London PSAs

July 11, 2022 - 2 minutes read - 379 words

I have always admired the English culture of organization, communication, and frankly, civilization. There are some definite low-points (Boer War, Partition of India, Partition of the Mideast, Partition of the Kingdom’s Islands), but there is some attention paid to how things “ought be done for the welfare of all.”

For example, pregnant women get an adorable pin (UK: “badge”) consistent with the look and feel and design aesthetics of the Underground that say “baby on board” which lets everyone know, “Hey, give up the seat” — even in the weeks and months when it’s not quite so obvious. Experiencing the anti-case in NYC and France, it’s a good idea.

I also admire that the English take the tube’s visual monopoly as an opportunity to extol civic virtues.

In America, Mr. “Grab ’em By the Pussy” was president; there, men are encouraged to consider how “just joking” might be, and often is, the gateway to violence in the same way that torturing animals as a child is an early signal of sociopathy or psychopathy. I also like the appeal to masculine identity peer pressure to suggest that “mates” have a civic obligation to make sure that they affirm the best version of each other to each other.

Here’s one that I’ve been living in NYC with pregnant Lauren.

NYC operates by people knowing where they’re going having the steam to get themselves there. But what do we do, as a city, when a diversity of ages and mobility capabilities converge? How do we show the best of our city and our civilization to those who are new to walking, limited by the effects of combat, or combatting age? These PSAs are a reminder to take a breath, give some space & grace, and realize that the Great Wheel will put the high low, the young old, and the fleet fumbling.

Frankly, because the less-mobile, the aged, the young are more frequently seen, I think city-dwellers have an extra capacity for kindness in helping support each other through and with disability.

It’s anti-urban propaganda that NYCers won’t stop to help. Our highest virtue is when we do stop to help with the same silent efficiency that we do just about everything else.