With #myNYPD hashtag, Black Twitter exposes police brutality
The New York Police Department is known for executing a history of violent and discriminatory practices that many say unfairly target minorities.
An effort to share positive stories and experiences through the #myNYPD hashtag backfired after members of Black Twitter jacked the hashtag to highlight police brutality carried out by the department.
@NYPDnews #myNYPD #wallstreet pic.twitter.com/WCREuIjNjZ
— vane•matus☮ (@vanvanmt) April 22, 2014
Since 9/11 more Americans have been killed by the police than Americans killed by Iraqi insurgents pic.twitter.com/nVW6kTlSgI#MyNYPD
— Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallStNYC) April 23, 2014
Everyone’s Tweeting Photos of Police Brutality Thanks to the Failed #MyNYPD Hashtag http://t.co/5b0rlKO5ZOpic.twitter.com/fZxlh5N79l
— VICE (@VICE) April 22, 2014
A spokesman for the department released the following response in light of the backlash:
“The NYPD is creating new ways to communicate effectively with the community. Twitter provides an open forum for an uncensored exchange and this is a dialogue good for our city.”
Thoughts on the NYPD’s failed attempt the show the positive side of the department on Twitter?
Sound off below!
