For the record I hate wearing a mask. I own a few, both cloth and paper. I carry one in my purse and I have happily obliged using one when asked. I’ve worn them on public transit, in salons, and in health care settings, but I hate them.
Masks do not restrict my breathing, but they are claustrophobic, hot, sweaty and stinky. My long hair gets caught in the elastic, and I am constantly fiddling with them. It’s hard to have a conversation with a mask on, try talking to someone over the phone who is wearing a mask, it’s impossible.
Masks give me the creeps. They conjure up images of violence. Masks have been a symbol of oppression, disguise and protest since antiquity, they are equally impactful today. I personally know a woman who is triggered by masks after she was sexually abused for years by a convicted predator.
Smokers have had to adapt to wearing masks. There’s the lower the mask, inhale, exhale, then put the mask on again technique and the inventive DIY smokers flap. Attention all smokers, a pandemic seems like a good time to try to quit smoking.
Back to school shopping lists will include masks because when social distancing is not possible in schools, masks are mandatory. Teachers and staff who have to regulate mask wearing will be challenged and I am highly sympathetic to their new responsibilities.
Don’t get me wrong I think it is commendable that so many people are wearing masks and I know it gives people a sense of comfort and security. Social distancing and hand washing has proven to be more effective than masks to ward off COVID-19 but it’s not always possible.
I choose to conscientiously practise social distancing at all times and wear a mask only when I am asked too. I’ve felt the criticism from mask wearers when they see me without a mask. If the eyes are the windows to the soul I’ve seen a lot of souls scoff at me, especially at Thriftys.
B.C.’s Public Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has been under increasing pressure to make masks mandatory in our province, yet she refuses. I support her view as there are many people who for mental or physical health reasons cannot wear them. It should be a choice.
Winter is coming so stock up on paper masks and invest in some cloth masks, preferably sold by charities, because Health Minister Adrian Dix predicts this pandemic is going be with us into 2022. Yikes.
Ingrid Abbott is a freelance writer and broadcaster who will never wear a mask in a bank in case she is confused for a bank robber.
