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Despite a global pandemic, race remains an issue.
The coronavirus has taken the world by storm and with each week it seems new rules and regulations are devised to bring about public safety. For Americans there is an increased need to follow suggested health advice, especially since the US now leads the world in deaths linked to coronavirus. Causes for this outcome include evidence that Americans are sicker than most developed nations, a significant number of people with coronavirus are asymptomatic (i.e. lack symptoms), and even those who are pre-symptomatic can pass the virus on to others before showing symptoms.
Given this understanding the CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings, particularly in public settings where practicing social distancing is difficult like grocery stores and pharmacies. However, many Black individuals, Hispanics, and other marginalized racial and ethnic groups are hesitant to follow the CDC’s advice. A leading cause of this uncertainty is fear that wearing face coverings might — ironically — put their lives in danger. Twitter user @Aaron_TheThomas adequately summed up the feelings of many when stating the following:
“I don’t feel safe wearing a handkerchief or something else that isn’t CLEARLY a protective mask covering my face to the store because I am a Black man living in this…
