I'm a bald black guy who runs. Would this scare you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In my middle age, I've become even more sensitive to cold - to the point of regularly wearing a hat while lounging at home - I've long conceded in the thermostat war with DW.

I run a lot and the winter months are especially hard on bald men (at least they are on me). I mostly run at a nearby park where there are other runners/walkers, but some areas of the park are pretty isolated. A friend recommended I wear a balaclava to help retain my body's heat.

I like the idea, but I am sensitive to the sometimes nefarious use of balaclavas. I don't recall seeing other runners wearing them (but I can't say I've paid attention to it, either) and I would hate to scare people away from enjoying the park. Would someone wearing a balaclava on a trail bother you, or am I overthinking this?

Thanks!

If snow = null or temp >32 and <50 degrees and person is wearing a balaclava, then proceed with caution
If snow = null or temp >50 degrees and person is wearing a balaclava, then runaway
If snow = yes or temp <32 degrees and a person is wearing a balaclava, then relax

This is OP. Your response looks like someone who works/studies in the STEM field. Very clear. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it depends on the style. If you wear one that covers your face and leaves openings for just your eyes, yeah, that would set me on high alert (but not because you're black, I'd feel the same way about a white man wearing one). If you wear one with a complete open face, I wouldn't think twice about it.

+1.

[Anonymous]

def. in the camp of it being creepy (for any guy - sorry) but a bright color, and brightly colored running clothes makes it less unsettling and clear that you're not trying to creep around unnoticed. I can't run in one (bought one for biking) because the condensation from my breathing freezes and grosses me out

[Anonymous]

Regardless of race. Balaclava and running clothes might still make me look twice over my shoulder. Random street clothes and balaclavas undoubtedly make me nervous. But like a PP stated above, women tend to be on a low to med level alert when out alone.

PS. One of the sexiest guys I ever saw was a bald black man running on H street. He was so stunning that 10 years later and I still remember him.

[Anonymous]

It would be easier if you wore clothes that were obviously meant for running from head to toe, so that the balaclava would be less immediately jarring. because you know that the color of your skin sadly makes you a target of all close-minded people, and there are a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

sad

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would be nervous encountering any person in a balaclava in a park, especially a man. I don't think your race would be a factor though who knows how much racism a person has internalized without realizing it.

This is OP. I feel like this answers my question. Wearing the balaclava will have unintended consequences.

As a man, I recognize the privilege I have to not worry about many things women deal with. I won't add to that already long list.

I really appreciate your thoughtful and honest response.

[Anonymous]

As long as you're wearing running clothes, I wouldn't think anything of it. Maybe consider a reflective vest or something that would soften the look a little? No self-respecting criminal is going to run around in a dorky reflective vest.

You could also get a balaclava in a ridiculous color like purple or something.

Also, if you say hi or "On your left" as you pass by, or do "the wave" if you're coming the opposite way, it makes you part of the same community with the other exercisers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you dress on running gear? If anyone running up behind me looked like they were exercising, I'd be more relaxed but someone was wearing regular street clothes jogged up behind me, I'd panic a bit. I'm an assault survivor and I have no qualms about crossing the street or whatever if my fight or flight kicks in.

I'm a guy who runs so not your target audience, but that's my reaction too. For a quick look, if I see someone wearing a florescent yellow or orange shirt, I figure they are far less likely to be a threat, because that's not going to help sneak up on someone or escape from the police. I also tend to wear bright clothes like that just to be visible to cars, so it's a win-win.

Yep, bright colored running gear= fellow runner.

[Anonymous]

That you're black guy doesn't factor in here for me. That you're a guy, masked, running behind me would freak me out. Guy running in running gear at the park, not near me, not creeping on me, good on ya, sir. Sneak up on me, you might get an elbow to the chest.

[Anonymous]

You should wear what you need to be comfortable. It may be less frightening and safer for you vs cars and whatnot if you had neon or reflective running gear on too. Neon screams I’m just a cold dude out here trying to get my run on and to get home safe. Any race of man in a baclava and sweats or a hoodie would probably intimidate me if I was out alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would probably be frightened if I encountered a man in a balaclava, especially if I were alone. Race wouldn’t matter.

Yep, agree.

[Anonymous]

No. If you’re wearing running clothes and sneakers I can tell you’re a runner. If you’re wearing jeans and boots I might be a little afraid. Race does not affect this.

[Anonymous]

Wear bright colors. That way it's clear you are RUNNING and want to be visible and are not hiding in the bushes.

As a woman, I'd be nervous of anyone wearing dark colors with a mask over their head and face. Bright colors would not send off alarm bells in the slightest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That you're black guy doesn't factor in here for me. That you're a guy, masked, running behind me would freak me out. Guy running in running gear at the park, not near me, not creeping on me, good on ya, sir. Sneak up on me, you might get an elbow to the chest.

+1 . And besides, nobody would be able to tell your race if you wore a balaclava. Really a bad idea. Aren't there laws in some countries about covering your face in public?