the traditional way, to capture the American Dream. This is a damning theology that some of us adopt to slide through life.

While we are using Apple as an instance and prime example of consumer harassment, let’s look at the ongoing iPod volume lawsuit. In February, a genius (John Kiel Patterson) filed a lawsuit against Apple for failing to take adequate steps to prevent hearing loss. He claims that the iPod is capable of producing 115 decibels of audio levels, which is dangerous to our sensitive ears. No kidding, genius!

There’s no denying that iPod, along with other portable audio players, are capable of producing extreme volume levels, which is threatening to music listeners. According to audiologists and research reports, listening to personal music players at high volume settings can result in hearing loss over a period of time. Naturally, any sensible person listening to blasting music would be aware of the consequences, but maybe not. Maybe, in today’s day and age, it’s impossible to take responsibility for our actions when we can effortlessly and haphazardly blame corporate America.

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