Summary

The article reflects on the re-adoption of masks in the Asian-American community as a response to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, particularly highlighting the responsible actions of Asian-Americans and the contrasting lack of collective responsibility in broader American society.

Abstract

The author observes a return to mask-wearing within the Asian-American community at a local market, noting a discrepancy with other local grocery stores where mask usage has declined. The article underscores the importance of masks as a protective measure during the pandemic, drawing on the author's personal experiences and the practices of Asian countries that effectively managed the virus. It criticizes the individualistic and reckless behavior in parts of American society, exemplified by the initial hoarding of supplies and the subsequent rapid abandonment of masks once vaccinations became available. The author also points out the political divide in the U.S. regarding mask mandates, with certain states like Florida resisting such measures despite the surge in cases. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts, seeking guidance from responsible individuals, and ignoring irresponsible political leaders.

Opinions

Asian-Americans are setting a responsible example by wearing masks, serving as a barometer for community health practices.
The author admires the social practice of mask-wearing in Asian countries for health, environmental, and even cosmetic reasons, suggesting it should be normalized in the U.S.
There is a critique of the American response to the pandemic, characterized by a lack of community spirit and an "every man for himself" mentality.
The article expresses frustration with the difficulty of obtaining masks in the U.S. at the height of the pandemic, contrasting with the availability in countries like China.
The author is critical of the hasty removal of masks by the public following vaccination rollouts, disregarding the ongoing threat of the virus.
There is a clear disapproval of political leadership, particularly in Florida, for prioritizing personal freedoms over public health by banning mask mandates.
The author advocates for personal responsibility and caution, suggesting that

And We (Must)Wear The Masks, Again

Asian-Americans, In My Village, Set The Tone

Masks

At an Asian market just down the street from my house, all of the workers now are wearing masks again. Some have on surgical masks as doctors wear and some wear the KN95 masks.

Most of the customers are wearing masks again as well. This is not the case at many of the other grocery stores where I live. In some grocery stores, bigger, and more crowded, no employees are masked up anymore. Most customers are not rocking masks either.

It has come to this. And once again, I am looking at Asian-American citizens and/or Asians in the states visiting or studying, for guidance on how to protect myself during the pandemic. They, like before, are acting responsibly. They see the big picture.

Last year when Covid-19 hit originally, the Asian workers in the local market and students in my community were my barometer. When they began to wear masks, I began to look to buy masks to wear.

I saw them wearing masks, had heard reports about the strange “novel coronavirus” in Italy, China, South Korea, and other places, so I used common sense and acted accordingly.

I watched YouTube news broadcasts reports from various countries on how the virus was a serious deal. It was much different than the foolishness in America with Trump and his followers and many others. And many countries such as New Zealand, and others, in Asia, handled the coronavirus seriously and controlled it fairly well. Taiwan did well as did South Korea.

I got in touch with my friend, Kenny May, who lives and teaches in Busan, South Korea back then as well. I asked him about masks and the virus. He broke it down:

“When I first loved to Korea in 1996, I noticed folks wearing masks. So, I asked and was told that it was common courtesy for people who have colds or the flu to wear masks if they should be out and about in public, at school, or at work. So, over my 24 years, I have worn masks when sick. In Seoul, they wear all kinds of masks for bad air days. So, there’s that too. Sometimes, women wear masks when they decide to go out without putting on any make up. Just wearing masks out of common courtesy when sick is a social practice worthy of becoming normal in the states.”

It made sense to me. Come together. A society.

Here, in the U.S., I saw little of that last year when the virus hit. The everyman for himself mentality kicked into high gear right away. That’s why the shelves had no toilet paper. Or sanitizer. Or cleaning products. Kill or be killed.

I Wear The Mask

Back then, last year, when I had no masks and the virus was slowly killing people every day, I looked every day for masks. I went online to find some masks. In the U.S., there were none anywhere. You could buy a scarf and make that into a mask but that was about it.

I finally find some N95 masks in China. It was all I could find online. There I was, in the so-called richest country in the world, and I couldn’t find a mask to protect myself and my family. I had to order masks from China. And I did. A bunch.

And now, masks are back. The Delta surge of Covid-19, which allegedly first hit India hardest, is doing its damage here now. People who are unvaccinated are getting knocked off their feet. Even people who are vaccinated are catching it though few of the vaccinated are getting very sick. Over 90 percent of the hospitalized and the deceased are unvaccinated.

People took off their masks quickly once vaccinations began. People began to crowd parties again. People didn’t care for their fellow citizens much anymore, just their own urges, and desires to be free.

I watched it. I traveled to three states recently and barely anyone worse a mask anywhere even though there is a new variant of a deadly virus circulating. People could not wait to discard their most important protection — a mask.

I never really took my mask off. Once or twice for events but nearly everyone in attendance had gotten their shots and some still rocked masks. I didn’t feel uneasy; I just felt like I wanted to act on my own instincts, not on the whims of the news saying all was well.

And now mask mandates have returned. Governments are issuing them and so are colleges. Democrat-controlled states are more inclined to issue mandates; Republican-controlled areas are more inclined to not issue anything.

In Florida, as an example, Governor DeSantis, a Republican, has made mask mandates illegal. In fact, he signed an order recently making it illegal to issue mask mandates for schools. He doesn’t even care about the safety of children. This is that every man for himself ideology as government leadership.

This is the level of recklessness at work. Florida is currently a hot spot for the spread of the virus. Its hospitals are filling up with the sick. If an area has low vaccine rates, it is full of sick people. Count on it.

Florida’s leadership is incompetent. The DeSantis government has no business running that state.

So until further notice, I wear the mask. It doesn’t grin or lie. It hides my cheeks and shades my eyes. But do know, I am good. (Shout out to Paul Laurence Dunbar)

Be safe out there, and trust your instincts and good people who have your best interest at heart (not money motives). And especially ignore stupid politicians and reckless human beings who have somehow wheedled their way into a position of power or influence. They are the last person to listen to now.