11 votes

Let's all wear a mask

5 comments

  1. patience_limited
    Link
    I've been mulling over one additional benefit of universal mask adoption - hindering facial recognition surveillance. I'm sure that ultimately, it's going to be whole body and behavior-based...

    I've been mulling over one additional benefit of universal mask adoption - hindering facial recognition surveillance.

    I'm sure that ultimately, it's going to be whole body and behavior-based recognition, but we're buying additional time to legislatively monkey-wrench the surveillance state.

    6 votes
  2. skybrian
    Link
    From the blog post: [...]

    From the blog post:

    [I]n this essay, I want to persuade you not just to wear a mask, but to go beyond the new CDC guidelines and help make mask wearing a social norm. That means always wearing a mask when you go out in public, and becoming a pest and nuisance to the people in your life until they do the same.

    [...]

    So that's the main reason we need to wear masks—to protect others in case we are sick! But there are some other good reasons that get less attention. Hipster reasons! I've divided them here into two groups: the ways a mask helps you individually, and the ways it helps us collectively.

    1. A mask is a barrier that keeps you from touching your nose and mouth. [...]
    2. Wearing a mask is a mental reminder that things are not normal. [...]
    3. Masks are somewhat uncomfortable, a helpful feature when we're trying to limit time spent in public places. [...]
    4. Masks can help you remember to wash your hands. [...]

    Here are some ways that wearing masks helps other people:

    1. masks reduce the quantity of virus-laden aerosols that come out of our mouth[s]. [...]
    2. A mask is a visible public signal to strangers that you are trying to protect their health. [...]
    3. Universal mask use gives cover to sick people who, for whatever reason, need to be out in the world. [...]
    4. Mask wearing prevents harrassment of people from other cultures who choose to wear a mask in public. [...]
    5. Most importantly, a culture of mask wearing protects doctors, nurses, medical staff, and retail employees who are right now being punished for wearing masks at work, on the grounds that it alarms patients and clients. [...]
    6. Finally, because there is a mask shortage, learning to make masks at home will increase the supply of masks we can donate to hospitals, nursing homes, and anywhere else where personal protective equipment is in short supply.
    2 votes
  3. Algernon_Asimov
    Link
    I've promised I'm going to mention this every time I see this point. So here it is. :) Wearing a mask can potentially increase the frequency at which you touch your face, because masks can be...

    A mask is a barrier that keeps you from touching your nose and mouth.

    I've promised I'm going to mention this every time I see this point. So here it is. :)

    Wearing a mask can potentially increase the frequency at which you touch your face, because masks can be uncomfortable or itchy, prompting you to adjust the mask or scratch under it.

    People need a strong sense of self-discipline not to touch their face, with or without a mask - moreso with a mask which increases the triggers for face-touching. You can't rely on the mask to do this for you.

    2 votes
  4. [2]
    Sand
    Link
    Or let's just avoid going out in public.

    Or let's just avoid going out in public.

    1. skybrian
      Link Parent
      Not every trip can be avoided. Some people need to work, and others need to get groceries.

      Not every trip can be avoided. Some people need to work, and others need to get groceries.

      1 vote