VIDEO: Chill, Don't Kill

I was reading my phone during the advertisements in a Memphis theater July 4th when I heard the catchy line, "Chill, Don't Kill." Could it be? Really? Now we need ads cajoling us not to murder one another? I turned to my wife and she confirmed it. Yes, we had just seen an advertisement asking the people of Memphis not to kill one another. I missed the start of this work of art yesterday.

Brace yourself. It's on YouTube:

Chill, Don't Kill Video

What a message to see on Independence Day. Should we celebrate America's birth or ease it into oblivion? Does this band-aid have a chance?

I'm too familiar with a large number of attempted murders in one major American city, St. Louis, because I see the surviving patients that result. I treat their spinal cord injuries, brain injuries and polytraumas for several weeks, learning way more than I want to about the circumstances of their beatings and shootings. The stories are pointless and mind-numbing. There is no rationale or justification for the brutality. But can we replace innate morality with catch phrases like "Chill, Don't Kill?" If so, media is this atheist's new religion. But I fear it's an apocalyptic one.

Now remember boys and girls: Don't bust a cap. Take a nap.

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Comments

[Stephen C. Rose - Huffpost Blogger]

I don't agree if the message comes from those most affected, the most vulnerable, those most vulnerable, or better yet from perps who have thought about their deeds. There can be no progress if we allow things that we regard as self evident to remain so when there is a chance to chip away at the public mindset. There is less slavery in the world now than there was 100 years ago. Gradually the marginalization of women is being addressed. It is not too soon to make killing unacceptable even if we do so awkwardly and hesitantly.

[ravencalling]

Lets see, with 5 people murdered this weekend in Memphis, I guess this video is apt for the area. In other words I am not surprised. Chill, don't Kill.. right..

[viko]

I remember the good old day's Nancy Reagan had a great National slogan.
" Say no to drugs"
In this new world of blaming Bernie Maddof for the cosmic economic rip off. Transfering the debt from Wall St to the tax payer of Main St because we were intimidated by the treat they were to big to fail.. Our new slogan is for the homeless, jobless.
" Get a God dam House".
Palin is getting as much negetive attention as Jako as Iran is unleashed new words from Joe Biden Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran. Isreal is a sovern nation and we dont tell them what to do with thier 153 nuke war heads that we kept secret for years. " What no fly zone"
I think we all need to watch out we don't spark an echological disastar that would take one thousand years to clean up.
Last week in Max News . com . A Millionaire was giving out 3,000 free yes free hand guns as The Washington Times were running a story that Obama was a Muslim and member of the Muslim brotherhood. Is this a tinge whif of a fragrance in the ambiance emetting an atmosphere of an extreemism in our society.

[gailga]

It's a sad thing if people need to be given a reason not to commit murder, but it is likely true. Still, though, it's great to see any kind of message like this appearing anywhere, because no one with any kind of bully pulpit ever seems to say anything about violence of any kind. Religious leaders would rather talk about sexual or reproductive behavior, political leaders would rather talk about why their opponents are wrong, and business leaders would rather talk about profits.

People need to learn that there are other ways to solve their problems that do not involve violence. Also, our culture needs to develop a concept of manliness that does not include violence as a path to power over others. How we get there, I have no idea.

[auntiegrav]

What Brand is the Chill?
If you want people to stop shooting each other, you have to sell them something that is better than murder. Just 'saying' that "chillin' is better than killin' " doesn't change anything.

You gotta SELL it.

It's all in the marketing. Read Douglas Rushkoff's new book, "Life, Inc."
Once we all became corporations, there is no more liability for our actions. Do what you want and see how much you can get for it. Murder is more profitable than staring at people, so why would anyone chill when they have the run of the streets?

Until we find the truth about our nature and understand what we really have in common, the merchants will "divide and market" until they manage to sell Armageddon.