Wearing A Mask - It's Not About You, It's About Us

If someone told you that you could help save a life and it would only cause you a little personal discomfort would you do it? I really can’t imagine that anyone would say no.

So why is it such a big deal to wear a mask in public places?

Let’s be honest, this pandemic took everyone by surprise and we are still learning new things about the disease everyday as a result of the emerging research. But masks have been recommended for some time now.

Dr, Robert Redfield, the Director of the Center For Disease Control (CDC) said;

 “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting”

According to David Abrams, a professor of social and behavioral sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health, he shared that some push back against mask-wearing should be expected as people fight against authority and try to find their own sense of belonging in uncertain times (plus there’s that whole political thing).

But here’s what I don’t understand.

Wearing a mask isn’t about protecting me. It’s actually about protecting the other people around me. So, if I wear a mask to help keep you safe, wouldn’t you want to do the same for me?

To take it to a really guttural level, isn’t that how as humans we have always survived? In tough times we help each other out.

So my plea is to anyone who may not want to wear a mask – please do. This really isn’t about you or your rights or even your beliefs. It’s about all of us. And if the added bonus is we get out of this pandemic sooner, isn’t that worth a little discomfort?

Susan Williams is the Founder of Booming Encore - a digital media hub that shares information and inspiration to help baby boomers create and live their best encore. For daily updates to help you live your best encore be sure to visit Booming Encore's website and join Booming Encore on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.