419

The Politics of a Face Mask, Katelyn Kling

COVID-19 has changed people’s lifestyles globally. In the United States, a big change is the normalization of wearing face masks. Masks have been proven effective by the CDC in preventing the spread of coronavirus, yet there are people who oppose wearing them. There are countries, like China, where face masks are worn normally even before COVID-19, yet in the U.S. there have been protests against the use of them. When analyzing the U.S.’s approach to the outbreak, governmental influences can be revealed to show why some are resistant to wearing face masks in public.

Back in March of 2020, the CDC claimed that face masks were not effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. When considering why health officials would have made this claim early on, it can be seen that “the reasons for a policy may have to do with practical considerations like the national supply of masks” (Jingnan). Many people were hoarding medical masks. Hospitals were running low on supplies, so making the claim that masks were ineffective was the CDC’s attempt to get the public to stop hoarding them. Though there was reason behind these claims, the original statement to this day may still resonate with people who refuse to wear a face mask, showing how false information can have lasting negative effects on a crisis such as COVID-19.

Though health officials now promote the use of face masks, leadership within the U.S government remains contradictory. The Washington Post created a list of phrases that President Donald Trump has said over the course of the COVID-19 outbreak such as masks being a “double-edged sword” and “‘You know, there was a time when people thought it was worse wearing a mask. I let people make up their own decision’” (Blake). Trump has been spotted only now in July of 2020 wearing a mask, yet he still claims that he will not force American citizens to wear them in public. Having the president not promote masks frequently gives the false notion that COVID-19 is not actually a threat to them.

In the end, research has shown that masks not only protect the wearer, but also protects the wearer from spreading the virus to other people (Godoy). The issue in the United States is that COVID-19 has become a political opinion, and people are more concerned about masks infringing on their Constitutional rights rather than wearing them to keep themselves and others safe.

 

Works Cited

Blake, Aaron. “Analysis | Trump’s Dumbfounding Refusal to Encourage Wearing Masks.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 25 June 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/06/25/trumps-dumbfounding-refusal-encourage-wearing-masks/

Board, The Editorial. “Editorial: Hidalgo’s Mask Order Isn’t ‘Draconian’ – or New in Texas.” HoustonChronicle.com, Houston Chronicle, 28 Apr. 2020, www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Editorial-Hidalgo-s-mask-order-isn-t-15230105.php

“COVID-19: Considerations for Wearing Cloth Face Coverings.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 June 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html.

Godoy, Maria. “Yes, Wearing Masks Helps. Here’s Why.” NPR, NPR, 21 June 2020, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/21/880832213/yes-wearing-masks-helps-heres-why

Jingnan, Huo. “Why There Are So Many Different Guidelines For Face Masks For The Public.” NPR, NPR, 10 Apr. 2020, www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/10/829890635/why-there-so-many-different-guidelines-for-face-masks-for-the-public

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Uncategorised

kkling

419 Comments

  1. Hi everyone,

    I wanted to recommend an amazing place to get high-quality safety shoes—Talan Safety Shoes. If you’re looking for durable and comfortable footwear for work, definitely check out their collection here: https://talanshop.de/en/all-safety-shoes/.

    They offer a wide range of options that combine safety features like reinforced toe caps and slip-resistant soles with great comfort. Whether you’re working in construction, manufacturing, or any other industry where foot protection is essential, Talan has you covered.

    I’ve personally had a great experience with their shoes, and I’m sure you’ll find something that suits your needs. If you’re looking for reliable safety shoes, I highly recommend Talan!

    Best regards!

  2. PragmaticPlay Gates of Olympus 1000 https://pragmatic-play.com.am/en/gates-of-olympus-1000/ takes the original Gates of Olympus slot to a whole new level. Known for its high volatility and thrilling gameplay, this version offers even larger multipliers and a greater chance to land significant wins. Pragmatic Play has perfected the slot’s balance of stunning visuals and engaging features, including the beloved cascading reels and random multipliers. Fans of the original will appreciate the upgrades in Gates of Olympus 1000, making it a top choice for both casual and experienced slot players who want a challenge with rewarding possibilities.

  3. The game Hamster Mania is a bright and exciting slot that immediately caught my attention with its fun hamster theme and dynamic gameplay. The goal of the game is to spin the reels and collect various combinations of symbols related to hamsters. The more matches you get, the higher your chances of winning!

    What I especially liked about Hamster Mania is the presence of bonus levels. The game frequently drops bonus symbols, which activate special rounds with extra winning opportunities. For example, you can receive free spins or double your winnings. I highly recommend checking out the available bonuses in Hamster Mania, as they really help to increase your chances of landing a big win!

    As for deposits, you can fund your account in various ways, whether it’s with a bank card or e-wallets, making the game accessible and convenient. Moreover, the minimum bets are quite reasonable, allowing you to play even with a small budget.

    Another advantage of the game is its level system. As you continue to play and win, you advance to new levels, where you’re rewarded with improved bonuses and bigger prizes. This motivates you to keep playing and discover new game opportunities.

    Personally, I enjoyed Hamster Mania for its simplicity and fun atmosphere. It’s perfect for anyone looking to relax while testing their luck. I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you love simple and dynamic slots with interesting bonuses!

  4. For video platforms and live-stream services, WebKyte’s automatic content recognition technology provides rapid and accurate identification of copyrighted or inappropriate content in real-time, ensuring safety and compliance while enhancing platform integrity.
    Visit site

  5. A website dedicated to hairstyles offers a wide variety of ideas for any occasion.
    https://zachiska.com/ Here, you can find step-by-step instructions for creating stylish looks, hair care tips, and photos showcasing the latest trends. Regardless of hair length or type, everyone can find a suitable style: from simple everyday options to more intricate evening hairstyles.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *