Eighteen-year-old Cameron Welch is giving a glimpse into the reality of being a Black teen in America today. He recently shared a TikTok video on his @skoodupcam account [1] detailing the unwritten rules his mother makes him follow as a young Black man.
Cameron's clip comes during a time of nationwide protests in response to the killing of George Floyd [2] and police brutality. He told POPSUGAR he posted the video, "to put all perspectives into place and to stay positive because change is coming." Below, see a list of the 16 rules he includes:
- Don't put your hands in your pockets.
- Don't put your hoodie on.
- Don't be outside without a shirt on.
- Check in with your people, even if you're just down the street.
- Don't be out too late.
- Don't touch anything you're not buying.
- Never leave the store without a receipt or a bag, even if it's just a pack of gum.
- Never make it look like there's an altercation between you and someone else.
- Never leave the house without your ID.
- Don't drive with a wifebeater on.
- Don't drive with a du-rag on.
- Don't go out in public with either a wifebeater or a du-rag on.
- Don't ride with the music too loud.
- Don't stare at a Caucasian woman.
- If a cop stops you randomly and starts questioning you, don't talk back, just compromise.
- If you ever get pulled over, put your hands on the dashboard and ask if you can get out your licence and registration.
"After watching my video I hope people understand that all people are the same and there should not have to be a list of unwritten rules," Cameron told POPSUGAR. "Everyone should be treated equally." Watch his full video above to witness his powerful message.