An Open Letter To Everyone Wearing Their Mask on Their Chins

Summary

The author is expressing frustration towards individuals who wear their masks incorrectly, emphasizing the importance of proper mask usage for public health during the pandemic.

Abstract

The author, a concerned citizen without any official title, pens an open letter addressing the selfishness and disregard for public health safety measures exhibited by those who wear masks on their chins instead of covering their nose and mouth. The letter highlights the necessity of following mask mandates, drawing a parallel to seatbelt laws, and underscores the potential risks to vulnerable populations, such as the author's sister with severe asthma. The writer expresses a personal sense of danger and disappointment in witnessing the disregard for safety protocols in public spaces, including grocery stores, and calls for compliance with mask guidelines for the collective well-being of the community.

Opinions

The author believes that wearing a mask properly is a matter of empathy and concern for others, not just a personal choice.
There is a sentiment that those who do not wear masks correctly are influenced by misinformation and are prioritizing their own comfort over the health of others.
The author equates the debate over mask-wearing to the established acceptance of seatbelt use, suggesting that legal requirements should be followed regardless of personal beliefs.
The author feels that owning a mask is not enough; it must be worn correctly to be effective.
There is a concern for the well-being of essential workers who are put at risk by individuals not adhering to mask guidelines.
The author personally practices strict self-isolation and follows safety protocols, highlighting a commitment to protecting both personal and public health.
The letter conveys a strong appeal for individuals to comply with mask mandates, not just for the safety of the author and their family, but for the broader community, including the families of those who are currently non-compliant.

Seriously, just slide it up a little

To Whom It May Concern:

I’m no one important. I’m not a scientist, I’m not an engineer, I’m not a public figure. I’m just a woman with empathy and compassion for others around me, and a concern for the state of our nation.

We’ve never met, but I know you. I know that you believe the masks are useless. I know you believe they aren’t helping anyone or that they’re a “hoax” because the man with a bad spray tan said so. I know you don’t think you can breathe properly and will suffocate if you wear your mask correctly.

I don’t know what has happened in your life that has made you so selfish and self centered. What about wearing a mask is really that hard? Are you that self absorbed that you think that your ability to mouth-breathe comfortably is more important than everyone else’s health?

Here in Maryland, we are required to wear a mask when inside of public areas. So explain to me then, why at Wawa this morning, I saw a family of six all with their masks pulled down while talking to the cashier?

The mask debate is much like the seatbelt debate. It doesn’t matter what you believe to be true: the law is you wear a seatbelt, so you wear the seatbelt. Moreover, you have to wear the seatbelt properly. Same goes for the mask, my selfish friends. I’m glad to see you all least own a face covering, but you aren’t doing yourself or anyone else any good by covering only your chin.

My sisters were both tested for Covid-19 this week and thankfully they both tested negative on rapid testing and the longer tests. But my youngest sister has debilitating asthma that has landed her in the hospital twice in her life after developing pneumonia. If she wasn’t wearing a mask and she contracted Covid, who’s to say something terrible wouldn’t have happened?

My family and myself are in the boat of empathy here. We’ve been self isolating since March with the exception of going to work or the grocery store as needed. I went to the pumpkin patch this past weekend and despite being outside, it was the closest I have been to other people in months.

I hate going to the grocery store because I see people like you going up and down the aisles, endangering not only me but the essential employees who are there for your benefit.

Your chin doesn’t need protection, and I don’t need protection from your chin. Your nose and mouth are the issue here, friend.

Whether you like the masks or not, we have a mandate in our state that we have to wear them and stores have policies to dismiss you or deny service for failing to follow guidelines published outside.

For the safety of me, my family, and you and yours, please do what you’re supposed to do.

Sincerely,

Someone who misses strolling around Target for fun