Insights Episode 13: Anti-Mask Protests and Racism: What Is the Link?

Anti-Mask Protests and Racism: What Is the Link? 

Umair Majid, Judy Truong, Aghna Wasim and Matthew Truong

In the past several months, we have heard, experienced or read about individuals who refuse to wear a mask and direct racist comments toward customers and members of staff in public places. We see that racism and discrimination are part of the rhetoric inherent in anti-mask sentiments. However, anti-mask sentiments remain a somewhat novel phenomenon that have only exploded recently in the context of widespread restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing instances of anti-mask sentiments detailed in news reports in Canada, we sought to understand their interplay with racism or discrimination.