We Don’t Care If The Mask Bothers You

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of wearing masks to protect oneself and others during the pandemic, despite discomfort, as a scientifically proven measure to prevent the spread of the virus.

Abstract

The article "We Don’t Care If The Mask Bothers You" addresses the common complaint that masks are uncomfortable by highlighting the necessity of wearing them for the collective good. It underscores that while many find masks inconvenient, they are a critical tool in preventing the transmission of the virus, as supported by scientific research. The author appeals to the reader's sense of community and responsibility, pointing out that masks protect not only the wearer but also essential workers and the broader population. The piece also acknowledges the challenges of adapting to new health measures but insists that such adaptations are crucial for public health and safety.

Opinions

The author expresses frustration with those who refuse to wear masks without a valid reason, given the clear scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
There is a call to shift the mindset from viewing mask-wearing as an imposition to seeing it as a protective measure for oneself and others.
The article suggests that wearing a mask is a small inconvenience compared to the risks faced by essential workers who must wear them for extended periods.
It emphasizes that individual actions, such as wearing a mask, contribute significantly to the community's health and can alleviate the strain on healthcare systems.
The author believes that the pandemic has been a growth opportunity, teaching us the importance of caring for each other, with mask-wearing being a tangible expression of this care.
The article concludes with a direct and strong admonition to the public to prioritize community health over personal discomfort by wearing masks.

If you don’t do it for yourself, then do it for the others

When I’m out on the streets, I still see a lot of people without their mask on. And I wonder to myself: why? Is it that hard to understand? Well, it seems like it is.

I’ve heard a lot of people say that the mask is a bother to them or that they don’t feel comfortable wearing it. Well, guess what: you’re not the only one. There are millions and millions of people who don’t enjoy having a mask on, but they still wear it whenever they go out.

We do it because we’ve been told to, but I don’t think that’s the only reason why we should be wearing it.

The Science Behind Wearing a Mask

The effectiveness of masks has been scientifically proven by many scientists and health institutions all over the world. The main transmission route of the virus is found in small droplets our mouth and nose are letting out whenever we breathe, talk, cough… — you name it.

When talking about social distancing, what we mean is trying to avoid contact with people you don’t live with. If by any case you have to go out and be with other people you don’t actually live with and to avoid infecting others and ourselves, a mask is a very powerful tool, but taking other recommended measures (such as washing your hands, not touching surfaces everybody could’ve touched, etc.) will also help.

It’s Not Just a Matter of Following The Rules

I know we’re all pretty much obligated to wear a mask if we go out, and especially if we’re going to be around other people. But instead of feeling like we’re obligated because the government is telling us to do it, I think our mindset should change a bit.

We wear a mask to protect ourselves and others. And when protecting ourselves, we’re making sure we’re not passing it to our loved ones when we arrive home from being on a crowded street all morning.

By taking every possible caution and measurement, we’re avoiding having to pay a hospital bill we can’t afford and, at the same time, not making other people also pay for a bill they neither can pay.

It Could Be Worse (and for some people, it is)

It’s clear that wearing a mask isn’t something we’d want to do voluntarily.

But for a moment, stop thinking about yourself. Stop thinking about how itchy the mask is, about how you cannot breathe that well when wearing it for about an hour; and start thinking about essential workers — health care staff, cashiers, your delivery guy, etc.

They are risking their lives so we can have food in our houses, somewhere where we can be taken care of, etc. They have to be on their feet working for tons of hours just to provide essential services to the population; and of course, do all of this wearing a mask (and a lot of the times gloves) more than one hour a day. That’s way worse than what we’ve got to go through when we go grocery shopping.

And there’s no way in denying they’re probably not the most comfortable wearing it, but they still do. Because it’s required and for the safety of them, their families, and everyone’s.

This pandemic has been a learning stage for everyone. We’ve had to adapt to lots of new situations, even one’s we weren’t even prepared for.

But, at the end of the day, new experiences are what make us grow. And if we can take one thing from these times, is that taking care of each other has helped us in ways we would’ve never imagined.

Wear the damn mask and stop being so selfish.