Why We Choose to Wear a Face Mask. a Message to the Anti-Maskers

 

A simple yet powerful gesture amidst uncertain times.

Contents

• Introduction
• Why Are People Choosing to Wear a Face Mask? 2020
• Updates: Why Are People Still Wearing Face masks, Long After the 2020 Pandemic?
• Face Masks: Not Just for COVID-19
• Please Stop Picking on Us for Wearing a Facemask
• Conclusion
• Poll: Are you wearing your face mask because of the coronavirus?

Introduction

"Why are you wearing a face mask?". "Do you not realise how stupid you look?", "take off your f*****g face mask". And, if looks could kill, I'd be dead.

Those were the questions and comments (abuse) I received from protesters at an anti-mask/anti-lockdown protest, where thousands of protesters had rallied to oppose the government's guideline of 'locking down' and the 'mandatory wearing of face masks' — describing it as a 'PLANdemic and SCAMdemic' created to 'enforce Marshall Law' and 'Control Society.'

My reply to them, "the Coronavirus is NOT why I'm wearing a mask, and, If you were in MY shoes, I would not be harassing YOU for choosing to wear YOUR mask for whatever reasons YOU choose to wear it for".

Furthermore, the protesters kept shouting at everyone through megaphones saying, "take off your mask" and "don't you know how harmful face masks are" (while puffing on cigarettes), but I didn't tell them to stop smoking or how stupid they are for doing so. My mask protects me from the smoke flares they set off at every protest.

The 'protesters' were telling the 'mask wearers' to remove their masks while shouting to every police officer without a face mask to "put on your mask", not knowing or asking if they were exempt.

Plus, what is the point of these protesters chanting "freedom, freedom, freedom" if I'm not allowed the freedom to wear my face mask?

And, "while I'm on my soapbox", if any anti-masker happens to catch Covid-19, it's unlikely you got it from someone wearing a face mask!.

Beyond the mask, a story unfolds.

In 2020, when the world came under attack from Covid, we all went under lockdown, and life dramatically changed. Some have come to terms with it by accepting and following the government's guidelines, rules, and restrictions to help combat the virus and reduce lives by following their advice - including wearing face masks.

The 'anti-maskers' and 'Coronavirus sceptics' are happy to wear a mask depicting the image of 'Guy Fawkes' as seen in the 2005 film 'V for Vendetta' — a symbol of anti-government resistance which has become widespread among groups protesting against the government and financial institutions.

The anti-vaxxers believe that the plan is to implant trackable microchips when injected with the Coronavirus vaccine, and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is behind it.

Unfortunately, they are taking it out on the people who have chosen to wear their face masks and follow scientists' and governments' guidelines to keep people safe.

Face mask wearers don't know about or have the chance to believe or disbelieve the conspiracies because they are not on social media or the Internet. They trust the government and the "mainstream" media — and are petrified of catching Covid, even though they have been 'double vaccinated'. The others, who are privy to all the conspiracies, do not believe them — what's so wrong with that?

Why Are People Choosing to Wear a Face Mask? 2020

More than 50 countries require people to cover their faces when they leave home.

The following comments are reasons people want to wear a face mask, collated from talk radio, online message boards/forums and social media. And personal conversations (and eavesdropping) with face mask wearers.

• "I only wear one because it's compulsory in shops and public transport."
• "It only helps to hide some wrinkles I hate. A silver lining in every cloud."
• "I always wear my mask... until I'm out of sight of my parents, who expect me to wear them."
• "I used my wife's mask to hide the bits of tissues stuck on my face from shaving cuts if I have a visitor or need to pop out."
• "Let's just say I no longer have big lips."

• "Trust me, I look more attractive with my mask on."
• "It makes me feel mysterious."
• "Air pollution kills thousands every year, so why would I not want to wear a face mask in public."
• "I have noticed people don't stare at me as much". (said by my attractive friend).
• "I work in a shop selling second-hand items, which can be quite dusty, and I have always wanted to wear a face mask, and now I can without anyone laughing or staring at me."

Why facemasks are not just for trapping Covid-19 particles: The human body sheds millions of particles every hour, including dead skin cells and fabric dust particles, as well as other sources of debris from the natural wear and tear of clothing. Ripped clothing can be a significant source of particles, as the rips and tears are constantly deteriorating.

Additionally, people release millions of droplets from their noses and mouths every time they speak, cough, sneeze, scratch themselves, or rub their noses.

Inhalation of these particles can potentially transmit viruses and other pathogens, making it crucial to wear a face mask to help reduce the risk of infection. It is essential to prioritise safety and follow recommended guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Centre's for Disease Control and Prevention said, we can "save 100,000 lives in the next 100 days" (in the U.S. alone) if everyone wears a mask in public.

Masked and mindful: Protecting ourselves and each other, one breath at a time.

• "I am fully vaccinated, but I chose to wear a mask in a crowded location because people are gross. They sneeze, cough, and spit when they speak. Honestly, it is disgusting. So I will wear a mask."
• "I hate wearing a mask, but I wear it out of respect for people around me."
• "It's car fumes that make me wear mine when cycling in the city, and not because of Covid."
• "Some people's mugs (faces) are so ugly that the wearing of face masks should be mandatory" (said by an ugly mug)."
• "Why do I wear my mask? My dog loves seeing us both muzzled, it's as simple as that".

"The main reason I chose to wear a mask is that I knew other people were genuinely afraid of catching Covid, so wearing a mask was my way of showing them compassion."

• "I have buck teeth and a receding chin, both of which vanish when wearing a mask."
• "I am exempt from wearing a face mask, but I started to wear it to stop the evil eyes and comments I was getting from people in public wearing facemasks".
• "When I wear my mask, I often feel like the bad guy in a film or on a robbing spree. It feels exciting."
• "This is one way of dealing with the police's facial recognition CCTV."
• "I specifically wear mine, because at least nobody can tell when I'm mumbling to myself at work".
• "I have to wear a face mask in all public toilets".

Studies have suggested that flushing a toilet (without the lid down) can spray viral particles around a room. A person could then be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by breathing in floating faecal matter or ingesting the virus after touching contaminated surfaces. Flushing also generates large amounts of airborne germs, and inhaling these particles can cause other medical problems.

Why does a pumpkin wear a face covering? Because it's Halloween!:D

Continued

• "Shoplifting is much smarter with my face covered."
• "The only time I welcomed a mask was when I didn't want to talk with anyone."
• "I don’t like interacting with people, and the mask makes it much easier to avoid that."
• "I don't feel in danger, but I feel socially obligated to wear a mask. I feel that's the right thing to do."

• "Mines to protect me from my wife's farts, which have got worse since she had a curry the other night."
• "You've probably heard of body dysmorphia that clothes can conceal. Welcome to face dysmorphia."
• ''Let's just say I used to be camera shy," they said with a wink.
• "A disposable face mask was a lot cheaper than paying for expensive dental implants. However, I still can't chew my nuts."
• "Perhaps if my wife wore a face mask, she might still be alive."
• "I'd wear my mask forever if I could for personal reasons"

Updates: Why Are People Still Wearing Face masks, Long After the 2020 Pandemic?

Many famous people are still choosing to wear a face mask or face covering to remain anonymous in public - to make it harder for the public and paparazzi to spot them. Other reasons include...

• "I bought a pack of masks, just to keep my face warm in winter and to stop my nose going red."
• "I get along with strangers more with a mask than without one. I hope I can continue to wear one, purely for social reasons, and yes, I am aware of the potential dangers from wearing the blue disposal face masks, a risk I'm willing to take." Nanoplastics and other harmful pollutants found in disposable face masks.
• "I continue to wear my mask because I am concerned about people photographing and videoing others in public, and live-streaming images without their consent and posting the footage on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube."
• "it helps with my allergies and asthma, and helps with my histamine reaction."
• "For the past 18 months of mask-wearing, I have not suffered with any allergies, not even hayfever, and I don’t give a rat’s patootie about what anything thinks about me wearing a mask."
• "I Never used to make it through winter without a cold. Since masks became a thing, nada! Funny how that works, right?"

• "Coronavirus is still around, and that's basically it".
• "Because of chemtrails," was one person's short reply. After researching this phenomenon, I discovered many people believe the 'white lines' left by aeroplanes flying overhead are "chemtrails" (chemical trails), rather than contrails (condensation trails). They think these lines aren't simply condensed water vapour trails, but rather contain chemical or biological agents sprayed for nefarious purposes by the government. Believers in this conspiracy theory claim that while normal contrails from passing planes dissipate quickly, chemtrails linger in the air and must contain additional substances designed to cause respiratory illnesses and other health problems, even population reduction. Chemtrails conspiracy theory gets put to the ultimate test.
• I keep wearing a mask because my teeth are probably my biggest insecurity.
• "Face masks are like an SPF shield for my skin! They block out the sun completely."

UPDATE 2023: While researching the reasons behind face mask use, it turns out that beyond the well-known benefits of preventing the spread of illness, face masks can also offer some protection from air pollution caused by traffic, and not just the carbon monoxide pouring out of non-electric vehicles. Fine particles released from the break pads every time a driver brakes, for example, can linger in the air, especially in heavy traffic areas. These particles are microscopic and can pose health risks when inhaled, so knowing that a simple face mask can provide some protection was a real eye-opener.

Update 2024: Monkeypox Concerns: In addition to existing health concerns, there has been a recent rise in monkeypox cases in the UK, prompting renewed use of face masks in crowded or high-risk areas to prevent the spread of this viral infection, which can be transmitted through respiratory droplets.

A friend told me her sister wears her mask in public because she doesn't like "breathing the same air as other people" which is another reason why someone chooses to wear a face mask.

Face Masks: Not Just for COVID-19

Beyond COVID-19, face masks can be an extra layer of protection against a range of airborne nasties, including the common cold, flu, tuberculosis, and even whooping cough, which can spread through airborne transmission in a similar way.

In addition, Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes) and septicemia (blood poisoning). It can also be spread through respiratory droplets, such as those from sneezing or coughing. If someone with meningococcal disease sneezes near you and you inhale the droplets, there is a risk of transmission.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common, highly contagious virus causing respiratory tract infections. It's especially serious for infants and the elderly, leading to symptoms from mild colds to severe conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Please Stop Picking on Us for Wearing a Facemask

Can't we all just play together? Masks on, hearts open.