Page 139 - Malcolm Gladwell - Talking to Strangers

standing by her door. If you stopped the tape there and showed it to 100 people, 99 would guess
that’s where it ends.
But it doesn’t.
Encinia: You mind putting out your cigarette, please? If you don’t mind?
He’s flat, calm, assertive. Would you mind, said with an edge.
Mistake Number Two: he should have paused, let Bland collect herself.
Bland: I’m in my car. Why do I have to put out my cigarette?
She’s right, of course. A police officer has no authority to tell someone not to smoke. He should
have said, “Yes. You’re right. But do you mind waiting until after we’ve finished here? I’m not a fan
of cigarette smoke.” Or he could have dropped the issue entirely. It’s only a cigarette. But he
doesn’t. Something about the tone of her voice gets Encinia’s back up. His authority has been
challenged. He snaps. Mistake Number Three.

Encinia: Well, you can step on out now.
Bland: I don’t have to step out of my car.
Encinia: Step out of the car.
Bland: Why am I…
Encinia: Step out of the car!
Bland: No, you don’t have the right. No, you don’t have the right to do that.
Encinia: Step out of the car.
Bland: You do not have the right. You do not have the right to do this.
Encinia: I do have the right, now step out or I will remove you.

Bland: I refuse to talk to you other than to identify myself. [crosstalk] I am getting removed for a
failure to signal?
Encinia: Step out or I will remove you. I’m giving you a lawful order.
On the internet bulletin boards frequented by police officers after the case broke, Encinia’s
actions were supported by some. But just as many were dumbfounded by this final turn:
Dude, issue the f****n warning and move on. It’s NOT WORTH IT.…we’re yankin females out
of vehicles cause our ego got hurt cause she wouldn’t tremble and put out the stupid
cigarette????? Let’s pose this question—suppose she had stepped out when he asked her to.…
THEN WHAT??? You were gonna scold her about the cigarette??? What was his plan?? What
was going to be the purpose of pulling her out?
But Encinia has now given her a lawful order, and she has defied it.
Encinia: Get out of the car now or I’m going to remove you.
Bland: And I’m calling my lawyer.
Encinia: I’m going to yank you out of here. [Reaches inside the car.]

Bland: OK, you’re going to yank me out of my car? OK, all right.
Encinia is now bent over, arms inside Bland’s vehicle, tugging at her.
Bland: Let’s do this.
Encinia: Yeah, we’re going to. [Grabs for Bland.]
On the tape there’s the sound of a slap, and then a cry from Bland, as if she’s been hit.
Bland: Don’t touch me!
Encinia: Get out of the car!

Bland: Don’t touch me. Don’t touch me! I’m not under arrest—you don’t have the right to take
me out of the car.