Niecy Nash and The New York Times came together to create a real hotline for a real problem. For all the #BBQBecky, #PermitPatty and #CornerstoreCarolines of the world, now you can call 1-844-WYT-FEAR (1-844-998-3327) anytime you want to harass a black person for simply living their life!
“You’re scared, you’re white… but with cell phone cameras and social media, calling 911 on your black or brown neighbors just isn’t what it used to be,” Niecy says in the satirical infomercial, where she plays the inventor of the emergency service. Instead of calling 911, Niecy says the company’s “experienced staff have been living while black in America their entire lives” so call them instead!
According to The New York Times’ Opinion page, the hotline is up and running, “so give it a ring and spread the word. (Seriously.)”
SMH: Here Are Some Of The Crazy Incidents Of Black Folks Getting The Cops Called On Them This Week
We all know that the phenomenon of folks calling 911 to harass African-Americans is nothing new, and this year alone there have been over 39 known and reported instances. For example, people have called the police to complain about black people during everyday activities, like babysitting, using coupons, campaigning, smoking cigarettes and even eating dinner at a Subway.
”The phenomenon of white people harassing African-Americans going about their day is nothing new, but with the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, everyone can now see how these injustices are played out and lead to anxiety for and material harm to people of color,” NYT reports. “This problem is bigger than a few unreasonable white people. Racist stereotypes are baked into our society.”
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TSR STAFF: Myeisha E.! @myeisha.essex
