Why is the “mask” question so personal?
Last week I was in a conversation with a group of friends. We were standing around laughing talking about everything under the sun. Kids going back to school, late summer getaways, and who’s tomatoes were finally ripe enough to pick. I know this group of women fairly well. Well enough to know when one had covid, when another got vaccinated and what it took for another to convince her husband to get the vaccine.
As we were chatting another mutual acquaintance was approaching. He was maskless as were we. He is not vaccinated, and everyone knew….except me. As he came closer the voices in the group dropped to soft whispers. “Don’t say we told you, but he refuses to wear a mask and he hasn’t gotten the shot”. My face began to frown. I always liked this guy and we laugh and talk whenever we meet.
But this day, I didn’t want to chat. I didn’t want to talk about anything other than why he wasn’t wearing a mask.
He got closer. The others in the group said, “don’t say anything”. He absolutely has the right not to get vaccinated. But don’t I have the right to know that? You are making the choice for you….but now because you are joining in our circle, you are imposing your choice on me. Not only that, it seems asking are you vaccinated is considered by some “too personal”.
I disagree. I should be able to ask that question so I can decide what’s best for me. You chose not to get the shot or wear a mask. Don’t I get to choose if I want to be in your company?
We have seen emotions boil over in this last week related to masks. Verbal assaults, physical confrontations - usually related to the growing debate over kids and schools - but for me it is still very basic. What you do in your space, your choice. But don’t come into MY space unvaccinated AND maskless. My choice.
I am growing more confident in my position. When my reportedly unvaccinated friend approached our vaccinated group last week, I was asked not to mention it…and I didn’t. I ended the conversation and left. I don’t know if he wonders why, but I hope I get the chance soon to tell him. I look back on that interaction now and regret that I didn’t bring up the question.
No shot? I don’t agree, but your choice. No mask, my choice to stay away. I do have a right to know what I may be exposing myself to, and I am sorry you are offended if I ask.
“Be a voice, not an echo”