Sometimes it seems there's nothing a non-White person can do in public without the cops being called on them.
Fran Tirado, editor of Out magazine, recently wrote a Twitter thread telling the story of how his mother was recently approached by police for taking a walk at night.
But not out of concern for her own safety.
My mom’s white neighbor called the cops on her the other day. She takes routine walks 3-4 times a week to keep her… https://t.co/gu924RKqzC— Fran Tirado (@Fran Tirado)1564359150.0
Tirado's mother takes regular walks to "keep her blood flowing."
Apparently, the sight of a Hispanic woman walking outside at night inspired one of their neighbors to call the police.
My mom was spooked, tried to walk away, and suddenly two more cop cars pulled up and surrounded her. They asked wha… https://t.co/N6wZWXxu9n— Fran Tirado (@Fran Tirado)1564359153.0
There's nothing more threatening than talking to one's self.
She didn’t have her ID; she was just going on a routine walk in her t-shirt and sweats. They had received a call ab… https://t.co/N2p8OcWMIS— Fran Tirado (@Fran Tirado)1564359153.0
My mom is also fifty-five, lives alone, and has lived on that block for twelve years.— Fran Tirado (@Fran Tirado)1564359154.0
The United States has been flooded with similar stories since President Trump took office.
Realizing what had happened, Mom was, rightfully, pissed. She refused to go fetch her ID and told the cops off unti… https://t.co/xTxHkkngSZ— Fran Tirado (@Fran Tirado)1564359155.0
Adding insult to injury, a week or two later someone called the cops on my dad when he was visiting home for laying… https://t.co/Py9vmB0j9d— Fran Tirado (@Fran Tirado)1564359155.0
Perhaps it's time to go on the offensive?
“I’m going to call the cops on her every chance I get, for no reason. See how she likes it!” she said. “I’m going t… https://t.co/xOjVv4ngMw— Fran Tirado (@Fran Tirado)1564359156.0
Twitter users couldn't believe what Tirado's mother had to deal with for absolutely no reason.
@fransquishco I'm so sorry this happened to your mom.— Samantha (@Samantha)1564376106.0
@fransquishco Kisses from Spain for you and your mom, you guys deserve so much better than your nasty president and neighbors 😘— Franky 🏳️🌈🇪🇸 (@Franky 🏳️🌈🇪🇸)1564361230.0
There's no reason to call the cops on people minding their own business.
@fransquishco Awful. Can’t people live?— Josh Spero (@Josh Spero)1564360243.0
These mistakes can put innocent people in genuinely dangerous situations.
@fransquishco And the scary thing is they know the danger they are putting POC in when they call the law for no reason. Continuously.— shrimp-lamborguine (@shrimp-lamborguine)1564404436.0
Though she shouldn't have to, people were inspired to hear that Tirado's mother isn't backing down in the face of racist behavior.
For personal safety while walking at night, hands free LED flashlights, available here, are a great option.