To Mask Or Not to Mask

Summary

The article "To Mask Or Not to Mask" reflects on the ethical and practical considerations of wearing masks during the pandemic, juxtaposing the desire for safety against the social and political resistance to mask-wearing.

Abstract

In a world grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the article "To Mask Or Not to Mask" delves into the dilemma faced by individuals in adopting mask-wearing as a protective measure. It ponders the nobility of enduring ridicule for the greater good, while also contemplating the potential karmic consequences for those who refuse to mask up. The piece draws a parallel to Shakespeare's Hamlet, questioning whether it is better to suffer the indignities of anti-mask sentiments or to actively oppose them. It praises the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) in safeguarding lives and criticizes the insolence of leadership that has politicized mask-wearing. The author, Marilyn Flower, uses satire to highlight the absurdity of prioritizing profits over public health and encourages readers to consider the gravity of the situation, advocating for personal and collective responsibility in the face of a global health crisis.

Opinions

The author suggests that wearing a mask is a noble act, despite the social backlash it may provoke.
There is an underlying hope for cosmic justice against those who defy mask-wearing and endanger others.
The article expresses frustration with political leaders, particularly the former Trump administration, for not setting a positive example by wearing masks.
It criticizes the prioritization of economic interests over the health and safety of the public.
The author implies that the fear of death and the unknown should encourage people to take precautions, like wearing masks, rather than acting recklessly.
There is a clear endorsement of PPE as a means to protect lives during the pandemic.
The piece satirically questions whether the wealthy elite truly care about the public's health or are merely interested in maintaining their profits during the crisis.

The question that tries men’s souls.

To mask or not to mask, that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous bullying, And not take aim against seething bullies, Without opposing, let them do themselves in; And by their anti-masking, might they end Their life-ache, and the thousand blue affronts Their red flesh is heir to? ’Tis a consummation We dare not admit wishing upon them, Though perchance dreaming of karmic justice, In their throes of death, what regrets may come, While we have shuffled off this mortal threat, Must give us pause. We owe deepest respect For the PPE that protects our lives: Who would bear the Whips and Scorns of viral Victory o’re proud men’s stupidity? Yet pains of locking in, the law’s delay, The insolence of Highest Office, the spurns Against the citizens merits our rage, Could the Trump himself his redemption make With a masked face? And would Pence do likewise To save his own ass, I mean soul’s, dreary life? Would that the dread of something after death, The unmistaken hell-fire of those who burn, From which no bully returns, calms the will And makes us rather bear those ills we have Then try out viruses we know not of. Thus contagion does make cowards of some, Who value the natural hue of Health Not sicklied o’er with the pale cast of Death. Enterprises of great import and wealth Queue up for bailouts, never turned away, Or lose an ounce of profits. Head you now The filthy rich care not you doff the mask So why line their pockets? Just had to ask.

Marilyn Flower writes political humor and satire to delight socially and spiritually conscious folks. She’s a regular columnist for the prison newsletter, Freedom Anywhere, where she writes about faith and prayer. Clowning and improvisation strengthen her resolve during these crazy times.