Will Masking Be More Common?

Summary

The author reflects on the cultural shift in mask-wearing in America, considering the possibility of COVID-19 masking protocols becoming a standard social courtesy, inspired by a visit to his barber after a two-year hiatus.

Abstract

After a long absence due to the pandemic, the author returns to his favorite barbershop where he observes the impact of COVID-19 on the business and its patrons. He notes the compliance of customers with mask-wearing requests and contrasts this with pre-pandemic attitudes towards illness and public interaction. The author ponders whether the pandemic will lead to a permanent change in American behavior regarding masking as a social courtesy, similar to practices in some Asian countries. He also touches upon the resistance to mask-wearing in America, attributing it to a sense of strength and independence, as well as socioeconomic pressures like poverty wages and lack of benefits.

Opinions

The author expresses a sense of guilt for not visiting his barber, Brett, in nearly two years, citing various reasons including pandemic-related restrictions and supporting a friend's new business.
He appreciates the familiar environment of the barbershop and values the unique atmosphere that prompted him to return.
The author is relieved to find that customers have been understanding and compliant with Brett's masking requests, which reflects a positive change in social behavior due to the pandemic.
He recalls a pre-COVID incident where a sick customer was refused service, highlighting the importance of considering others' health, a sentiment that has been amplified by the pandemic.
The author is critical of the resistance to mask-wearing in America, viewing it as disproportionate to the simple request to protect public health.
He acknowledges the influence of Asian cultures where masking when feeling unwell is a common social courtesy, suggesting that America could learn from this practice.
The author commits to not visiting public places like the barbershop when sick and to wearing a mask if he has to seek medical attention for the flu, demonstrating his personal stance on the matter.
He refr

After a hiatus, the author returns to his favorite barber shop and wonders if masking protocols from COVID will trickle into everyday life.

Sitting in the chair at my local barber shop, I was feeling a little guilty. I hadn’t been in to see Brett in almost two years. I lamely explained; my wife gave me a buzz cut a few times when the pandemic first hit, and then I wanted to support a friend who was starting his own studio. Plus, every time I passed by the shop it looked like he was busy with people lined up outside.

The City Barber Shop in Corvallis, Oregon. — Photo by André Alyeska.

I liked being back in the barbershop. From the sports paraphernalia on the walls, to the jokes, I missed the masculine vibe. That’s why I go to an old school barbershop.

We caught up like we usually do and talked about COVID and the impact on his business. Brett said business has been good. But he also said, “Don’t wait so long next time.” And I noticed he didn’t have his usual second barber working the next chair over.

I kept my mask on for 95% of the cut; he’d ask me to unhook the mask off one ear only when he was trimming that side. I inquired if he received any resistance from customers to mask up when in his shop. He said people have been understanding and compliant with his requests. I was relieved for his sake.

But then he told a story from pre-COVID times.

He related how one fellow came in and told his employee that he wasn’t feeling well, so he took the day off. He had a cough and runny nose. His employee asked, “What are you doing here?” and refused to seat him. Brett backed up his employee and the would-be customer left in a huff.

He also relayed how the previous owner got sick all the time. She used to post note on the front door asking people to not come in if they knew they were sick. People would get really irate about that request.

We pondered if COVID might bring some permanent changes.

Omicron peaked in February, as expected. And our health care system was strained again, as expected. Heading into the third year of this pandemic, it finally seems to be winding down. Can we all cross of fingers, and hope we don’t have another virulent variant?

What I still can’t get over is the virulent resistance in some quarters to wearing a mask. While I’ll readily admit, before COVID I never really thought about having a cold and if I should limit my activity. But I do now. The anger directed at masking seems so out of proportion with what’s being asked.

Since COVID began, I’ve read stories on how masking in Asian countries is common. It’s considered a social courtesy to mask up when you feel the common cold might be coming on.

Oh, but in America, we are too strong and independent to be courteous. Plus, we have the vaunted American work ethic — I’m so essential I can’t take a day off — coupled with poverty wages and poor or no benefits, especially for those who work service sector jobs and carry the most risk.

I tell you what though, I won’t go to the barbershop when I’m feeling sick. And if I’ve come down with the flu, and it’s bad enough to go see my doctor, I’ll be masking up.

I want to be clear; I am not prescribing political affiliation to the gentleman who was sick, showing obvious symptoms, and yet still came expecting a haircut. Rather, I’m wondering if America can change.

MASKING IN AMERICA

Will Masking Be More Common?

After a hiatus, the author returns to his favorite barber shop and wonders if masking protocols from COVID will trickle into everyday life.