7 Ways to Help You (Yes YOU) Not Shoot Someone this Summer

Well, summer is almost here and you know what that means… a hike in assault, battery, and homicide related crimes. Here are a few practical tips to keep you from smacking, punching, cutting, vandalizing, stabbing, and of course shooting someone:

1. Stay Yo Butt Inside! Summertime equals more people out and about. Especially in the northern cities, the moment an ounce of sunlight and heat appears people are scrambling to get outside! But, this outpouring of people increases the probability of stepped on shoes, people mean mugging, and higher attendance at the club, which results in more conflict. So just stay inside where it’s safe.

2. Stay Hydrated. A key issue with the summer causing violence is the heat. When people get hot, they get bothered. When people get bothered they get angry a lot easier and situations can turn violent.  So, keep that cold beverage handy. Make sure you have that chilled glass of water, iced tea, lemonade, or Kool-Aid ready to go. If you wake up in the middle of the night, be sure to get you a “cold pop”, cuz being parched and pissed, well… ain’t nobody got time for that!

3. Stay Cool by Being Cool. Like #2, in order to keep your composure you have to stay cooled off. Go ahead and fix that AC in your house, and get that freon for your car. If money is tight, next time you’re at church take a few of those funeral home/ MLK fans home with you. It’s ok, God knows your heart, thou shall not be hot and therefore murder.

4. Bring Back the Ice Cream Man. This guy has been missing in many neighborhoods, and we need him back because his treats bring so much happiness to us all.  It’s hard to be ticked at someone when you’re enjoying a fudge sickle, and it’s definitely a difficult task cussing someone out while savoring a push-up or ice cream sandwich.

5. Change the Music You Bump.  When the temp goes up, windows roll down and music gets turned up. I know you want to ride to that Chief Keef down the street, but how about something a little less threatening or temper arousing? Classical anyone?

6. Substitute Real Guns with Water Guns. Simply stated if you just have to shoot someone, how about using a super soaker?

7. Communicate with Your Significant Other. The cold winter months are also known as cuffing season (when you’re tied down in a relationship). But when that heat comes, clothes get skimpy, people get out, and a spirit of singleness seems to sweep through the nation. With this being the case, talk to your “boo,” and make sure yall are on the same page to prevent any unnecessary fights, keyed cars, and shootings.

But all jokes aside, be safe this summer. Be aware of your environments, and learn how to let stuff roll off your back!

Be sure to subscribe for email updates on the right!

-Stephen J. Taylor