It has to feel exhausting being a black man in America dealing with police. On top of that, the interactions spurred by police are sometimes downright scary and threatening in nature. A New York man was recently pulled over for unknown reasons by police and had some questions. But what makes the interaction especially concerning is the fact that the NYPD officer is totally fine with being outright racist to this man based on the color of his skin.
Mike (@mikelivee0) shared a TikTok video regarding an interaction he had with an NYPD officer when he was pulled over in traffic. Multiple police officers show up to the scene as Mike hands his license and registration to an officer. But while all this is happening, he’s approached by an officer who clearly has a chip on his shoulder. The officer immediately says in a lackluster tone, “Just keep your hands on the steering wheel for me.” When Mike asks why, the officer shrugs and says, “There doesn’t need to be a reason.”
The officer, apparently named Khalil, stares at Mike while he’s waiting to hear from the other officer. Mike asks him if “510” is his badge number, to which Khalil gives him a little smile and says, “You can read.” Mike asks him, “What? Black people can’t read or something?” Khalil continues smiling at Mike and responds, “No, I was just surprised you could read.” When Mike asks him why he’s surprised, he shrugs and says, “I don’t know” and, “You don’t look like the type.”
At this point, Mike catches on that Khalil is definitely being racist toward him. He asks him, “What are you, Khalil? Muslim?” The officer tries to avoid this uncomfortable conversation he got himself involved in. He turns to the officer next to him and tells him, “He’s recording” while laughing. Mike tells him that he is definitely recording this conversation and gets Khalil to admit that he is, indeed, Muslim. But he’s totally okay with being racist toward a black citizen by implying that they can’t read. It’s disturbing that an officer thinks this is acceptable behavior toward a citizen.
One commenter stated, “Guys who got bullied in school become cops.” Another commenter quipped, “NYPD hires anyone with retail experience.”
