OPINION

Why I don’t feel safe wearing a face mask

I’m a Black man living in this world. I want to stay alive, but I also want
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   A man pauses with his homemade face mask in New York. A man pauses with
   his homemade face mask in New York.Spencer Platt/Getty

   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took a 180-degree turn
   last week and is now recommending that people wear face masks in
   public. The guidelines say that medical grade masks should be reserved
   for health professionals, who are facing a shortage of supplies, and
   suggest that Americans use T-shirts, scarves, handkerchiefs, or any
   other spare fabric to make homemade masks to cover their noses and
   mouths.

   On Saturday I thought about the errands I need to make this week,
   including a trip to the grocery store. I thought I could use one of my
   old bandanas as a mask. But then my voice of self-protection reminded
   me that I, a Black man, cannot walk into a store with a bandana
   covering the greater part of my face if I also expect to walk out of
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   does not stop.

   I will not be covering my face until I am able to obtain a face mask
   that is unmistakable for what it is. Let me be clear: This is not
   because I do not trust the advice of the CDC — I do. I believe in
   science, and I have followed all of its guidelines up to this point. I
   know masks work, and I trust the CDC’s recommendation.

   What I do not trust are the innate biases and lack of critical thought
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   allowed to exist in my Black skin and be able to buy groceries or other
   necessities without a confrontation and having to explain my intent and
   my presence. I do not trust that wearing a make-shift mask will allow
   me to make it back to my home.

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   So until I receive a mask, I will get to live out my childhood dream of
   being on “Supermarket Sweep.” And yes, I will attempt to get everything
   I need into my cart and to the checkout in three minutes or less.