3 ms·

>Is this an education problem? Is there not a consistent minimum science curriculum for K-12 which covers pathogens, treatments and the history of vaccination p

>Is this an education problem? Is there not a consistent minimum science curriculum for K-12 which covers pathogens, treatments and the history of vaccination programmes? Are there other factors that are relevant? It's not an education problem and while most comments I predict will consider that the main factor, I disagree and consider it a condescending take. We all learn about Louis Pasteur and successful eradications in the past. It's a cultural/philosophical problem. Right-leaning americans in general value a certain degree of autonomy over a guarantee of safety and if you coerce them "for their own good" they'll double down on whatever the opposite of what you're suggesting is. In the case of this pandemic, all of the mixed messaging regarding mask-wearing and other prevention measures poisoned the well in the first quarter of 2020, before the messaging became consistent by the summer. This turned a health debate into a struggle for rights: "We're all in this together" vs "99% let me take my chances". It's the same debate as 2A. For 2A absolutists, no statistic has come out that justifies giving up what's perceived as an inalienable right.

deleted 5y ago
[deleted]
MereInterest 5y ago
The mixed messaging was because previous studies on influenza showed that the increased occurrence of touching one's face to adjust a mask outweighed the benefit of cloth masks. As covid-specific studies were done, it was found that masks were effective, and so the message changed. I agree that the well was poisoned in the first quarter of 2020, but strongly disagree as to the cause of that. Donald Trump publicly, repeatedly, and strongly downplayed the severity of the pandemic. He dismissed masks as something that he himself wouldn't wear. He continually said that the pandemic was a hoax that would magically disappear. He made public safety measures into a political issue, and the Republican party allowed it to happen.
- johbjo 5y ago
  > it was found that masks were effective Citation for this would be helpful.
passwordreset 5y ago
> This turned a health debate into a struggle for rights: "We're all in this together" vs "99% let me take my chances". If that really is the case, then it IS an education problem, except they failed their civics class. Civics is a balance of civil rights and civic responsibilities, specifically, the responsibility that you have to your fellow countrymen. Not killing your fellow countrymen falls high on that list of responsibilities.
- RhysU 5y ago
  What fraction of your properly educated, civically minded individuals drive over the speed limit on public roads?
auiya 5y ago
> It's not an education problem [..] it's a cultural/philosophical problem. Culture and philosophy are shaped via education.

deleted 5y ago

[deleted]

MereInterest 5y ago

The mixed messaging was because previous studies on influenza showed that the increased occurrence of touching one's face to adjust a mask outweighed the benefit of cloth masks. As covid-specific studies were done, it was found that masks were effective, and so the message changed. I agree that the well was poisoned in the first quarter of 2020, but strongly disagree as to the cause of that. Donald Trump publicly, repeatedly, and strongly downplayed the severity of the pandemic. He dismissed masks as something that he himself wouldn't wear. He continually said that the pandemic was a hoax that would magically disappear. He made public safety measures into a political issue, and the Republican party allowed it to happen.

johbjo 5y ago
> it was found that masks were effective Citation for this would be helpful.

passwordreset 5y ago

> This turned a health debate into a struggle for rights: "We're all in this together" vs "99% let me take my chances". If that really is the case, then it IS an education problem, except they failed their civics class. Civics is a balance of civil rights and civic responsibilities, specifically, the responsibility that you have to your fellow countrymen. Not killing your fellow countrymen falls high on that list of responsibilities.

RhysU 5y ago
What fraction of your properly educated, civically minded individuals drive over the speed limit on public roads?

auiya 5y ago

> It's not an education problem [..] it's a cultural/philosophical problem. Culture and philosophy are shaped via education.