As more States propose mask bans, I want to take a moment to discuss claims that it’s “fear mongering” to say that masking is illegal.
People claim the medical exemption is “good enough”.
This ignores three critical points. Public perception, anti mask sentiment and rampant ableism
🧵
People claim the medical exemption is “good enough”.
This ignores three critical points. Public perception, anti mask sentiment and rampant ableism
🧵
Comments
I am high-risk and immunocompromised. He knew that. He didn't care.
I was harassed repeatedly by guests for wearing a mask, and
We are the outliers. We’ve taken matters into our own hands. We’re hardly sheep.
The fleeting moment when some government policy aligned with human wellbeing was so brief I’m amazed they noticed it.
Sure there may be medical exemptions, but they’re incredibly problematic.
Lawmakers specifically chose not to exempt medical masks and respirators. The burden is on the wearer /2
People are irrationally angry when they see a mask. They’ve been politicized and folks have created an identity in their minds about who a masker is. A liberal. A sheep. Someone who’s anti-freedom.
/3
When you enact a mask ban, you embolden these people. They aren’t reading the bills and considering medical exemptions.
They just hear they’re banned. /4
This emboldening creates a dangerous situation that could easily lead to violence /5
Many disabled people masked before covid. I was one of them. The worst I ever got was a strange look or someone moving far away from me on transit
Since mask mandates ended I’ve been coughed on, spit at and yelled at /6
When you publicly enact a mask ban, you’re telling those people they’re right. That it’s ok to harass people for masking. That it’s wrong to wear a mask and protect your health.
You’re increasing the hostility. /7
Doing it for COVID was no biggie.
Health implications aside, banning masks is restricting clothing choices. I forsee they will work up to banning piercings, and restricting hair styles and clothing (based on sex).
Perhaps they'll make all the wives wear teal?
No?
Then a medical exemption is NOT good enough.