News Worldwide impact of the novel coronavirus (covid-19)

[Justmehere]

Masks have always been political. In 1919, they were a sign of patriotism.

The face mask is a political symbol in America, and what it represents has changed drastically in the 100 years since the last major pandemic

 

[user27357]

Masks have always been political. In 1919, they were a sign of patriotism.

It would be more accurate to say that masks have sometimes been politicized, as they were in 1919, to represent the idea of patriotism.

A hat is not political, a red hat is not political, a lets make america great again hat isn't even political. A hat is just a hat and can't even vote let alone have a political ideology. Masks either, No political thoughts or values whatsoever.

The politicization of the hats and masks is a construct of the wearer being influenced by a motivated influencer.

I know I am smarter than a mask or a hat, and I strongly suspect we may all be smarter than the influencer. Certainly smarter than the virus.

I know what you meant to say and you are right. Nothing new under the sun.

 

[Justmehere]

If one looks up the definition of politics, it's simply the act of governance and power.

The decision to have government enforce or direct the wearing or not wearing of a mask, even if all the people agree, is political.

People tend to call something political if they don't like it in order to put it down.

 

[Chris-duck]

I also think it probably *is* political. The idea of every-man-for-themselves vs protect-the-vulnerable *is* political when it's implemented. Like asymptomatic people wearing masks is more to protect other people than themselves, so yeah, I think opinions on it are dictated by peoples political leanings, rightly or wrongly.

 

[Justmehere]

Yay! Jubilant Czechs hold 'farewell coronavirus' party

 

[DharmaGirl]

his name online ever again without including all of the adjectives that go with it

Me too!!!! Me too!!!

 

[Sideways]

I think that there must be a lot of mixed messaging that a lot of people in the US must be getting right now - which doesn't help.

To me, it isn't a case of personal rights, or even quite as severe as "if you don't wear a mask you might die, or kill someone else".

It's simply: we have a plague situation at the moment, can you help out and wear a mask if it's hit your area?

Not shaming people for deciding not to. Not getting angry at them as though they're likely super-spreaders. Just - help out, people. Like community health matters.

But for the people who believe it's a hoax (and I don't doubt their belief is genuine), even that message won't compute.

That would be okay, if everyone else did that right thing when the virus comes to their neck of the woods, though. Making the personal decision to help out, regardless of others not chipping in to help out. Making the decision, "I'll help". Because the number of people in our control? Is just one. Which makes it a really uncomplicated question when you walk out the door each morning.

And, thanks to the people who do wear masks. And keep a safe distance. And wash their hands. Because alongside all the frustration, there's a lot of people usually doing the right thing by everyone, and going unnoticed.

 

[ladee]

I just got back from running errands and grocery shopping. EVERYONE going into stores is wearing masks. Notes on the doors to businesses. "No mask, No service'.

As we say here in Texas... YeeeeHaaa!

First time I have been relaxed in the store since this all began.

 

[DharmaGirl]

It's simply: we have a plague situation at the moment, can you help out and wear a mask if it's hit your area?

Exactly!

 

[whiteraven]

Still only encouraged here. Most of the businesses I've been in or by have a sign up, but still not everyone is complying.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Still only encouraged here. Most of the businesses I've been in or by have a sign up, but still not everyone is complying.

Same here! About half, give or take.

 

[DharmaGirl]

Yep, a lot are not complying here. It's kind of hard to get into the habit of always having one. Some stores will ask you to leave, but I saw a woman in Safeway wearing a mask around her neck. Perhaps she forgot to put it up, perhaps it was a statement. I didn't ask.

Yesterday really drove home how different our opinions can be. My neighbor doesn't believe the federal government should lead the response to the coronavirus. The states should. I was kind of horrified, given that my idea of federal government is one who leads the states through hardship. Unites us and provides a sense of hope when there is so much hardship. She doesn't. I remember George W Bush giving a speech after 9/11 to rally the country. I also saw him give a small speech about coming together for covid. I'm not Republican, but both were good speeches.

I heard the word apocalyptic when referring to what's in store for Texas and Florida. I love post apocalyptic novels and games, but not in real life. I hope we all remain safe.