Masks Become a Flash Point in the Virus Culture Wars

[Zorro]

As people resume going out in public in the middle of a pandemic, to wear or not to wear a face mask has become a personal statement and sometimes a political one.

As the nation edges away from lockdown and people once again share public spaces in the middle of a pandemic, wearing a face mask — or refusing to — has become a flash point in a moment when civic rules are being rewritten, seemingly on the fly.

The result has been dirty looks, angry words, raw emotions and, at times, confrontations that have escalated into violence.

In Flint, Mich., a security guard at a Family Dollar store was fatally shot on Friday afternoon after an altercation that the guard’s wife told The New York Times had occurred over a customer refusing to wear a face covering, which is required in Michigan in any enclosed public space.

Police officials declined to comment on details of the case but are still looking for the suspect, who fled. The family of the victim held a vigil on Sunday night with cars lining up around the store where the shooting took place. A news conference was planned for Monday.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/03/us/coronavirus-masks-protests.html

[redstatebluegirl]

1. There was also an incident in Stillwater OK.

That one involved a firearm, surprise surprise. For being a college town it is seriously redneck.

[empedocles]

2. Town v. Gown - dates back Millenia

[empedocles]

3. Oxford Colleges, built with feudal castle walls - for a reason

[gratuitous]

4. Any visual difference is going to spark hostility

Whether it's a different skin color, a flag lapel pin, or a face mask, it's going to be served up as an identity marker.

[Bleacher Creature]

5. The Trump people seem to really want to put people in danger.

I guess opening up things too early isn't good enough for them? Now people need to take on additional risk, for no reason whatsoever related to opening stores, restaurants, etc.

This is just sick.

[mitch96]

7. "result has been dirty looks, angry words, raw emotions and confrontations

Can you just pull down your mask, cough a few time, tell 'em your infected and just move on?
Maybe cough in their direction?
m

[LisaL]

8. If you are pulling your mask down in front of people, that kind of defeats the purpose

of wearing a mask to begin with.

[mitch96]

9. Ok, your right.. 6 to 8 feet away?? nt

[GeorgeGist]

6. The Stupid Runs Deep

I don't think we can survive with gutless leadership on the Reich.

[SoonerPride]

10. I want stores to start posting NO SHOES, NO SHIRT, NO MASK, NO SERVICE

Fuck these right wing death cultists.

They are free to expose themselves to any number of pathogens, but they no right to endanger me, or more importantly the employees of these stores.