My take on masks.

[Diana]

First let me clarify that I wasn't directly addressing you in most of my post, Diana. When I refer to anti-maskers, I am talking about people who literally think that you and I both are sheep who bend to every whim of the government because we are wearing a mask. I know for a fact that this isn't the case for either of us.

I feel as though we are talking at cross purposes almost on different subjects.

I admit to extreme ignorance on this subject regarding specifics, and have offered only general ideas that perhaps don't fit the reality of this situation.

Occam's Razor tells me it's much more likely we're experiencing a global pandemic caused by improper utilization of animal agriculture. I actually am shocked that you don't see the direct correlation, as almost all of our pandemics and communicable diseases have come from animals and the objectively disgusting spaces that must be maintained to farm and slaughter them.

I do see that correlation. That, and the way we humans have raped and pillaged the planet in general affecting the environment and the health of all living things.

I think if one looks with an open mind, a lot of correlations can be seen. One that comes to mind is extraterrestrial abductions where the people are experimented on. It boggles my mind that that correlation isn't seen.

Do you think there's a reason why the US has many, many, many times more infections and deaths than almost every other countries? Have you compared and contrasted the responses of the "successful" countries with what the US has done?

I have not researched it to any comprehensive extent. Mostly because I don't believe the statistics. Perhaps I'm not qualified to have a valid opinion here because of that.

I've seen a wide range of attitudes as well, but the anti-mask rhetoric is so very often one-dimensional. Whether I'm idealistic or judgemental, I don't know. These are my honest feelings. Isn't it just as judgemental to say that people have more suspicion in their eyes, and therefore are less trustworthy because half of their face is covered? I understand why you feel that way, but can't you see that it might be more of a symptom of your lack of regular interaction with others, and your own distrust of the situation, rather than an actual negative vibe that is being perpetuated?

No. That is not the case. I'm just observing. I, like you, have a sincerely loving attitude toward others. I just see the way people treat and look at each other. It's not rocket science. You can see what's in people's eyes. If you are suggesting that I look for these things you are wrong. It has frankly shocked me a little.

I just want to choose the narrative and actions that exhibit the most compassion for others.

I can't argue with that.

I personally feel like people have been far more polite in recent months. In fact, the biggest trouble makers are the ones who refuse to wear a mask in a public space and attack and harass the low-wage employees who are just trying to enforce what they believe to be a basic public safety protocol. There are far more people who are anti-mask throwing angry temper tantrums than there are people who are pro-mask, at least from what I've seen.

You likely have a more comprehensive view considering my very small amount of public interaction.  

Maybe you don't know anyone who has had COVID yet, or died from it. I know several people who have had it and know others who have had close family die.

I do know people who have had it but with no serious results. And I know people who have had close people die (very few) but I have no details. So maybe it's cavalier of me to say that I would likely have the same questions and concerns if I did know more people adversely affected. I sincerely hope that personal tragedy would not deter me from looking at the bigger picture.

Maybe that looks callous in words on a page, but I don't intend that.

It's just so bizarre that people don't want to take it seriously so the only rational explanation I can find is that it's denial. We want everything to go back to normal so it's easier to ignore what's happening than to accept making changes in our daily experience. If we consent to changing our behavior, we are consenting to the reality that has changed. I understand people are resistant and hesitant to do this. The world is quite scary and we all need to be making different choices to put it on a new trajectory, and we need to stop blaming institutions and take charge of our own contributions to the planetary situation.

I agree that change is needed. Personal accountability and responsibility being at the center of that change.