A young Black man has shared a list of guidelines his mother instilled in him to navigate the world safely. In the wake of widespread protests against racism and police violence, many Black individuals are voicing their experiences with everyday racism. One such voice is that of 19-year-old Malik Johnson, who recently posted a poignant video on social media outlining the rules his mother taught him to ensure his safety in public spaces.
By the time he was just 11, Malik had committed these rules to memory. “Just some unspoken guidelines my mom expects me to follow as a young Black man,” he captioned the video, which has since garnered millions of views. The extensive list includes advice on how to behave in stores to avoid raising suspicion, as well as how to dress and act while driving to minimize the chances of being stopped by law enforcement.
Here are some of the rules he shared:
- Keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Avoid wearing a hoodie.
- Don’t go outside without a shirt.
- Always check in with family or friends, even if just a short distance away.
- Stay indoors after dark.
- Don’t touch items unless you intend to purchase them.
- Always leave a store with a receipt or bag, regardless of how small the purchase.
- Avoid any actions that could be perceived as a confrontation.
- Never leave home without identification.
- Refrain from wearing a tank top while driving.
- Avoid wearing a du-rag in public.
- Keep the car music at a reasonable volume.
- Don’t make prolonged eye contact with white women.
- If stopped by police, don’t argue; instead, try to cooperate.
- If pulled over, place your hands on the dashboard and ask permission to retrieve your license and registration.
Reflecting on the tragic stories of individuals like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, it becomes clear why a mother would feel compelled to create such a list for her son. In the comments section of Malik’s video, many young people of color echoed similar sentiments, sharing that their parents had imparted comparable guidelines. As one person noted, “We shouldn’t have to live like this,” while another commented, “Saving this video for my future son,” to which Malik responded, “His future shouldn’t be like this.”
“In this crucial moment for our nation, it was important for me to raise my voice, so I shared the video,” Malik explained in an interview. “I wanted to illuminate the everyday reality faced by Black men and underscore the need for change. No one should have to live under such constraints.”
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In summary, Malik Johnson’s video sheds light on the harsh realities faced by young Black men in America, illustrating the necessary precautions they must take to navigate daily life. His mother’s list of rules serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues still prevalent in society today.