The Passive-Aggressive Relationship With Masks in 2020
#Wearamask, please
2020 has not been easy so far. Our favorite events are canceled. We can’t travel freely as we used to do before. We can not remember when was the last time we went to the movie theater in 2020. We went into lockdown. We weren’t able to go to our favorite restaurants. We had to socially distance ourselves from our friends and loved ones. On top of all that we are obligated to wear masks when we go to public places or use public transportations.
Believe me, I know that wearing a mask is not comfortable. It is annoying and we are not used to wearing a mask. But for the sake of our community let us wear a mask and do our minimum part in fighting this pandemic.
Why you should wear a mask?
Let us be clear, wearing a normal face cover (mask) does not protect you. Only certain medical masks protect its user. However, when you wear a mask, it protects the people around you in case you were infected. The mask or face shield helps in preventing the virus from spreading. It does not help 100% but it helps.
Think of it as a seat belt, it will not 100% save you in case of a big accident, but it will increase your survival chances.
The mask helps in protecting the people around you. If people around you wear masks as well, this also protects you. We want to protect you, and I’m sure you care about us too. That is why we ask you to wear a mask.
Freedom and masks
No one wants to take your freedom away. We actually care about you, we care about the elderly, we care about people with pre-existing conditions, as well as we care about the young ones. The preacher Robert F. Y. Pierce said it best (1896 in Philadelphia):
your liberty ends where my nose begins
Let me ask you this, would you ever do something that will endanger people around you? Would you accept it, if a random person endangered you or a loved one? Don’t you want to feel safe when you go to do the groceries? Don’t you want to know that you live in a society, where others care about your loved ones as well?
if your answers are no, no, yes, and yes then please wear a mask.
Wear it properly
When I go out, I see a lot of people wearing the mask to cover their mouths but they leave their noses exposed. If you do this temporarily for a couple of breaths, then I’m fine with it. However, if this is your idea about wearing a mask, then I have to stop you here.
You wouldn’t wear your underwear without covering all the parts, would you?
Please wear the mask properly. I know it is a hassle, it is not comfortable, it is annoying, and it is weird not seeing other peoples’ faces.
It is a phase that all of humankind is going through. It shall pass soon and hopefully, life as we know it will return back to normal. For the time being, help us and help yourself and please wear a mask.
Last words
My friends, wearing a mask is helpful but as you know it is not the only way we can help. Remember to wash your hands every time you have a chance. Countries and society are slowly opening up and parts of life will return soon to normal. Be a helping hand in reopening and please do your part.
We are not asking much of you. We want you to exercise your life at the maximum possible limit for the current time. Countries are slowly re-opening and with baby steps, hopefully, it will go back to normal.
My friends, Please wear a mask.
