I see a problem occurring constantly around us. Although this problem has become politicized, it is a symptom of perpetuated misconceptions, selfishness, and, unchristian behavior. Despite composing socio-political essays, my objective is to write from a general point of view and, at most, allude to the current administration only when necessary, because as my wise sophomore English teacher once said, “You cannot start a persuasive essay by stomping on someone’s foot!” Thus, I apologize; because this time I feel morally obligated to correct an assumption, not an opinion, made by our president, which as a result has become echoed by his supporters and causes the perpetuation of behavior that is itself hazardous to the well-being of our nation, and through us, the world.
When cleanup crews go into known COVID-19 infectious locations, they do so in bio-hazard sealed suits. No mask, regardless of material, will effectively protect the wearer from COVID-19. I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Why then, do we wear masks?” The answer is simple: Masks are not worn to protect you from everyone else; they are worn to protect everyone else from you. A mask stops a large percentage of germs from spreading through coughs, sneezes, hiccups, and any involuntary oral reflexes. It also restricts water vapor and particles released by breathing and speaking.
It is a known and well publicized fact that some, possibly many people do not demonstrate symptoms when they have COVID-19. These are called asymptomatic carriers. Other individuals have some combination of traits that make them ideal for the distribution of COVID-19. We call these people super-carriers, and they are, incidentally, also asymptomatic. This means you will never know if you are a carrier, even and especially, if you are a super carrier, unless you are tested daily with a test that takes less than 24 hours to produce accurate results.
Our president encourages others to walk around without masks, mimicking him, because “he is not afraid of getting COVID-19.” That is not the point of the mask, Mr. President. When you leave home without a mask, you may have intended to make the statement, “I believe in our president, I have nothing to fear.” In actuality your statement is closer to, “I don’t care about the health of my fellow Americans. It is more important to be seen supporting our president, than making sure nobody dies needlessly.” Does that sound like behavior of a “good Christian” to you? It does not to me. I have been told that Jesus advocated curing lepers, rather than risking spreading disease through a demonstration of political pride. Pride, incidentally, is one of the “Seven Deadly Sins”, forgiven only during judgement. Whereas compassion, like going out of your way to avoid exasperating a pandemic or needlessly risking the infection of others, is one of the “Seven Heavenly Virtues”.
That wearing masks has become a question of politics is proof that our nation is following a path of arrogance and selfishness. If you feel that a political statement must be made through masks, please, make it with an elephant, donkey or another mask shape, but for the sake of your fellow man, don’t go into public without wearing your mask, lest you have to wonder if your decision caused someone’s death.