In a unique approach to self-defense, a prominent social media personality is suggesting New York City women substitute pepper spray with spray paint as a safeguard against attackers, given the recent upsurge in unanticipated assaults on women.
Monique Black, better known as “Moe,” is a 29-year-old fashion trendsetter originally from Detroit. She frequently visits New York City for work engagements and believes that a can of spray paint is not only more accessible but also more effective in tagging an assailant, ensuring police can easily identify them.
“Spray enamel is my top choice. Once it’s on, it’s not coming off,” Black shared in a recent interview.
Black’s inclination towards seeking protection was heightened by her regular trips to NYC. Her choice of spray paint, which she conveniently places in her tote bag for easy access, was influenced by advice from her stepfather, a retired homicide detective from Detroit. He had suggested that spraying an attacker in the face, followed by a swift blow to their head using the can, could buy potential victims enough time to flee.
Another advantage Black points out is that spray paint doesn’t carry the risk of backfiring like pepper spray, which can sometimes affect the person using it.
Black’s childhood memories from Detroit’s notorious 7 Mile Road area include her and her friends using Master Locks concealed in socks as a form of defense on their way to school. To her, New York’s current environment mirrors Detroit’s past.
Her decision to post a video with the spray paint tip on TikTok was motivated by the unsettling rise of random attacks on women in New York. The video went viral, amassing over 3 million views.
One viewer even credited the unconventional tip with saving her life during a distressing domestic episode. The victim recalled how the spray paint gave her a vital window of opportunity to escape and alert her neighbors.
Many global viewers, especially from the UK, where several self-defense items are restricted, expressed their appreciation for Black’s novel solution.
While pepper spray is permitted in New York, the process of procuring it is rather tedious. It’s illegal to have it shipped directly, and only a handful of authorized stores sell it. Black mentions the lengths some of her friends go to obtain it, like having it shipped to lockers outside New York.
Interestingly, Black noted that some viewers expressed concerns over potentially hurting their assailants. To this, she firmly responded, “Survival is the priority. No one should feel guilty for defending themselves.”
