Motive Behind the Mask : Being Black in a COVID-19 World
You’ve probably seen footage of the Surgeon General demonstrating how t-shirts, scarves and other fabric can be used to make homemade masks per the Centers for Disease Control’s guidance to cover our nose and mouth when going out in public.
It wasn’t until I needed to go out myself that I looked in the mirror and really questioned how I look wearing a mask. As a black man, should I really be going into public wearing a mask that covers most of my face? It has the potential to be physically and psychologically unsafe, could lead to unwanted attention, and ultimately a life-or-death situation. For people of color, the fear of being mistaken for “someone up to no good” could be as risky as contracting COVID-19.
The reality for black individuals is that we always have to be aware of what we are wearing, how we act and what we say – if we are honest, it’s something that has become a part of our daily routine (think, The Talk or The Look). The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in people, but without a shadow of doubt, we are shown that we continue to live in a world where hatred still exists. Even in a time where we should be coming together and supporting one another, bias and discrimination are still rearing their ugly head.
Racial tensions and xenophobia have been escalating, and the situation for people of color appears to be getting worse. It’s important to remember our first reaction to difference is almost always a non-inclusive one.
If you are a person of color, I would urge you to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe when going out in public in a homemade mask. For everyone else, I remind you to stop and think from someone else’s perspective before making judgments about another person’s motivations to wear a mask in public. We must be intentional and pause to ensure our responses to people and situations reflect our values and critical thinking rather than our biases - we all have them.
Chaplain
4 年Thanks for sharing this reality and words of continued caution and awareness for all os us Ben. And so when I first saw the referenced presentation by the USSG I first wondered what is the next stereotype he is about to reinforce. And as I have asked myself, so often since 2016, so really why am I not surprised that this is happening now? And to be honest, I said in these days of the current administration, actually no I am not. In fact, I still attract the same degree of scrutiny as before by the same group of people that I've encountered throughout the majority of my life. It doesn't really matter if it's a from the added precautions of face covering from a heightened fear due to Coronavirus, those with problems of diversity in America will always find some reason to express their view that they don't think you belong "here", or you are not welcome in "their America". Here in sections of Chicago's North Suburbs, I quickly learned which stores were more welcoming to me than others. By patrons and staff. The answer was simple, being those nearest my diverse international divinity school campus, so those are the ones I frequent. I also look for those which have associates that look more like me. The more diversity that I see in the store, especially in the management staff, then I know it's a comfortable place to be. And it becomes THE place I refer EVERYONE else I know to patronize.
Communications Leader l Strategist
4 年This is a true concern requiring another conversation on safety with my adult son. We feel that wearing a surgical mask rather than a bandana when outside is best.
Active Listener. Devout Problem Solver. Monumental Bridge Builder. Curious Investigator. Strategic Negotiator.
4 年There is so much to unpack on this.
Principal Program MGR/Director, AI & Cloud Solutions, Microsoft Worldwide IPS Energy, & Directorate Technology Board Member of the PMI UK Chapter 2023- 2026
4 年This is so true Ben!