“See It, Say It, Sort It’

I’ve passed through London a few times over the years, but never dedicated time to appreciating it. This winter I decided it was time to make up for that. I’ve been here for four days so far and will be staying four days more, attending a series of events and visiting many historical sights. As so many people have told me, it’s a marvelous city.
I am taking a little time now to put into words some of the personal meaning I am finding. I’ll start this reflection with a security announcement.

We are riding the subway/Tube often. When you step into the car and it’s ready to go, the doors shut and an announcement comes over the PA system. First it says where the train is going and what the next stop is. Then you hear: “If you see something that doesn’t look right, speak to staff or text British Transport Police on 61016. We’ll sort it. See it, say it, sorted.”

Apparently this announcement was introduced 10 years ago as a way to invite passengers to assist with security concerns. As we rumbled on to the next stop again and again, I sensed it had possibilities for other aspects of life beyond subway security. (I confess at first I did not hear the last word — “sorted” — clearly; I thought the word was “sort it.” But I’m going with my version: “See it, say it, sort it.”)

Simply put, if we are trying to comprehend something we are experiencing, we can experiment with this phrase. “See it….” In other words, “What am I observing?” Then we take time to formulate words for what we are considering, and “Say it,” either silently or out loud. Since we don’t have an official agency to take over, we can try, on our own, to “Sort it;” for me, this suggests we figure out what this experience means and what we are going to do about it.
Here’s my first attempt to “See it, Say it, Sort it.”

THE DISPLAY OF WEALTH AND POWER.
There are many magnificent buildings and sights in London. I’ve gone through Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London, among others. But after appreciating all that’s there, I began to feel ambivalent about how much wealth has been invested to glorify the kings and queens. In the Tower of London, for example, there is a glass case displaying the communion set used for royal religious ceremonies. The plate is probably two feet in diameter and solid gold, with detailed engravings. It is impressive. But I thought, “Using something this elaborate doesn’t ensure that the ceremonies in which it is used will automatically be filled with genuine spiritual integrity.”
Or seeing the royal crowns embedded with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and exotic gems is certainly impressive. But does it guarantee whoever is wearing it acts with justice and mercy?

REMINDERS OF MORAL COURAGE, RESILIENCE AND HUMAN CREATIVITY.
We were walking past a formidable government building, and masons were filling joints between the stones with mortar. But I noticed there were many chunks of the stones that were missing. I asked one of the workers about it. He said the stones were damaged during the bombing blitz at the beginning of World War 2. The government decided to leave them as they were to remind future generations of what Londoners endured in the war that eventually led to victory, not just for Great Britain but much of Europe.
In the Houses of Parliament, there were statues of leaders who led the people through times of war, like Churchill. There were also tributes to those who expanded the government from rule by elites to a truer democracy: those who had fought to outlaw slavery, others who championed extending voting rights to working people and women, and others who had helped create the national health care system. And there are many reminders of kings and queens who, while wearing the elaborate costumes of royalty, advocated for the best interests of all people. At the Globe Theater I saw a delightful production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” and was reminded of the power of human creativity to create works of art that continue to give us entertainment, insight, and wisdom for centuries.

These are some of the things I “saw” and have wanted to “say” and “sort.” The displays of wealth and power can fill me with awe, but also raise questions when so much power and status is granted to those at the “top” of society. At the same time, the many examples of people standing up for the rights and dignity of all people are inspiring.

I’m still sorting out my impressions. But one constant has been the courtesy and warmth of the British people we encounter. Some no doubt can trace their roots far into the English past. But many others have immigrated here from all over the world and appreciate the life they are making here. It’s inspiring. History and monuments can teach us a great deal, but what is more welcome than being a stranger in a country and finding kindness at every turn?