Individuals in disguise, instigating fear and rampant destruction. These unidentified figures prey on residences, schools, and commercial establishments, setting crosses ablaze while innocent children cling to their silent, panicked parents. The concealed faces are synonymous with an era of unabated terror against Black Americans. This is a chapter from our past that haunts us. Born and raised in New Orleans during the tumultuous 1960s, as a product of a Jim Crow-era South, the agony of our past is etched deep in my memory. Today, I see alarming parallels that suggest we are on the brink of a repetition of such a barbaric era. Those of us who are descendants of African Americans harbor a heightened sense of recognition for imminent danger, thereby prompting us to sound the warning bell.
I draw from historical lessons to address and navigate the challenges of the current era. I am relieved to see Governor Hochul taking action and advocating for reinforced, equitable penalties to deter hidden harassment. The new era disguises don’t resemble the traditional pointed white hoods. They have evolved into masks of varying design including balaclavas and scarves, and a plethora of wrappers, enveloping and concealing identities. Regardless of their appearance, one element has remained constant, which bears a chilling resemblance to the Ku Klux Klan – the use of these masks to shield identities, emboldening individuals to act fearlessly and without concern for consequences.
We witness this manifestation when radical white supremacist groups such as Neo-Nazis, Proud Boys, modern-day members of the Klan, and other similarly dangerous fraternities march with hidden faces, instilling fear in communities across the state in cities like Ballston, Saratoga Springs, and Waterford. We observe a similar pattern when ostensibly peaceful demonstrations take a violent turn, with participants concealing their identities to partake in targeted violence, threats, hate crimes, and other deranged acts. This mask-enabling chaos, while a New York-centric issue, is clearly not a public health-centered phenomenon, but rather a vehicle for unleashing violence.
For over a century, New York, along with the majority of other states, enforced laws against such acts. Concealing one’s identity while partaking in certain activities was an illegal act. Such regulatory measures effectively pushed the Klan back into obscurity as they could no longer terrorize the public without having their faces shown. However, in the year 2020, against the backdrop of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers in New York rescinded this legislation. The critical misstep of not reinstating the law as the immediate threat of the virus waned has directly contributed to the present crisis of masked harassment.
However, the time for action is now. New York has the means to liberate itself from the clutches of tactics reminiscent of Klan terror. It is not necessary for us to continue enduring anonymous targeting in all spheres of our lives; whether it’s our homes, workplaces, or our daily commute. Governor Hochul’s proposed language echoes a legislation introduced earlier that aims to reinstate and modernize the previously rescinded law against masked intimidation.
The proposition is potent and fair; it’s enforceable and provides reassurance that district attorneys are treating this issue with the gravity it deserves. The bill identifies those who deliberately cover their faces while engaging in physical or verbal intimidation and violence as its primary targets. Importantly, it also upholds everyone’s fundamental right to freedom of speech, and the privilege to peacefully express your opinions.
Maintaining focus will be crucial for lawmakers in this endeavor. The constant threat of misinformation looms large. Critics have inaccurately compared this proposition to Nassau County’s anti-masking legislation passed in the previous year that controversially legalized stop-and-frisk tactics, casting a shadow over the right to protest. Our proposed language, however, isn’t synonymous.
Wearing a mask and participating in peaceful demonstrations does not equate to a criminal act, nor should it ever be perceived as such. Moreover, the bill explicitly ensures protections for New Yorkers wearing face coverings for health, professional, or religious reasons. The language I fully support was diligently drafted over several months, with the sole objective of ensuring public safety without compromising basic rights.
Recent polling reveals that a significant 75% of New Yorkers from all demographics support the implementation of an anti-masking harassment law. More alarmingly, a similar poll uncovered that 67% of Black voters fear being subjected to targeted harassment or hate crimes. This critical issue is why I am actively engaged alongside leaders within our community, advocating for the passing of this fundamental legislation.
It is essential that we outlaw masked harassment once more. Standing as a silent spectator while history repeats its atrocities is a stance I refuse to take. I carry the memories of our somber past, and their echoes prod me to act and prevent the past from echoing into our present, ensuring we never re-live such a dark chapter of our history again.
The post New York Grapples with Modern Masked Harassment appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
