‘Ask A Cop’ Goes Awry: #AskACop Hashtag Backfires Horribly, Sparks Outrage Via Twitter
In wake of the controversial deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, many Americans have expressed their frustration with police brutality. The racially-charged nationwide controversy has sparked many debates on nearly every social media platform. However, Twitter has become a battleground for highly opinionated users.
A couple weeks ago, hashtags like #CrimingWhileWhite and #AliveWhileBlack emerged on the social media network, where users shared their personal experiences with law enforcement officers. Needless to say, some of the tweets were quite shocking to read. Now, a new hashtag is taking over the network — #AskACop.
The latest hashtag, along with another hashtag coined #CopsUnderFire, was reportedly created by CNN for a segment that aired on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Here’s the question the network posed.
“Are you curious about the police point of view re: recent US protests?”
However, things didn’t necessarily go according to plan. The purpose of the hashtag was for users to pose questions for current and former police officers. But, unfortunately, many users didn’t want to hear what any police officers have to say. Most users actually took the opportunity to make valid points about law enforcement.
Immediately after the hashtag began circulating, thousands of tweets began pouring in. Although many users questioned the violence toward unarmed African-Americans, a number of users recalled other notable incidents that garnered national attention. Unfortunately, very few users had actual questions. Many just shared their disdain for police conduct and questionable practices in law enforcement. Here’s some of the controversial questions Twitter users have posed.
#AskACop pic.twitter.com/1vA1yOXv0c
— M’Baku’s Thighs (@monaeetaylor) December 17, 2014
#AskACop Why won't you #GoodCops turn in the #BadCops ? Wouldn't it make you guilty by association if you don't? #ICantBreathe #Ferguson
— Anon.WakeupWorld (@ayo_WakeupWorld) December 17, 2014
#AskACop What part of Serve and Protect does body slamming & tasing a 76 year old man fall under? Serve or Protect? pic.twitter.com/8wfEetCxbM
— RealTimBlack (@RealTimBlack) December 17, 2014
What would you ask a cop? Share your thoughts.
[Image via Twitter]
