Slater Hayes Podcast

Masked

December 12, 2021 Herman Veal Season 1 Episode 46
Slater Hayes Podcast
Masked
Show Notes

This is a piece that was written at the onset of the pandemic. Being a black man who happens to be large in stature, I found myself bombarded by the greetings of persons that, during previous times, would do everything in their power to avoid or ignore me.  I decided to determine if it was due to their uncertainty regarding my intentions by conducting an informal experiment.

I found myself walking directly towards persons ...

"Masked"

to observe their initial responses. I soon discovered that while donning my mask I received more personable greetings. Surprisingly, the usual "turned up" toothless smile, or that greeting that does not allow for reciprocation or eye contact had now turned into actual toothsome greetings accompanied with verbal "hello's".

I quickly determined that the piece of cloth that we as concerned citizens are asked to wear has produced a strange effect as it relates to how this large black man has been treated by the general public.

Those who encounter me wearing a mask are now seeking to determine the nature of my character, my intent, by ACTUALLY looking at me-attempting to look me in my eyes. I quickly chose to take this experiment inside to the elevator. Even though the occupancy was restricted to a small number, I discovered that EACH time I boarded with white women there was a concerted attempt to engage me in conversation. This, despite the general public's leeriness in transmitting the virus.

MOST Black men KNOW that this simply does not occur

This mask has seemingly forced "white' people to notice me by acknowledging me in some way other than the surprised or quizzical look normally cast upon me due to my size.

As noted, this was simply my informal observation...

I wonder what others have experienced.

OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!

PEACE!!!



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