In light of the worldwide demonstrations against racial injustice and police misconduct, numerous individuals from the Black community are openly sharing their experiences with everyday racism. Among them is Jordan Miles, an 18-year-old who recently shared a poignant video on TikTok outlining the extensive list of rules his mother instilled in him to ensure his safety whenever he leaves home.
Miles revealed that he had memorized this list by the time he was just 11 years old. “Just some unwritten guidelines my mom makes me follow as a young Black man #blacklivesmatter,” he captioned the video, which has garnered over 10 million views. The rules encompass a range of behaviors designed to help him navigate public spaces without drawing unnecessary attention or suspicion, particularly from law enforcement.
Here are some of the key rules he shared:
- Keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Avoid wearing your hoodie up.
- Don’t go outside without a shirt.
- Always check in with family or friends, even if you’re just nearby.
- Don’t stay out too late.
- Refrain from touching items in stores unless you intend to buy them.
- Always leave with a receipt or bag, even for small purchases.
- Avoid any situation that could appear as an argument with someone else.
- Never forget your ID when leaving home.
- Don’t drive while wearing a tank top or a du-rag.
- Avoid wearing a tank top or a du-rag in public.
- Keep the volume of your music down while driving.
- Refrain from staring at Caucasian women.
- If stopped by police, don’t argue; instead, comply.
- When pulled over, place your hands on the dashboard and ask permission before reaching for your license and registration.
Reflecting on the tragic deaths that have sparked national outrage—George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, and Michael Brown—it’s clear why a mother would feel compelled to create such a list for her son.
In the comments, many Black and Latinx youth shared that their parents had provided them with similar guidelines. “My mom told me the same thing,” one person commented. Another remarked, “We shouldn’t have to live like this.” One user even said, “Saving this video for my future son,” to which Miles responded, “His future shouldn’t be like this.”
“In our current climate, it was important for me to use my voice, so I posted the video,” Miles explained to HuffPost. “I wanted to shed light on the authentic experiences of Black individuals and emphasize the urgent need for change.”
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In summary, Jordan Miles’ TikTok video highlights the harsh realities many young Black men face in their daily lives, emphasizing a need for societal change and understanding.