[Summit] Masks and social distancing? It's not all black and white

[Paul G Smith]

Hi Robyn,

I do agree with your first statement: "My mask protects you. Your mask protects me."

I think, however, that your conclusion that "you [therefore] don’t care if you infect me or my family" is faulty, and a very good example of the kind of "shaming" that is going on everywhere, including on this list-serve. Just because someone is not wearing a mask is no reason to point blame. There may be good reasons why someone is not wearing a mask, and as long as they maintain a six foot distance from everyone in an outdoor setting, they are still meeting the CDC guidelines, and they are not a threat to you or anyone else. It seems unkind and judgmental to castigate anyone who does not wear a mask outside, unless they are in fact coming too close.

Personally I always carry a mask when I go out, but I do not wear it unless I am coming in close proximity (6 feet) to others or entering a building, which most of the time I am not. If someone appears to be headed towards me in such a way that it looks like we might get too close, I change directions or stop until they have gone by. This is just plain courtesy, and it expresses clear concern for the other person's safety. I recognize that not everyone does this, but I can't control them, just myself. Shaming them (as our Mayor has unfortunately suggested) is just going to add to the negative acrimony that seems to be spilling out, and does not add to a positive atmosphere of good will that we all need during this time of stress and danger. We all need to be focusing on our own behavior and not what we perceive as the shortcomings of others.

With regards,
- Paul

Paul G Smith
54 Summit Ave, Providence, RI  02906
Cell: 802-343-0978 
E-mail: paul.slvrwngs at gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________

"The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens"
                        - Baha'u'llah             http://www.bahai.org <http://www.bahai.org/> 
"Nothing is too much trouble when one loves, and there is always time."
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-----Original Message-----
From: Summit [mailto:summit-bounces at sna.providence.ri.us] On Behalf Of Robyn Linde
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2020 1:44 PM
To: summit at sna.providence.ri.us
Subject: Re: [Summit] Summit Digest, Vol 182, Issue 7

It’s very simple: My mask protects you. Your mask protects me. When I see you without a mask, I conclude that you don’t care if you infect me or my family.   
Robyn (6th Street)
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