Effective way to engage people of color in conversation about getting vaccinated

[SheltieLover]

I have had the pleasure recently to engage numerous younger people of color regarding this topic.

I tell them I understand their hesitancy, that I am aware of the Tuskegee abomination, and agree with them that one has to be cautious, but that COVID definitely kills, and younger people are now being affected en masse, being hospitalized and put on ventilators, and DYING.

Then I ask, "Do you know who is anti-vaccine?

Usually met with a shake of a head.

"Trump voters. And we know they are NEVER right about anything, right? That should tell you right there that you need to get a vaccine so that you are not lumped in with the stupid people."

Sideways glance, then a nod.

Then we both laugh at the covidiots.

One delightful young man even asked me to help him register for a vaccine dose on my phone, which I was thrilled to do. he is scheduled for this week...

I've yet to use this technique and have anyone respond in a negative way.

PS - Another DUer suggested I post this as a separate thread.

On Edit: I also tell them that Pfizer was NOT created under dump's direction, took no tax money, and is very highly effectie, although even fully vaccinated people need to be careful because of mutations caused by anti-maskers.

[jimfields33]

1. I can't imagine getting into a conversation with strangers about the vaccine

I kinda do with neighbors but I’d never ask someone I don’t know. I suppose if I was in a job that required it maybe but guy on the street? Not.

[BannonsLiver]

2. Good work

You are far more patient than I am.

[SheltieLover]

4. People of color are so marginalized here (red gellhole, TN!)

It is a pleasure to empower them with info!

[luvs2sing]

3. I had a heavy convo with my Black hair stylist yesterday.

He has been my stylist for 19 years now, and we talk about everything. Heavy convos are nothing new for us.

He is on the fence about getting vaccinated. His wife, who is white, is getting vaccinated next week. He doesn’t trust the government, any government. Not enough is known about the possible negative effects. When I told him I was fully vaccinated, he had a ton of questions which I answered honestly. He talked about all the places he won’t go because they aren’t protecting people. He definitely takes it the virus seriously, he just doesn’t trust the vaccine.

At one point, he laid down his scissors and said, “I take care of myself. The only place I go where I’m not wearing one or two masks is out on the golf course. I take this seriously. But, as an African-American male, I’m nowhere near as worried about getting the virus as I am about getting pulled over by the police.” All I could say was, “I understand, and thank you for the privilege check.”

After all of this chatter, I still got a fantastic haircut, as always. As I was leaving, he put an arm around my shoulder and said, “It was REALLY good talking with you today.” Maybe I made a difference in how he sees getting vaccinated. I don’t know. I’ll find out in five weeks.

[SheltieLover]

5. Maybe between you & his wife he will opt in!

[luvs2sing]

6. I'm hoping!

[SheltieLover]

7. Me too!

Masks help, but they aren't 100%!

Great job, btw!