Our New Norm
It is now a part of our lives whether we like it or not. Wearing a mask is the “new norm.”
Masks are supposed to be one of the ways of preventing a person from getting coronavirus. I don’t remember anyone ever suggesting that American citizens wear masks during the peak of flu season. But coronavirus is much more dangerous and the increasing death toll proves it.
On July 2, Governor Abbott announced his statewide order requiring Texans to wear masks in public. At first, it was extremely hard to find a mask for sale anywhere. Now, a person can purchase a mask anywhere anytime. As I was walking into a retail shop, I noticed that at the front entrance, there was a sign that read “Free Masks.” I wondered how many people grabbed one or maybe a dozen. I thought the fact that a retail store would offer free masks was pretty impressive.
My son informed me that masks are now making a fashion statement in schools. He had to buy a supply for his daughter. I saw some of the cutest creative masks recently just for children, from Hello Kitty to Batman. Every color is available on the internet and many people match their masks to the outfit they are wearing.
I did the ultimate no-no. I am sure many of you have seen the picture of the guy walking back to his car with the look of frustration on his face and hands in a fist because he forgot his mask. The caption reads, “What you look like when you forget your mask and you have to walk back to your car.” Well, I did it. But, instead of frustration, I started laughing only because I couldn’t get over the fact that so many people starred at me, eyes bulging out of their head, when they saw me walk into the convenience store without a mask on. I walked back to my car, half embarrassed because I forgot something so important and the other half of me laughing at the look on people’s faces. I have now put four or five masks in a plastic bag in my purse. It’s no fun walking back to the car in 100 degree heat because you forgot something that is so vitally important. I can compare it to forgetting your credit card, money, or driver’s license.
I saw two people not wearing a mask in a store recently. I made the comment to the cashier that they were not wearing masks and she told me that they cannot make a person wear a mask. She said if they mention it to the customer, they could lose that customer’s business. Would you rather lose their business or lose your life? I thought wearing a mask was mandatory in certain counties or cities. The cashier told me that she couldn’t afford to get sick because she had two jobs and, in her opinion, the two people that were not wearing masks were not respectful of other people.
It is customary for people in east Asia to wear masks to protect others when they are sick (and also to protect from air pollution). It may become customary for Americans to do the same. Sure, it is not always comfortable and it can be hot, but think how much you are protecting yourself and protecting others around you.
The bottom line is any mask that covers the mouth and nose will benefit you and me.