The Stream

#AliveWhileBlack and #CrimingWhileWhite spotlight ‘double standard’ in law enforcement

Following Eric Garner grand jury decision, Twitter users discuss how they are treated by police.

Americans online are highlighting what they see as racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Countering hashtags, #CrimingWhileWhite and #AliveWhileBlack, trended following Wednesday’s grand jury decision not indict a white New York police officer in the death of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man. 

Many African Americans online used #AliveWhileBlack and #NotCrimingWhileBlack to draw attention to the treatment they say they receive from police because of their race: