Since this is a political issue.. talk to your stablemates and tell them that with the goal in mind of being told to use headphones you are going to use speakers and expect them to complain loudly about your taste in music. That no matter how softly you're playing your ABBA it jars their sensibilities to the point that they simply wish you could put your headphones back on. As far as being told not to listen to any music at all.. start talking to everyone a bit too much and wandering around... the change in behavior can be attributed to your not having your headphones by your cubemates who are in the know. You could also consider singing along or whistling along with your speakers on. good luck. dave