How Mask Shaming Has Permeating the Public Discourse

 The general public is particularly adept at applying peer pressure--especially when it comes to shaming. A pandemic doesn’t change people’s habits as much as it amplifies them. A hot topic that has entered the public discourse is mask shaming: shaming others who refuse to wear a medical face mask or similar covering.

Using a mask has become a controversy for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, COVID-19 is a new virus, which means that scientists and medical professionals are still learning new things about its spread to this day. In all respects, studying this virus is uncharted territory, and it is easy to fear the unknown.

In the early days of the outbreak there was also a shortage of medical masks and N-95 respirators, which meant these items had to be reserved for healthcare personnel and first responders. As a consequence, the insistence by government leaders to not use these medical face masks as a rationing measure resulted in a mixed reception amongst the general public.

How the Controversy Evolved

Since April, the mask shaming controversy has changed into a hotly contested and politicized affair. Inconsistent public policy regarding masks at the federal and state levels also meant that people were left to make their own decisions, and this led to getting information (or validation) based on an individual’s biases and long-held beliefs--regardless of medical accuracy. As a result, if one didn’t feel like wearing a mask, they could cite outdated recommendations to justify their behavior.

Another factor is fear. Responding aggressively to stimuli is a self-defense mechanism that is inherent in every human being. The fear response attempts to exert power over something. In this case, it’s a two-way street. A proponent of masks might shame people into taking precautions. Likewise, an opponent of masks might guilt others into thinking that they are being controlled or are giving up their civil liberties.

Medical face masks have been shown to assist in slowing the transmission of COVID-19. As controversy continues, it will be crucial for leaders and medical professionals to implement policies that benefit public health.

The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing a Face Mask

Since COVID-19 can spread without anybody exhibiting symptoms, a key guideline put in place by the CDC is to use face coverings when going to places where seeing people is a possibility--this includes grocery stores, doctor’s offices, and other public spaces.

The medical face mask for front line workers has become a key item in fighting the spread of coronavirus. However, the CDC does not advise the public to buy surgical masks or N-95 respirators, as medical workers and first responders will need access to them. Instead, it has been recommended to use cloth masks.

Protecting Yourself and Others

A folded cloth with some rubber bands is a cost-effective way to make a face covering. While there are many guides to make one online, you still have to know the proper way to wear a face mask to maintain its effectiveness.

When wearing a mask, DO:

Cover Your Nose, Mouth, and Chin

Keep the Covering Snug to Your Face

Wash the Cloth Regularly

NEVER do the following with a mask:

Keep It Loose or Leave Gaps on the Sides

Have the Covering Rest on Your Neck Area

Leave the Nose or Mouth Exposed

Remember: in a pandemic, public health is everyone’s responsibility. By taking a measured approach to risk and acting accordingly, you can protect your community and save lives. In case you do not have the means to make a mask at home, many retailers are selling medical face masks that can be bought by the public.