Series: "Being a Black Man"

Special Agent

Michael Mason, executive assistant director for Criminal Investigations at the FBI, is one of the nation's highest-ranking black agents. In "Special Agent," one of the last installments of the "Being a Black Man" series, Post reporter Sari Horwitz details Mason's career path at the law enforcement agency.

On Thursday, Jan. 11 at 12:15 p.m., Mason was online to respond to your questions and comments. The transcript follows:

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Michael Mason: My name is Michael (Mike) Mason. I am the Executive Assistant Director for the Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I am now online and ready to answer questions.

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Observer: After reading the article that profiled your life, I could not help but be thankful that you extol the virtues of Fatherhood. As an immigrant from a community where fathers were present as one grew up and pretty much the whole community raised you (you could get spanked by a neighbor if you were spotted doing something wrong), I notice that probably one of the underlying causes of a large percentage of black men being in prison has got to be the absence of Fathers. Fathers represent authority and in their absence, it's a major freefall. I think one of the foremost issues that should be addressed is the restructuring of the family unit and providing children with Father figures to guide them during their upbringing. Thanks for doing that and I wish you all the best at the FBI.

Michael Mason: I agree with you on the critical importance of fathers. I know there are many to whom I owe a debt of thanks and all that separates me from some less fortunate is the presence of all those "villagers" keeping me on the straight and narrow.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Michael, did you worry that agreeing to be interviewed and featured in the article would somehow make things awkward with your coworkers? How have they reacted to the attention?

Michael Mason: I did worry about the impression of my co-workers. I wanted to make sure nothing would be written which they would immediately say was false or find offensive (though if true, I would be less concerned about the latter). I have received nothing but goodnatured teasing and sincere compliments about the article.

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Stafford, Va.: Why hadn't you spoken to your brother in 6 years? Why did you and your brother fall out? I don't understand how you could cut your brother off that way. 'Seems pretty cold-hearted. Do your siblings view you as arrogant or "uppity" or as an "Oreo"? The story left me with that impression.

Michael Mason: Not at all. The lack of communication between my brother and I is far too complicated for the time I have allotted today. My family overall is close and all are happy about my situation as I am about theirs.

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Washington, D.C.: I'm in a professional field which includes countless interactions with general contractors who fall behind on jobs. The MOST common response is simply that their "men," of which the majority are black, don't do the work quickly and there's never any sense of urgency...frustrating for me when delivering a construction project on time is so important. Have you experienced anything similar to this in your field of law enforcement? DSCin WashDC

Michael Mason: I have not experienced this situation and would find such a generic response objectionable since it is the responsibility of the contractor to deliver as promised. I have had issues with contract work on occasion. I loathe the answer "good enough for the government" and have always worked to ensure promises are kept.

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Woodbridge, Va.: What steps did you take to get in as an agent? I have applied for jobs with the FBI and figured as a minority, with a foreign language background and a law degree that I would have heard something. Also, does the FBI have time set aside for mentoring new recruits/employees?

Michael Mason: The application process and requirements are set forth on the FBI's website so I won't use this time to discuss those here (www.fbi.gov). We consider mentoring to be a critical piece of the development of every employee, but do not have a program per se. I have certainly mentored many young employees and will continue to do so until I retire.

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Washington, D.C.: It seems to me that the clock is being set in the reverse direction with regard to improving the lives of black people in the United States for some time now, especially for the last six years. Case in point is the support of various rules to do away with affirmation action. As a black man who also works in a somewhat senior level position, but not as high as yours, I am very concerned about my childrens' lives. Do you have the same take about your children? Good luck to you.

Michael Mason: Although I believe we're not where we need to be relative to creating a genuine level playing field (look at some of the schools in economically disadvantaged areas for example), I am not concerned about the future of my boys. I know the things I have stayed focus on to get to my current position and I see that as a recipe for success. This does not mean getting here was without challenges, but as I tell my football playing son, he is not dissuaded from getting across the goal ine because a defensive player would rather he not. So why should any obstacles deter him from pursuing far more important goals?

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Washington, D.C.: What would you say was the difference in your life that kept you away from the dangers and pitfalls that today's black American male faces in society?

Michael Mason: It was the "village" I referred to in the article. When Mr. Fleming warned me about swearing (a vice of mine as a youth), it was every bit as good as my father saying the same thing to me. I had a lot of people telling me I was going to do good things one day. If enough people tell you that and repeat it often, you start to believe it and behave that way. Too many brothers out there don't have anyone giving them this guidance...makes all the difference in the world.

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Washington, D.C.: It's fantastic that you are chatting with us today. Thanks for that. My question is maybe a little random, but did you ever read "The Spook Who Sat by the Door"? It's about the CIA not the FBI, but still am curious if you had any reaction to that story.

Michael Mason: I did read it...years ago. Since I did undercover work, I can assure you the principle the main character applied in the book, i.e. act like you belong here and no one will notice you, is true in a wide variety of situations...not just in a world where there are preconceived notions of what a black man should be doing.

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New York City: Director Mason-

First congrats on your success at the FBI. How do your children feel about having security at school and around them during normal teen activities? Do you find things disruptful in the normal teen behavior?

Michael Mason: I'm not sure what constitutes "normal" teen behavior!! I think it's sad some schools require so much security. School for me was a safe haven, not some place I feared. I hope this trend turns around somewhere in the future.

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Washington, D.C.: How do you overcome stereotypes in the workplace about your race? Wasn't it difficult to rise through the ranks as just a black person in general amidst office politics, jealousy, superiority complexes, etc?

Michael Mason: I have found that as common characteristics increase, stereotyping decreases. So, when everyone has the same educational background, expectations focus more on performance than stereotypes. FBI employees hail from all over the country, many having to relocate to take the job. So, we tended to bond as FBI employees...which in many offices created a family-like atmosphere. I never let negative perceptions interefer with my plans.

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Washington, D.C.: Is your wife still an agent?

Michael Mason: No. She resigned to stay home and raise our boys...and she is the best mother I know!

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Washington, D.C.: Being in such a high-up position, have you experienced any blatant signs of disrespect or questioning of your judgement because of your skin color (or suspected such actions)? How did you handle these situations? What advice would you have for other African-Americans wanting to work in a field that's "outside of the box" for us, such as yours?

Michael Mason: I have not had the experience of having my judgment questioned because of the color of my skin. There have been times when my judgment was challenged because someone believed there was a better way to do a job...but I have always encouraged that type of dialogue and do not feel at all threatened by this type of exchange. I believe I have been afforded the same respect as my counterparts throughout my career.

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Reston, Va.: What prompted you to join the FBI for a career?

Michael Mason: The old "FBI" television show. I always wanted to be in law enforcement, but it was after watching that show that I began to dream about becoming an FBI Special Agent. I can say this without hesitation, my "reality" has been better than anything I ever dream about.

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Washington, D.C.: Several years ago, there was a movie about one of the first Black female agents. Were there others within the FBI who paved the way? There appears to be a lot of progress since that movie come out.

Michael Mason: Absolutely other blacks, women and other minorities paved the way for me to be where I am today. They are my heroes. They stayed despite not initially being welcomed because they knew there would be a better day. I owe countless unheralded folks for where I am today...and I never forget I owe something back.

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North Augusta, S.C.: In your opinion, what impact will the raise in the minimum wage have on deterring crime? Thank you.

Michael Mason: To the extent it closes the gap between needs and the ability to provide for those needs, I imagine it might have some impact. However, people inclined to work honestly and not inclined to criminal activities simply because a current need cannot be met by their current salary. Complicated issue.

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Waldorf, Md.: Mr. Mason - I'm interested to know what you think about the lack of role models for young men in these parts. I was raised without having my dad in the house or very active in my life and some choices I've made in my early 20s led my life in a very negative direction. I feel I would have benefited from the direction of a man in our home as well as seeing the interaction of loving parents (being a parent myself).

Michael Mason: I think role models are very important in the lives of all children. I had many to whom I will forever be indebted. Your e-mail indicates to me that you are aware of the impact of having no role models in your life, so clearly you understand the importance of that role in your child's life. If that understanding is not engaged, the cycle will only continue.

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Washington, D.C.: Was the decision to do the article on you made before or after the article on the Arab agent that sued the FBI because they would not promote him to an SES position. Do you feel you were chosen and the FBI agreed because your story will balance the other one?

thanks

washingtonpost.com: "Special Agent" was one story among several in the "Being a Black Man" series, which explored what it means to be a black man in today's society. The entire series can be found here: www.washingtonpost.com/blackmen

Michael Mason: No. Since the FBI cannot discuss matters internal to the organization, all the public learns is what the person offended believes happened. The Director of the FBI would never promote someone to my position simply to balance the scales of a perceived injustice.

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Reston, Va.: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your FBI career?

Michael Mason: One of the most (continuing) rewarding aspects of my career has been the great people I get to work with who really do serve our country well. My average work day is a little over 12 hours and I know many who equal and surpass that figure. To see the FBI family come together in a crisis has made me proud more times than I can count.

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Clinton, Md.: Mr. Mason, thank you and The Post for such an enlightening article. Thank you specifically for the example of a successful Black man that is not dribbling, throwing, or catching a ball (even though you probably are pretty good at that, too). I used the article and series to support my example as education for my young son. Do you have aspirations to climb higher in the FBI or in another career? I wish you continued success in whatever you choose and happiness to your family.

Michael Mason: I certainly have not achieve all of my ambitions yet. I gave a college commencement address a year ago and told the graduates I was inviting them to join me on a journey, one I'd yet to complete. Not sure what the future holds, but I am still on that journey.

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Falls Church, Va.: I long ago quit working for the Federal Govt (mid eighties) and instead worked for Govt contractors for 20 years on temporary technical work. My feeling was that Govt agencies would hire managers that were anything-but-a-white-male during the five years that I was in the Federal workforce. This was fortified by many, older white males that I also ran into. I would never have even bothered to try the FBI as a college graduate in 1979. As a white male I think black males (and others) have had affirmative action for 27 years and discrimination has occurred against me the whole time in work and college. Comment?

Michael Mason: There are approximately 260 SES level managers in the FBI today. Approximately 17 are black. The percentage of black supervisors in the FBI is approximately 7% or so. I have address two classes of FBI agents in the past four months, each had four or fewer blacks. I'm sorry, but the notion blacks have had affirmative action for the past 27 years is simply not true.

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Lanham, Md.: Did you ever date any black women?

Michael Mason: Yes...plenty.

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Washington, D.C.: Thanks for chatting. Can you comment on diversity within the FBI on the whole? Are Asian and Hispanic agents more common than in the 1970s?

Michael Mason: Both Asian and Hispanic agents are far more common today than in the 1970s when there were likely very few Hispanics or Asian agents. We can always use more.

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Silver Spring, Md.: How do you feel about the generalization that successful black men tend to marry outside of their race?

Michael Mason: I feel this is incorrect. In my case, I married my wife as a relatively new agent with no guarantee of what my future would hold. If I listed 50 reasons why I married her, her color would not make the list. We have been married for almost twenty years. I was not promoted to EAD only to then go searching for a (white) wife.

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Silver Spring, Md.: We still talk like an oppressed people in this country. As one African American, whomever is listening...We live in a land of opportunity, seize it! and stop acting like the barriers to success: "not enough mentors", "fathers missing" are only in the African American culture. My African American niece has cerebal palsy and she said to me the other day "I'm lucky. I can talk and walk and read and write and be anything I want to be". Some of you adults who are acting like the secret to success is such a mystery alluding you are only kidding yourselves. Reach for the brass ring!!

Michael Mason: Agree completely. Too much victimization allows us to abdicate our responsibility to pursue our dreams. I never once thought about how I would be accepted in the FBI. This is my country and I wanted to pursue the FBI because that's what I wanted to do, not because I surveyed them to find out if they'd take me. If we only pursued those professions which welcomed us with open arms in 1940, we'd have very limited options today.

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Woodbridge, Va.: I'm a retired Marine. Semper Fi. How did your service as a Marine Officer help to shape you and prepare you for your career as an FBI agent?

Michael Mason: Semper Fi to you as well...Man, always good to "talk" to a Marine! The Marine Corps has been the gift that keeps on giving. Everything I learned in the Corps has been of use to me in the FBI, especially the leadership training. I would not trade my time in the Corps for anything.

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Muncie, Ind.: I used to live in northern Virginia, and in reading the article about you, I was struck by your long commute. Why do you choose to live far from your job? How does where you live impact how and when you work? Might workplaces ever provide enough incentive to close the distance, assuming that's something you and others might want?

Thanks for sharing your story. I was glad to read it, and appreciate the entire series.

Michael Mason: My wife has found the homes we have lived in as we moved around the country. I told her, "Find something that is not too far away." I should have said, "Find something that is not too far away...from my job!" I will one day live closer to my workplace because the commute is a killer(and mine is not even close to the longest I am aware of).

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Winston-Salem, N.C.: Loved the article; it was good to read that you care as much about being a good father as well as a good agent...what influence has religion played in your life to help you achieve that balance and keeping your grounded perspective??

Michael Mason: Very little up to this point. I have been working on that relationship since fifth grade. Think about it every day. Feel like I'm getting closer all the time.

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Washington, D.C.: I am a local law enforcement official, and many of us have been impressed with how you've managed to create partnerships with local police. How can you encourage other members of the FBI to establish similar trust (since sometimes there is tension between local and federal law enforcement)?

Michael Mason: This is an issue we focus on all the time. I give many leadership presentations throughout the year and relationship with our state and local partners is part of every presentation I do. I have worked with state and local agencies all of my career and cannot imagine it being otherwise. When we work together, it's like a well-oiled symphony. We do encourage this all the time.

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Lanham, Md.: In the last article of the series, the Post wrote about a young man named AJ. He was the total opposite of you. He's single, a few years younger than you, an ex-con & possibly still in the game. He's the anti-thesis of you. I guess I wonder, how does society create more Mike Masons & fewer AJs?

washingtonpost.com "In or Out Of the Game?" by Kevin Merida (The Washington Post, Dec. 31, 2006)

Michael Mason: Families and "villages" or the lack thereof impact which gets created more. The government could never have given me what my neighbors and family did....never.

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Michael Mason: I have to close now. This has been great. I am really sorry I could not answer more questions, but thanks to all who participated. Michael A. Mason

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