IfTheyGunnedMeDown social media campaign wants picture to tell the right story

EVER wondered what photo of you would be used if you were killed? It can make a world of difference when your death sets a town ablaze.

EVER wondered what photo of you would be used if you were killed? African Americans say they do and have started a campaign to stop being misrepresented by the media.

The #IfTheyGunnedMeDown campaign has gone viral on Twitter following the shooting death of 18-year-old unarmed teenager Michael Brown in St Louis.

#MikeBrown's killing inspires the powerful #IfTheyGunnedMeDown: http://t.co/lJMM9a0owk pic.twitter.com/HEkMwRvhga

— The Root (@TheRoot) August 12, 2014

While the media initially opted for a graduation picture of Brown, a second image of him in a sports singlet and making a hand gesture that could have been interpreted by some as a gang-sign then became a more popular image.

#IfTheyGunnedMeDown which photo would they use? pic.twitter.com/y3y8tFHtPN

— Aug. 25th #AVO (@WhoISdeante) August 11, 2014

It sparked outrage with lawyer CJ Lawrence who then kicked off the social media campaign.

Daily Feminist Cheat Sheet: #IfTheyGunnedMeDown what picture would they use pic.twitter.com/4qcz6rwosc — I Am ... http://t.co/sMw4OLV4B6

— Feministing (@feministing) August 11, 2014

He posted an image of himself speaking at his university graduation, alongside former president Bill Clinton, as well as a picture of him dressed as a rapper at a Halloween party.

Yes let's do that: Which photo does the media use if the police shot me down? #IfTheyGunnedMeDown pic.twitter.com/Ng0pUlxWhr

— YoungGifted&Black✊ (@CJ_musick_lawya) August 10, 2014

Mr Lawrence said wondering what picture would be used “is something we ask ourselves every day as African Americans.”

#IfTheyGunnedMeDown would I be labeled an honor grad or a blunt smokah pic.twitter.com/BCaRqMCMn8

— (@TopFlightRod) August 11, 2014

Now a flurry of combo images have appeared on Twitter — one showing the subject in a ‘positive’ light and one in what many would consider ‘negative.’

“@___Kwaku: Preach 👏 💯 @Heartbreak_Rell: #iftheygunnedmedown which picture would they use? pic.twitter.com/oi5dhs7QTy”🙏👌

— Name Ring BELLS (@Heartbreak_Rell) August 10, 2014

Brown’s death has sparked looting and riots in the city.

Eyewitness to Brown’s death, Phillip Walker, said he was on his apartment balcony when he heard a shot and saw a white officer with Brown on the street.

#IfTheyGunnedMeDown they'd say i was a thug pic.twitter.com/JsLxga0uwv

— Dev (@DevinDinero) August 11, 2014

Mr Brown “was giving up in the sense of raising his arms and being subdued,” Mr Walker said. The officer “had his gun raised and started shooting the individual in the chest multiple times.” The officer then “stood over him and shot him” after the victim fell to the ground.

#IfTheyGunnedMeDown "Will they say I was a sinner or pretend I was a saint ... what's the picture they gon paint" pic.twitter.com/FtnEKFwaGc

— IG: Reallilleeks_ (@RealLilLeeks) August 10, 2014

The case draws comparisons with the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was fatally shot by Florida neighbourhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman who was later acquitted of murder charges.