I don’t think any sensible person wants to contract or spread COVID-19.
In an effort to lessen the spread of the virus, executive order have been issued requiring citizens to wear protective masks when visiting public indoor spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. Businesses can decline services to anyone not wearing one.
There are, however, people who feel wearing a mask is an inconvenience and in some cases a health risk.
The outspoken have taken to social media among other outlets to express their heated thoughts on this subject, including whether or not wearing masks actually helps.
According to advertised research, the chance of spreading COVID-19 can be reduced by 40% if masks are being worn.
I recently heard another believed reason masks are more a hindrance than helpful is because they give potential kidnappers an advantage. According to what I learned, assailants are able to more easily snatch children without anyone knowing who they are or who they’ve taken due to faces being covered.
There’s a chance you’re wearing a mask while reading this. You’re possibly wondering why I chose such a serious and polarizing topic. I know some people hate having to use face coverings during a global pandemic. And you have the right to question wearing them.
The first time I put a protective covering on, I imagined myself as one of the characters from popular 80s cartoon M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Command).
Both the good guys and the villains V.E.N.O.M. (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem) wore special masks that allowed them to control transformable tactical vehicles. Viewers could clearly distinguish the protagonists from the antagonists.
The show was based on a toy line. Their draw were things like, for instance, a commercial motorcycle that could morph into a military-grade attack helicopter. Playing with the M.A.S.K. action figures and accessories could be fun for a bit. Using your imagination could go a long way if you allowed it.
With the TV show, viewers didn’t have to imagine anything. All the conflicts played out right in front of them. With both sides clad in their coverings, the good guys always won in the end. M.A.S.K. was canceled after just 2 seasons.
Masks are appearing to be an ongoing series of often heated debates. The conflict over wearing one or not has become almost cartoonish. Debaters are choosing sides, each of them believing their take is justified while viewing their opposition as villainous.
The true antagonist of this real-life series of events is COVID-19 and it’s quickly approaching its 4th season. More than 180,000 people won’t be alive to witness what happens in the next episode. The executive orders, be they good or bad, are in place with no signs of being defeated.
I sure don’t want the spread of the virus on my conscience. And I would rather not take the risk of conducting my own mask-wearing research or challenge anyone who claims they have. What I do want is to witness, not imagine, my family and everyone else surviving this pandemic.
That kidnapper argument, though? That’s as ridiculous as a commercial motorcycle morphing into a military-grade attack copter.
