This Teen Breaks Down 16 of the Unwritten Rules He Has to Follow as a Young Black Man

By Karenna Meredith

Published on 6/3/2020 at 7:24 PM

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 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 police brutality and the killing of George Floyd. 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 with no shirt on."
  • "Check in with your people, it don't matter even if you're 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 neither."
  • "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, hands on the dashboard and ask could you get out your license 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.