"Don't Shoot Me, Bro!"

Dear Naja,

This is in response to last week’s article on the public memorial service for Charles Eimers on Thanksgiving night at South Beach. The service was appropriate and reflective of Key West’s philosophy of “One Human Family”. I’m sure his family appreciated our gesture.

Regarding the tangential issue of police brutality which is associated with Eimer’s untimely demise, I came up with an idea that could identify like-minded citizens on their commitment toward anti-violence.

There could be a new, viral “solidarity gesture” among American citizens who oppose over-zealous authority figures, especially practitioners of brutality. Whenever like-minded friends meet in public they can raise their hands in a gesture of surrender and say: “Don’t shoot, Bro.” to each other. Or, if you’re really good friends say: “Don’t tase me, Bro.”

Our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, which includes gestures, clothing options, and other communication devices that indicate a state of mind. If you oppose the pervasive incidents of police brutality, it would be an effective statement where you stand on the widespread national trend of shooting people on the slightest pretext.

What if groups of people did it in public? Riding subways, entering buildings, seeing a police officer, a security guard? Just let your imagination reign free. Most of the time they’ll just smile or return in kind.   I just tried this with someone knocking on my door: I put up my hands and said: “Don’t shoot me, Bro!” — to which the unwary friend said: “Don’t shoot me, either.” We both laughed and exchanged a high-five.

This gesture could become a powerful, viral political statement that we as American citizens are all fearful of living in a violent society and that potential violence lurks around the corner everywhere we go. Could you imagine a classroom of students greeting their teacher in this manner? Or, a stadium of people doing this after the national anthem? Try it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the reception.

“We the People” have had enough brutality, already. Just don’t do it to your boss. We could do it everywhere, where members of the community gather. Council meetings, Holiday Parades, You name it. Have fun. It’s never too late for change.