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The Atlantic article bungles this point, too, as do most people both opposed to and in favor of masks. I think it is harmful to say that masks protect the wear
by m0zg 6y ago
The Atlantic article bungles this point, too, as do most people both opposed to and in favor of masks.
I think it is harmful to say that masks protect the wearer (unless they are N95 or better). This is a big and easily attacked surface that only serves to obscure and discredit the real point of wearing masks.
Instead the messaging should focus solely on the fact that they protect others from the infection carried (likely without knowledge) by the wearer, and that people without symptoms can be contagious.
This point needs to be drilled into people's heads until everyone gets it. People also need to be taught to wear masks properly. Wearing one with nose sticking out is darn near useless.
- shadowfox 6y ago> Instead the messaging should focus solely on the fact that they protect others from the infection carried (likely without knowledge) by the wearer, and that people without symptoms can be contagious. Given the prevailing attitude towards personal freedom and personal responsibility in the US, I wonder what sort of an effect would such explicit messaging would have on the level of mask wearing.
- m0zg 6y agoI'm of the opinion that most people in the US good people who could be convinced not to endanger their neighbor, and wear masks voluntarily, if the messaging is right, and if they aren't forced to do it. If forced, a lot of people won't comply, and rightly so. Governments here have no right to force any such thing.