The etiquette of public information display

[imomus]

I like the anti-smoking poster campaign currently being run on JR trains in Japan. It's a pretty virulent and imaginative attack on the insensitivity of smokers towards the people around them.



But why does the Health Authority financing the campaign sign off with the slogan 'Meet your delight'? Hang on, this is not an anti-smoking campaign. It's an advertising campaign paid for by Japan Tobacco. I can only assume it's a desperate attempt by the Japanese tobacco industry to demonstrate responsibility and make the case for self-regulation. Except that if you look at what the ads are saying, it's all about proposing a new etiquette of smoking in which it's up to the individual smoker to regulate himself.

I suppose, given the choice between doing the honourable thing -- committing seppuku -- and letting the customer die on their behalf, Japan Tobacco is opting for the customer's death. As long as he realizes that it's up to him to clear up his entrails afterwards in a responsible manner.

Comments

[turkishb.livejournal.com]

Oddly enough I remember the performance took place on a street corner near the Chaunticlier restaurant. It was all very impromptu and wholly lacking in sets or really any cohesive format whatsoever. But then, the logistics of dreams are always a bit lacking... So I guess what I mean is your performing in real life would probably be superior because I could have the delight in remembering it somewhat better. With or without carpenters. (Not that I didn't catch that little metaphor...)