Summary

The article discusses the cultural differences in mask-wearing between Western countries, particularly the United States, and East Asian countries, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The article reflects on the author's observations of mask-wearing in South Korea since 1995 and contrasts it with the American resistance to masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the long-standing practice of wearing masks in Asian countries to prevent the spread of illness, a practice that became more pronounced after the SARS outbreak in 2003. In contrast, the U.S. has struggled with the concept of mask-wearing, with initial confusion over the necessity of masks, followed by resistance on grounds of personal freedom and civil rights. The article points out that while masks are not foolproof, they significantly reduce the spread of the virus. It also notes the change in the CDC's stance on mask-wearing as the pandemic progressed and the influence of cultural attitudes on health practices.

Opinions

The author suggests that Americans may prioritize personal rights over collective health, as seen in the debate over mask-wearing.
Some Americans view mask mandates as an infringement on their civil liberties, reminiscent of the resistance to mask-wearing during the 1918 Spanish flu.
The article implies that Western cultures, particularly Americans, may be perceived as arrogant for not readily adopting scientific advice or practices common in Asian cultures.
The author indicates that Asian cultures have a more community-oriented approach to health, with mask-wearing being a norm to protect others from illness.
The finance worker from Hong Kong, Oi Ling Lam, is cited to illustrate the Asian perspective that wearing masks is a considerate act to prevent spreading illness, even with mild symptoms.
Japanese sociology professor Mitsutoshi Horii is referenced to explain that the Asian approach to mask-wearing is based on the understanding that anyone could be asymptomatic carriers, thus everyone should wear masks.
The article concludes by emphasizing that while masks are not completely protective, they do help in limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Are Western Cultures too Arrogant to Listen to Science or Asian Thinking?

East Asian countries have worn masks for decades

The second time I traveled to South Korea on a student exchange program in 1995, I noticed a few locals wearing masks in public. I thought it was weird since no one wore masks in the US. Now a little over two decades later, Americans argue whether we should wear a mask or not dealing with the corona virus. Some claim it takes away their civil rights and affects their freedom.

Are Americans behind the power curve or do we let personal rights guide our beliefs? The United States of America is the land of the free, home of the brave. That’s what this country was founded on after declaring independence from England in 1776. Our morals are causing people to choose sides when it comes to the corona virus. Wear a mask or don’t wear a mask.

When the corona virus was spreading across the United States in 2020, there was a lot of confusion. Medical experts claimed that the medical community needed to wear masks and that ordinary people didn’t need them.

Initially, there was a shortage of masks and the medical professionals needed the masks more than the general public. Now that masks are more available, the mask requirement has changed. The CDC calls on Americans to wear masks to prevent the spread of this virus.

You may have also seen the President of the United States is wearing a mask. Many cities are requiring the use of masks in public gatherings. Rules have suddenly changed in a matter of months as the corona virus continues to spread.

Even though masks are enforced in some areas, some people don’t wear their masks properly. They will have the mask around their neck and not cover their nose and/or mouth. This does nothing to prevent the spread of the virus. For those who are not sick, this opens the possibility of them catching the virus from those who are sick.

This rebellious Western nature is still making waves today. The mask is at the heart of this pandemic.

Do Asians Know Something We Don’t Know?

Asian countries have worn masks before 2020. Some have worn them for a few decades now and it’s not a problem. A finance worker in Hong Kong, Oi Ling Lam said,

It’s normal for us to wear masks whenever we are sick, even if we just have a slight cold, we still wear masks. We don’t want to spread the infection to others.

During an earlier outbreak in 2003, SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome, locals started to wear masks and this time was no different.

Shumei University Japanese sociology professor Mitsutoshi Horii explained the Asian way of thinking: Anyone can be carrying the virus, even without symptoms, so everyone should wear a mask.

Horii said culture plays a big part in wearing a mask. In Western cultures, a person wearing a mask may seem suspicious. In Asian cultures, it’s normal to wear a mask.

In 1918, the Spanish flu pandemic caused people to wear masks but many Americans fought against this. They claimed it was against their civil liberty. This sounds very familiar to today a century later.

Some Control is Possible

The mask is not 100% protective against the corona virus but it does help limit the spread. Compared to a group of people who are not wearing the mask with a group that is, the group with the mask has a lesser chance of contracting the virus.

As the US enters into the latter half of 2020, it will be interesting to see how the country evolves during this pandemic.

What are your thoughts on wearing a mask during COVID-19?

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Tom Handy is a top Finance, Investment, Bitcoin, and Parenting writer on Medium, and the father of two kids. He retired from the Army and sits on several non-profit boards. You can find him on Twitter @tomhandy1.