A man in a mask entered a store to comply with COVID-19 regulations, donning a hoodie, sweatpants, and sneakers like many other customers. As a 6’4” Black male from a diverse neighborhood, he left the store only to be confronted by a police officer, who demanded to see both his receipt and identification. When questioned, the officer stated, “People are using the pandemic to do bad things. I couldn’t see your face, so you looked suspicious.” This man, who is now a state representative, questioned, “What does ‘looking suspicious’ even mean?” Incidents like this highlight the very real fears I have about taking my Black children shopping during this time.
Since the onset of the pandemic in March, my four Black children have not entered a store. With the introduction of mandatory masks and social distancing protocols, I’ve become increasingly aware of the implicit biases that can emerge, particularly toward people of color. The heightened presence of security, either from store staff or local police, only reinforces this concern.
Even before the pandemic, I instilled strict shopping rules for my children: no hoods up, hands out of pockets, and no unsupervised browsing. They must only touch items they intend to buy, and they are required to get a store-issued bag and receipt, regardless of how small the purchase. In stark contrast, I can navigate stores freely, examining products and casually chatting with cashiers without fear of being questioned or stopped.
What happened to Representative Harris is not an isolated incident. A similar situation unfolded when Dr. Mark Thompson, a Miami physician, was handcuffed while loading supplies for a homeless outreach initiative outside his home—only released when his wife provided identification. This incident was caught on home surveillance video, further emphasizing the biases people of color face.
Representative Harris noted that while others in the store went about their business without scrutiny, he was singled out. He expressed concern for Black men who, simply by following health guidelines, are subjected to wrongful suspicion. His observations resonate deeply within our current societal climate, especially considering incidents like the recent confrontation between a white homeowner and a Black delivery driver in Oklahoma.
These situations underscore that no amount of accomplishment or decorum can shield a Black individual from racial profiling. The reality is that everyday activities—jogging, delivering packages, shopping—can lead to unwarranted confrontations, particularly when a mask is worn, which can amplify fears and lead to dangerous outcomes.
Despite my efforts to prepare my children for the realities of racism, the COVID-19 crisis presents a unique set of challenges. While masks are vital for public health, they can also endanger the safety of marginalized communities. As Representative Harris poignantly tweeted, “COVID will not break us. It will only reveal to us what is already broken. There’s a lot to be fixed.” For more insights on societal issues, you can check out this related blog post.
In summary, navigating the complexities of shopping during a pandemic is fraught with anxieties for parents of Black children. The imposition of mask-wearing, while essential for health, can unfortunately exacerbate existing societal biases. This underscores the need for a broader conversation around race, safety, and the implications of our current health measures.
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