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 police brutality and the killing of George Floyd [2]. 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.