I joined a Facebook group that shares posts of Manhole Covers from around the world!
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There are more than 48,000 manhole cover enthusiasts in the group. As with any social media following, a few of the crew are outspoken. Others, like me, are casual observers, happy to have found a harmless feed to fill our scrolling with unexpected art that most people step on.
Until, BOOM!, some knuckleheads ruin it for everyone.
Manhole Covers, Noticed by Happenstance
Big on gawking and stopping mid sidewalk to take pictures, especially on vacation, I enjoying seeing great design in surprising places. Whether it’s gardens or architecture, I like to take it in.
Often I use what I see as inspiration for my own art and writing.
Though not a prolific manhole cover photog, I have snapped a picture or two of these Roman-inspired guardians of sewer lines and other civilized utilities. Below is one such photograph I took while touring the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, in June of 2017.
The Politics of Manhole Covers
Finding a like-minded group on Facebook was a pleasant surprise. And, not shocking, the group has rules, as a good groups do.
For this article, I’m using the politics in the broadest and narrowest sense of the word. Some genius at Wikipedia defines politics as the “set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups.” Though we often think of politics as being strictly government functions, the dance is also seen in groups.
Guidelines for the group are the typical things you find when joining a Facebook group. All the “do unto others” of the Golden Rule, like no bullying, cussing and spitting.
Within the first week of joining, it came to the collective’s attention that Rule One had been broken by an unsuspecting member.
Only Pictures of Manhole Covers Allowed!
Sure, this one seems obvious for a manhole cover group.
However, when a photo like this one was posted, the comments came quick and harsh.
As lovely as it is, this is NOT a manhole cover, it is a plaque or landmark or any name it might go by. But, absolutely NOT a manhole cover. Personally, I thought it was pretty.
Manhole covers are removable and have holes in them that allow them to be pried opened so a man (or other person) can go subterranean.
Thank you, manhole-splainers.
This picture is similar to the one posted. I took this one in London a few years ago. I thank my lucky stars I wasn’t the one who put it out there for the group to maul.
Feet or No Feet?
This is another debate that took place early in my being part of the manhole covers group – should your feet show in the picture? Though falling under no specific rule, this discussion (in my opinion) was silly.
Some want pure manhole cover pictures, unadulterated by humans. Others think feet give a sense of size.
All said and done, seems the outcome was as balanced as someone standing on two feet.
My feet are in every manhole cover picture I’ve ever taken. Yes, this is a manhole cover (note the holes).
Perhaps if I were another foot taller, it wouldn’t be so tricky getting an overhead photo without my toes showing.
Then again, I think of it as a selfie.
Covering Deep Political Undercurrents
In the last week or so, someone posted a picture of a manhole cover in Israel.
Several people commented according to their rather strong opinions on the war.
Most everyone else lamented over the (in)appropriateness of bringing such strong feelings and prejudices to a group formed only to admire the industrial art found on the ground around the world.
I don’t know if people everywhere find themselves taking more offense now, ready to argue, set off by the slightest thing than in years past or if it’s just the people in this group, but dang. I try to respect other people’s feelings. Try to put myself in their shoes. See both sides.
The problem, I feel, is too often, the person raising the intensity level isn’t interested in a discussion.
I feel we benefit more as people when we listen, appreciate others and talk. This group to me was a way to interject bits of the world into my life – places I may never visit, but I like to see what they’re doing the same as we do in Texas and what they do different. It makes me a better rounded person. So what if it’s manhole covers we’re looking at.
As much as I’ve enjoyed seeing the snapshots, with and without feet, manhole cover or plaque, it may be time for me to move on along and find a more peaceful group.
Cheers!
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