As a 50-year-old black woman, one of my aspirations is to travel comfortably in a cozy pair of sweatpants. You might find it trivial, but this desire holds a deeper meaning for me, shaped by my experiences with racism that many may not understand.
I’ve had jobs that necessitate travel, and I’m also passionate about exploring new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Having visited over 50 countries, I’ve noticed a disturbing pattern: my attire seems to influence how I’m perceived. There’s a stark contrast in the treatment I receive based on whether I wear casual sweatpants or a sophisticated pantsuit. In various countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and Germany, I often feel that wearing sweatpants subjects me to harsh stereotypes—associations with criminality or distrust. Conversely, donning formal attire often shields me from such prejudices.
When I opt for sweatpants, I am frequently selected for random searches at airports, and my passport is scrutinized as if I’m attempting to travel with a forged document. The frequency of this profiling is so predictable that I’ve started wagering with my white friends on whether I’ll be stopped; I’ve never lost a bet.
To navigate this reality, many black individuals, including myself, adopt strategies to avoid confrontation. We endure overt racism without complaint, accept subpar service in restaurants, and comply with police demands—even when we haven’t done anything wrong—just to keep the peace. Living as a black person in a racially biased world requires immense patience and resilience.
Typically, the night before a trip, I lay out my best outfits, but a part of me resents the necessity of conforming to this unspoken dress code. I wish I could simply wear what feels comfortable without the fear of racial profiling. However, given the current climate of travel, where anxiety is compounded by post-9/11 and COVID-19 realities, I find it challenging to add racism to the mix.
With the rise of electronic checkpoints, I’ve noticed a slight reduction in racial profiling at immigration. While concerns about biased algorithms persist, I personally prefer the impartiality of machines over humans, who may harbor conscious or unconscious biases. Yet, the presence of immigration officials behind these electronic systems still brings unease, as they retain the authority to override the system. Until that dynamic changes, I’ll continue opting for a polished pantsuit when I travel.
I often ponder the financial waste incurred by airports due to the systemic targeting of black travelers. My white friends have smuggled various items through customs without facing any scrutiny. Their experiences underline a troubling reality: some individuals feel invincible because of the privileges they enjoy.
Writing about racism compels me to confront its pervasive influence on my life choices. Many suggest I shouldn’t allow racism to dictate my actions, but that’s easier said than done. The trauma it inflicts drives me to avoid situations where I might face it, and after 50 years of navigating this landscape, I’ve become adept at identifying potential encounters. If you were in my position, wouldn’t you do the same?
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Summary:
The author reflects on the challenges of traveling as a black woman, highlighting how clothing choices impact perceptions and treatment in various countries. While seeking comfort in sweatpants, she grapples with the realities of racial profiling and the need to conform to societal expectations to avoid discrimination. Her experiences underscore the emotional and psychological toll of navigating a world rife with bias, while also acknowledging the complexities of finding a balance between comfort and safety.