Yesterday afternoon, the New York Police Department asked their Twitter followers for just one little thing: a photo of themselves with a police officer. They’ve had so many photo ops, why not show everyone on the Internet what a good relationship New Yorkers have with their–I’m sorry, #myNYPD? Social media slam dunk!
Except that’s the opposite of what happened. Suddenly the hashtag was blowing up with people sharing photos of police brutality and horror stories from dealing with the NYPD in the past. Even if you don’t agree with their message, it’s one of the most spectacular Twitter fails of all time, and I was delighted in so many ways by these tweets in particular.
Is this cop trying to stab a guy in the groin with his baton?
Here the #NYPD engages with its community members, changing hearts and minds one baton at a time. #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/GErbiFFDvY
— Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallStNYC) April 22, 2014
Poetry found in nature is the finest form of art.
Sometimes the jokes write themselves. #S17 #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/Wrp6RGpByZ — Pancake Witch (@TheRealKeori) April 22, 2014
We found out some metropolitan police are also expert stylists.
The #NYPD will also help you de-tangle your hair. #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/nrngQ1bOWv — Cocky McSwagsalot (@MoreAndAgain) April 22, 2014
Artist Molly Crabapple waded into the fray too.
Why yes I do. @NYPDnews: Do you have a photo w/ a member of the NYPD? Tweet us & tag it #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/aDKoZPjTro
— Molly Crabapple (@mollycrabapple) April 22, 2014
Not everyone posted a picture. Some used this time for reflection.
Did the NYPD only think rich white people used twitter before they asked for this? #MyNYPD
— Jamie Kilstein (@jamiekilstein) April 22, 2014
But mostly it was a lot of people getting illegally beaten by a bunch of cops.
And then there was that time you ran over a Legal Aid observer during a peaceful march, @NYPDnews. #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/18FwL0Hm61
— Dustin Slaughter (@DustinSlaughter) April 22, 2014
