Why this Military Spouse Says Wearing a Mask is Patriotic
I went to the grocery store today. And I was terrified. How far have I fallen in such a short time frame? I’ve traveled all over the world. A lot of it solo. I’ve swum in the ocean in Thailand, not knowing if I could swim across the pool at my local Y. I’ve received a standing ovation– topless on an Italian beach and trust me, there’s nothing to cheer about. And don’t judge, but I’ve slept on a park bench in Pamplona in and out of an alcoholic semi-consciousness. But the local Dillons had me surveying the isles for potential viral snipers. Why? Because people think this is an infringement on their freedoms. But is wearing a mask a constitutional issue or a human being issue?
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- What’s the Controversy?
- Travel Opens Your Eyes
- Mask History in America
- Is Wearing a Mask a Constitutional Issue?
- Freedom of Speech, Demonstrations & Protests
- COVID-19 Mitigation
- Example of the Pushback on IG
- Military vs Civilian
Masks– What’s the Controversy?
Is Wearing a Mask a Constitutional Issue?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that Americans wear face masks to reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus. However, it didn’t surprise me that 45 made that announcement, quickly adding it was voluntary. And you don’t have to do it. He wasn’t going to wear one because he might have to meet with a king, queen or dictator.
Unsurprisingly, this outbreak has created an unprecedented opportunity for pundits to weigh in on the many demonstrations, misinformation, pushbacks for American freedoms. And lawsuits that surround the mitigation efforts by state and local governments, businesses, and employers are under attack.
What I don’t understand is why are the two things– being required to wear a mask and freedom of speech– seem to be mutually exclusive?
Even though Americans enjoy freedom and democracy, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to adhere to cultural norms. Those precepts that say this is what is acceptable. Americans seem to think that freedom is free and that expectations that may temporarily affect the way you go about your typical day are unconstitutional. Are there times when your comfort should defer to the whole and not the self?
Travel Opens Your Eyes and Your Mind
This is when I really appreciate other cultures, especially Asian ones. I know I’ve said that homogenous societies like South Korean can sometimes feel hostile because they lack diversity.
It’s a generalization, but it’s all about the group in Asian societies. While we, as Americans, tend to celebrate the individual. We are a meritocracy in which individuals can shine, which is downplayed in cultures like Korea. And most actions reflect the company, the family, or the country. It has been my observation that an Asian person will consider how their actions may affect the group as a whole rather than looking out only for themselves.
Mask History in America
This country has a long history of masks. And it’s not a pretty one either— it’s rooted in fear. And now, it seems governmental agencies are on both sides of the law.
Many state and municipal governments prohibited masks and face coverings to prohibit the KKK from donning their terror-inducing hoods to conceal their identities. And In recent years, the fears over terrorism and Muslims have created laws where hijabs are prohibited.
Many people of color, my son included, have expressed apprehension about wearing masks during the pandemic because they fear authorities may arrest them. There are reported incidents of African Americans being targeted by law enforcement for wearing face masks during this pandemic. Like the hoodie, a mask worn by an unarmed black man is something to be feared. But THIS isn’t?
Is Wearing a Mask a Constitutional Issue?
I am concerned about what the country is feeling like a whole lately. And although the group that holds the “liberation” rallies is very loud, it’s still a small population of the country. Most people know that the mitigations of self-distancing and wearing masks in public is required. However, I can’t help but wonder what our country will look like in a few months. I hope we continue safe practices until we’re on the other side of this pandemic, However, we won’t know for months to come.
Why is it so difficult for people to act with a little common sense? Or act in the best interests of themselves and their neighbors? Is it vanity-related or are you following the lead set by the President of the United States?
Bingo!!
Freedom of Speech, Demonstrations & Protests
It’s no surprise that the President’s mixed messaging and the state news channel’s campaign of misinformation is confusing for some people. This mixed messaging is making wearing a mask a constitutional issue instead of a human being issue. For example, the CDC is warning people to continue with the mitigation efforts, yet he is calling the demonstrators ‘great Americans who love their country’.
Does Coronavirus Mitigation Run Contrary to the Constitution?
Whose rights are being infringed?
Is wearing a mask a constitutional issue? Said the answer is no. No matter where you live in the country, you must choose to wear a mask. However, no court in the country would rule that your constitutional rights are being infringed upon if required.
Have you been watching Governor Cuomo’s daily briefings? He is a lawyer. I am not, but I have read the Constitution. So, I feel confident that what I understand is true, not just my belief or opinion.
The Governor acknowledges he does not have the power to force anyone to wear a mask. He doesn’t even have the enforcement power to make you stay in your house. He can, however, prohibit your ability to use facilities under his purviews like parks and office buildings. And he can keep businesses closed. He can require you to wear a mask to ride the bus or the subway. And he can give you a citation or a fine if you don’t comply or adhere to social distancing and mask-wearing policies.
What about my rights? You do not have a right to infect me.
Karen gets upset that a store won’t let her shop without a protective facemask. She then tried to pretend like she’s the victim, despite the store giving her options. This is pure arrogance. https://t.co/qgFLhKjgxd #COVIDIDIOTS #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OXV4EQLOgD
— Khary Penebaker (@kharyp) May 17, 2020
Military vs. Civilian Mentalities
No, if, and’s, or but’s. You wear a mask in public on military installations. There are portable washing stations outside buildings like the hospital, shopping, and grocery stores. Adherence is not an option. However, soldiers and their families accept rules and regulations all the time. We adhere to them without question. It’s our responsibility to know all the regulations. And I say we because although I’m not in the military, many rules also affect me.
Take this blog, for instance. I have to adhere to a military policy called OPSEC. Operational Security is a process that identifies critical information. It’s used to determine whether sources (like my blog) can be observed or interpreted as useful by enemy intelligence. This is why I never blog about what I am doing. It’s always about what I’ve done.
Is that ideal? No. I miss the opportunity to be relevant sometimes because I don’t blog on the fly. But that’s how I contribute to keeping my soldier and the greater military community safe.
Comments
Sensational post Duffelbagspouse! Very informative. I too thought the outrage of wearing mask and unconstitutional claims were ridiculous. Businesses have been enforcing dress codes for as long as I can remember. No shirt, no shoes, no service. No jeans. No hoodies. I could go on for days. If you don’t like it shop somewhere else.
Also why are people so selfish. Wearing a mask is for the greater good. We should all have compassion during this challenging time.
Thank you Monica. I really appreciate your comment because you understand both the challenges and the consequences– and that neither is the real issue– it’s about compassion for others.
This is a great read! I did a brief rotation in the CDCs public health law office years ago and my supervisor/mentor and colleagues opened my eyes to the role of law in public health. So this takes me back to that place where we discussed the role of states and The Constitution in all of this
And it’s bizarre that people are so passionate about wearing face masks and not being able to get their hair dyed. But more than that, if wearing a mask helps you and others minimize the spread of disease, where is the harm.
I wear my mask. It’s not easy to breathe, but at least it’s keeping me and others off a ventilator.
You are so right, Acasia. It really boils down to priorities and sacrifices. And unfortunately how some people have prioritized things that don’t allow much room for sacrifices. We both better than some, that freedom is never free. Come back again soon.
It is so upsetting to see how some people choose their self interests and comfort over the welfare of the people. It’s sheds such a dark light over humanity.
So true. I’m all for individuality and incentives — but not at the mercy of our collective health and longevity. A little sacrifice now can go a long way into having a thriving, healthy and confident economy later.
We get fine if we don’t wear a mask out, there are officers out there to give us penalty fine, first offence cost 300 dollars. Now everyone have to wear mask when stepping out from their home. School will reopen next two weeks in Jun and students too have to wear mask to school.
You do in certain places here too. I’m not sure if it can be enforced though. If people don’t want to wear a mask to save a life— they aren’t going to pay a fine either.
Great read and informative perspectives, Stacey! I don’t go out much. If I do, it’s to the grocery store or some curbside takeout. Can’t say definitely always where a mask. However, I do wear them at medical appointments or visiting hospitals because it is required in most of those places. Makes you think…Awesome!
Hi Sheila, thanks for sharing. I don’t go out much either and my husband does the majority of the day to day shopping, so I completely understand. But I do wear a mask no matter where I go.
I’m in the UK and we don’t have to wear masks here right now, they are just advised is you’re in a closed-in space and can’t social distance. I am just keeping away from people and staying home mostly.
That seems to be the plan for a lot of us. I do wear when I do venture out though. Thanks for sharing life in your part of the world.
I really wish people would wise up about everything that’s going on around them and stop being ignorant. It’s so simply dawn the mask, stay your 6 feet, wash your hands, and keep your functions to a minimal of 10 people when possible. Doing these little steps won’t kill them but unfortunately they think otherwise!
I agree with you, Roberta. This is not the time to be self-centered. I don’t understand why they don’t understand that in order to move this thing along we need to do what you’ve outlined above.
This is such a timely and eye-opening post. I never thought of wearing a mask in this time as anything other than health requirement and it’s WILD to me that the goal isn’t simply on stopping the spread of this pandemic.
Thanks, Ashlee– being a travel writer/ blogger is hard right now. But we need to do these things so we can start moving around and get back to some kind of normal. It’s hard not to wonder how many lives we could have saved by acing more prudent.
In my country, it was made an ordinance that no one can leave their homes without a quarantine pass and a face mask. I think it is better this way, honestly. We have to stop the spread of the virus, and wearing a mask is just one of the ways to achieve that. Just my thoughts though.
Hi Kristine,
What country do you live in and do people feel like their rights are being infringed upon? This doesn’t surprise me because the leadership from the top isn’t compelling people to put the health of the whole country as a priority.