Face Mask Fears

Lawmakers are recommending that residents wear face masks in several major cities including New York, Detroit, and Philadelphia, but many African Americans fear they could be labeled a threat if they cover their faces to protect themselves. Jericka Duncan speaks to some black men who believe they were profiled by police while wearing face masks to combat coronavirus.

Sadly this is not the only story where black men have been unjustly profiled.

In Chapter 10: 'The Matrix In Me' we learned that we all have 'Implicit Bias,' or unconscious prejudice, whether we are aware of it or not. But if we consciously agree with what our unconscious minds reveal we can deal with it.

1) Why were the black men in both instances questioned in the first place?

2) Were the white men/ officers in these stories racists? Why or why not?

3) What is the difference between 'racism' and 'bias?'

4) What could have been done to change the outcome if anything?

5) What do these stories reveal about the deeper problem of race in America?