As I heard news about mask requirements due to COVID-19, I couldn’t help but reflect on a troubling incident involving a black man named Jason Carter, who entered a store wearing the mandated mask, a hoodie, and joggers. Standing at 6’4″, Jason is from a neighborhood in Chicago. Upon leaving the store, he was approached by a police officer demanding to see his receipt and identification. When Jason inquired why he was stopped, the officer responded, “People are using the pandemic as cover for wrongdoing. I couldn’t see your face, man. You looked suspicious.” This incident, shared on social media, raises an unsettling question: what exactly does someone “up to no good” look like?
Jason’s experience, which mirrors many others, reinforces my decision to avoid taking my black children to stores for the foreseeable future. Since our state implemented a shelter-in-place order in March, my four kids, all black, haven’t set foot in a store. With mask mandates in place, we understand the importance of protecting public health, yet the reality of implicit bias against people of color, especially while wearing masks, is a significant concern. It’s not just about adhering to store policies; it’s about the possible negative attention they might attract from individuals who might mistake them for troublemakers.
Long before the pandemic, we established strict shopping rules for our kids. They cannot wear hoods up, put their hands in pockets, or shop alone, not even my older children. Running or loud behaviors are strictly prohibited, and they must only handle items they intend to buy, placing everything in a cart or basket. At checkout, they’re required to get a store bag and receipt for any purchase, no matter how small. They can’t even open their items until we’re safely back in the car.
In stark contrast, my shopping experience as a white woman allows me the freedom to browse without worry. I can examine products casually, carry a reusable bag, and engage in light conversation with cashiers without the fear of being questioned or stopped. The moment I approach the register, I can simply unpack my selected items, and the cashier will never bat an eye or ask for proof of purchase.
The unfortunate reality is that Jason’s story is not an isolated incident. Take Dr. Samuel Reed, a physician in Miami who was handcuffed by police while loading supplies for a charitable cause outside his own home. Only after his wife provided identification did he regain his freedom. This incident, captured on security footage, highlights the racial profiling that persists even during times of crisis.
Jason also pointed out that among the many masked individuals around him, he was the only one subjected to suspicion. His thoughts resonate deeply: “It’s troubling because I can’t ignore the inherent risks faced by black men simply following mask protocols, yet appearing as though they’re ‘up to something.’”
Recent events across the nation have shown that regardless of education or social standing, black individuals face scrutiny based solely on their skin color. A viral video in an Oklahoma neighborhood depicted a white HOA president blocking a black delivery driver, demanding to know his business in the area, shortly after the harrowing video of Ahmaud Arbery’s tragic death surfaced.
These incidents underscore a painful truth: no matter how respectable a black person may appear, they remain vulnerable to suspicion and bias, especially when wearing a mask. The enforcement of mask mandates, while essential for public health, inadvertently heightens the dangers for people of color. As Jason tweeted, “COVID will not break us. It will only reveal what is already broken. There’s much to fix.”
In a world where fear and bias persist, my children’s safety remains a top priority. Until society can address these systemic issues, I find myself hesitant to navigate public spaces with my kids. For more insight into related topics, check out this blog post on home insemination. If you’re looking for expert information, the resources available on clinical embryology can also be valuable. Additionally, for those considering donor insemination, this resource provides excellent guidance.
Summary
The article explores the intersection of COVID-19 mask mandates and racial bias, highlighting incidents where black individuals faced undue suspicion in public spaces. It emphasizes the challenges of navigating stores with black children in a society still grappling with racism, ultimately questioning the safety and implications of mask-wearing for people of color.