Man's taster of 'being Black in Sainsbury's' goes viral over security 'stalking'

22 March 2023 , 13:42

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The TikTok creator raised the issue of everyday racism - even within Black communities (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

A TikToker who shared his uncomfortable experience of a being a young Black person in a supermarket has sparked debate online.

Being monitored closely by security as he shopped for sweets, Javz filmed his experience in Sainsbury's Local in Lavender Hill, Clapham.

The clip provoked plenty of discussion about the attitudes of guards and shop workers when someone of colour goes into a store.

On his upload, Javz can be seen picking up a packet of Haribo sweets from the shelf, MyLondon report.

With the theme song from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air playing, the shopper videos the security guard, who is also Black, eye-balling him throughout, not flinching as he is filmed and continuing to stare.

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Security guards can be found in most branches (stock photo) (Getty Images)

After grabbing the pack, the TikTok shows the guard watching him intently while pacing back and forth at the front of the store.

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "We strive to be a truly inclusive retailer where people love to work and shop. We have strict anti-discrimination policies in place as well as regular training for security officers and colleagues to make sure these are followed.”

The video was liked by more than 30,000 people with over 700 commenting on the behaviour.

Another commenter added: "He is itching to pounce on man, talking about you didn't pay for dah [that]."

Others within the Black community shared their experiences of being made to feel uncomfortable in stores whilst shopping, with another commenter adding that the pressure of being watched so intently leads them to buy something even if they were intending just to browse, to prove they weren't going to steal.

She said: "Even if I just came to look, I will buy something."

Many comments were addressing the fact the security guard in the video is Black himself, with other Black Londoners saying this was a common occurrence, referring to "uncles".

It's not always straight forward to do grocery shopping (stock photo) (Getty Images)

One person said: "It's actually sad", while another said: "The uncles are the worst like they get extra brownie points for catching us."

Another who'd had a similar experience said: "Reminds me of when I went WHSmith to buy a magazine and uncle followed and even paused behind me."

Another added that they made sure to ask for their receipt when they finish shopping because not having it would lead to a risk of them being accused of stealing. They said: "Would you like your receipt? Yes, I'm Black."

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