In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, mask mandates have become a common sight in stores across the nation. However, these requirements take on a different meaning for families of color. A recent incident involving a Black man, who was lawfully wearing a mask while shopping, serves as a poignant reminder of the biases that still exist in our society.
This individual, a Chicago native named Marcus Johnson, entered a store dressed in casual attire, including a hoodie and sweatpants, in compliance with state regulations. Upon leaving, he was stopped by a police officer who demanded to see his receipt and identification. When Marcus inquired about the reason for the stop, the officer claimed, “People are using the pandemic as an excuse to commit crimes. I couldn’t see your face, man. You looked suspicious.” This encounter raised a pressing question: What does someone who appears suspicious truly look like?
As a mother of four Black children, I have opted not to take them to stores during this time. Since the onset of the shelter-in-place orders in March, my children have not set foot in a retail environment. With the added requirement of wearing masks, I worry that their appearance may lead to unwarranted scrutiny and bias from others, especially in the current climate where fear and suspicion are heightened.
We have instilled strict rules for shopping to ensure their safety. These guidelines include not wearing hoods, keeping hands visible, and always shopping with supervision. They must refrain from running or playing in stores and can only touch items they intend to purchase. When it comes time to check out, they are required to take a store-issued bag and a receipt, regardless of how small the purchase may be. This is a stark contrast to my own shopping experience as a white woman, where I can navigate stores freely without fear of being questioned or stopped.
The reality is that incidents like Marcus’s are not isolated. Another case involved a physician, Dr. Alex Carter, who was wrongfully detained while unloading supplies outside his home. Only after his wife produced identification was he released. Such experiences highlight that, regardless of a person’s background, they remain vulnerable to racial profiling during mundane activities, including shopping or making deliveries—especially when wearing a mask.
The implications of these biases are troubling. A recent incident in a gated community involved a white HOA president confronting a Black delivery driver, demanding to know his purpose for being there. This occurred in the wake of the tragic murder of Ahmaud Arbery, further illustrating the dangers that people of color face daily.
It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing racial tensions. While masks are essential for public health, they also create an additional layer of risk for people of color. As Marcus Johnson articulated, “This pandemic will expose the cracks in our society that need mending.”
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In summary, while mask mandates are crucial for public health, they inadvertently pose significant challenges for families of color. The intersection of race and public safety during this pandemic continues to reveal systemic issues that demand attention and change.