When I wear a mask in public, or decline an invitation to a party or to come inside:
I want you to know that I am educated enough to know that I could be asymptomatic and still give you the virus. No, I don’t “live in fear” of the virus; I just want to be part of the solution, not the problem. I don’t feel like the “government is controlling me” any more than when I wear a seat belt, don’t drive drunk, obey the speed limit, or stop at a red light. I feel like I’m being a contributing adult to society and I want to teach others the same. The world doesn’t revolve around me. It’s not all about me and my comfort. If we all could follow these simple steps, the virus could be under control, and businesses back open. Wearing a mask doesn’t make me weak, scared, stupid, or even “controlled.” It makes me considerate. When you think about how you look, how uncomfortable it is, or what others think of you, just imagine someone close to you – a child, a father, a mother, aunt, uncle, or grandparent – choking on a respirator, alone without you or any family member allowed at bedside. Ask yourself if you could have sucked it up a little for them.
Wearing a mask is not political. It’s public health! It’s courtesy.