Both black and white America are having a very important conversation on Twitter right this instant.
Yesterday’s grand jury decision not to indict white police officer Daniel Pantaleo for the death of Eric Garner, a black man illegally selling cigarettes in Staten Island, led to protest and tears for many Americans.
And while activists marched the streets of cities across the country, many used social media to share their feelings about this case, as well as the one of black teenager Mike Brown, whose death sparked rioting in Ferguson.
Under the hashtag #CrimingWhileWhite, earnest discussion began about how police treat white people differently than black people.
Television writer Jason Ross reportedly began the conversation with his own memory of committing crimes as a white teen.
Busted 4 larceny at 11. At 17, cited for booze + caught w gun @ school. No one called me a thug. Can’t recommend being white highly enough.
— Jason Ross (@jasonjross) December 3, 2014
Yeah, but I can tell you’re a good kid. Just something about you. Go have fun, now. — Jason Ross (@jasonjross) December 3, 2014
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BTW, I’m not boasting. That record is (or was) sealed and I hoped never to contend w/ it again. But for fuck’s sake.
— Jason Ross (@jasonjross) December 3, 2014
OTHER WHITE PEOPLE: Tweet your stories of under-punished f-ups! It’s embarrassing but important! Let’s get #CrimingWhileWhite trending! — Jason Ross (@jasonjross) December 3, 2014
Well, shit. pic.twitter.com/ltgeyLxHTb
— Jason Ross (@jasonjross) December 4, 2014
Thousands joined in on the #CrimingWhileWhite conversation, sharing their stories of privilege.
At Chicago Blues Fest, drinking beer openly. Cop said to throw it out; instead I chugged. Cop laughed, didn’t shoot me. #CrimingWhileWhite — Jesse Sheidlower (@jessesheidlower) December 3, 2014
Late for ferry. Pulled over speeding wrong way down 1 way. Belligerent passenger. Nice cop. Not even a written warning. #CrimingWhileWhite
— brian wisti (@brianwisti) December 3, 2014
I got caught shoplifting at a water park when I was a kid. Instead of calling the police, they called my dad. #CrimingWhileWhite — Chris Travis (@ChrisTravisNYC) December 3, 2014
#CrimingWhileWhite at age 24, pulled a gun on a neighbor. Arrested and bonded out, but no charges were ever filed.
— #PoliceThePolice (@Joe_Schmucc) December 3, 2014
I dined and dashed-cop found me at the movies, I paid the bill and he left. I was rude but not arrested and not killed. #CrimingWhileWhite — Robyn Kopp (@filmfixation) December 3, 2014
Drugged and assaulted by a white Naval officer. Police said pursuing was a waste of time. Wouldn’t even question him #crimingwhilewhite
— Angel Wood-Morton (@AngelMorton77) December 3, 2014
When I was 17 I was caught shoplifting and they politely asked me to leave the store (with the merchandise) #crimingwhilewhite — Mark Agee (@MarkAgee) December 3, 2014
In high school I got in a 3 car wreck that might have been my fault. The cop told me it was the “illegal alien’s” fault. #CrimingWhileWhite
— Elizabeth (@oceana_roll) December 3, 2014
caught smoking weed on private property, lied repeatedly to cops, they found an oz in my car, told me to drive home slow #CrimingWhileWhite — billy corgan (@UncleNatie) December 3, 2014
Exhaled blunt smoke in a cop’s face as I opened my door and then told him he couldn’t come in without a warrant. He left. #CrimingWhileWhite
— Classic (@classicmaterial) December 3, 2014
17, questioned by cop for doing late night donuts in playground parking lot. “Be careful son.” #CrimingWhileWhite — JeffSharlet (@JeffSharlet) December 4, 2014
My wife has been pulled over six times for speeding in the last 4 years. One ticket. #CrimingWhileWhite
— JeffSharlet (@JeffSharlet) December 4, 2014
When I was 19 & in NYC, cops stopped friends & I for drinking on the street. Pal had military ID. No search & we walked. #CrimingWhileWhite — Jill Filipovic (@JillFilipovic) December 4, 2014
At 13 I stole a car with my friends & drove it 2wks before we got busted. Only one charged was black. #CrimingWhileWhite
— Cecily Kellogg (@Cecilyk) December 4, 2014
#CrimingWhileWhite I was stopped going 85 in a 55 w/o proof of license or insurance. Given a verbal warning. — Kara Lynn Schmidt (@_kara_lynn) December 4, 2014
This one is shameful. Got into physical fight with mom as a teenager. Cops came. Handcuffed me but no assault charges. #CrimingWhileWhite
— Erin Ash (@Erin_Ash156) December 4, 2014
#CrimingWhileWhite Ran a light at 3 am ,on way to ER. Can’t talk, reach for epi pen in glove box to show cop. He draws gun but doesn’t fire — Penny (@pineywoozle) December 4, 2014
Caught setting off illegal fireworks on beach of New Jersey shore. Sent away with half-hearted warning and a laugh. #CrimingWhileWhite
— S.D. Ryan (@_SDRyan_) December 4, 2014
I’ve never been approached by police when I’ve traded a spare cigarette for a dollar #CrimingWhileWhite — Krissy (@KAworldwithin) December 4, 2014
Read more: http://elitedaily.com/news/world/criming-while-white-hashtag-shows-privilege/870266/
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