Blog Update - August 4, 2009: I feel compelled to update my blog below after receiving a comment concerning some slightly less comforting London signs (above) that popped up in 2002. They reference the 1.5 million CCTV police cameras installed by authorities in the UK.
Like the signs below, I'm sure they were meant to be comforting in a crime prevention sort of way, but are rather creepy and Orwellian instead. More and more of these police cameras are appearing in the US, too. Not sure how I feel about them. What do you think?
Like the signs below, I'm sure they were meant to be comforting in a crime prevention sort of way, but are rather creepy and Orwellian instead. More and more of these police cameras are appearing in the US, too. Not sure how I feel about them. What do you think?
Original Blog - July 6, 2009: So, I was thinking recently. Now don't look so surprised! Anyway... I was thinking: "One of the reasons I love London are the ubiquitous signs they are wont to post in public places." Necessary or not, I find them rather comforting.
For example while standing on the platform in The Tube (aka: The London Underground) preparing to board the next train, a sign on the pavement cautions you to "MIND THE GAP" between the platform and train.
After completing your transit on the Underground and exiting the train (once again minding the gap) you are greeted by an ever so comforting sign: "Way out →". How often in your life have you needed one of those?
One final example from London are the hand painted signs at the curbs telling you which way to look for traffic. If you aren't accustomed to cars driving on the "wrong side" of the road, this can be a life saver, literally.
We all can use a little guidance now and then, can't we? Have you ever found yourself looking for some sort of sign? What "signs" (literally or figuratively) do you look for? What might be helpful or comforting to see or hear?
These are great photos of London
ReplyDeleteHope you've managed to recover your photos
ReplyDeleteThe "look right" sign has saved my life more than a few times!
ReplyDeleteAfter getting off that horrid tube. The Way out is my favorite sign!
Faith
These are a bit creepy, though...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.art-for-a-change.com/News/eyes.htm
RE: the "Secure Beneath the Watchful Eyes" posters. I'm pretty sure I was in London that year, but didn't see those signs, Frank. They are very Orwellian and creepy. We watch the BBC drama "Spooks" (retitled for the US as "MI-5") and the saturation of CCTV cameras in London is amazing... and a bit frightening. They are popping up more and more here, too, of course. Oh, and that chip they imbedded in my neck keeps itching. Is there something I can take for that?
ReplyDeletehey michael! great blog!I love those signs but I have to say - I think the CCTV cameras all over are totally creepy! they are everywhere in nyc, in the bronx by fordham they have these cameras with a sign that say- NYPD survellience - and all over the west side highway the cameras are there to catch people and take a picture of your car when you try and go through red lights (its gone off on martin once when he went through it was yellow and halfway through it turned red so he got a ticket!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Nikki. I figured NYC would have them all over. Oh, and as far as getting a traffic citation via one of those, Martin’s not alone. In fact I remember my dad receiving a photo and speeding ticket in the mail in the Netherlands when we lived there as a kid. At the time it seemed very futuristic, but someone I know received one in the mail here in Texas just recently. So is it invasive and creepy only if you feel guilty about something and are breaking the law? It’s not like they are putting the cameras in our bedrooms. Or are they?
ReplyDeleteThose signs may very well have been removed by now...they were all over the web when they came out, so there may have been a bit of backlash. But the CCTV cameras certainly didn't go away...and the US is catching up.
ReplyDeleteI think we all should stop nose-picking while driving.
ReplyDeleteHahaha :) But seriously.
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