As more States attempt to enact mask bans - we need to take a critical look at what these bans mean for disabled people, marginalized individuals, POC and more. They will have devastating consequences for many & send a dangerous message that the pandemic is over (it’s not).
Dr Jessica Offir has written an incredible essay that does a deep dive into this issue. It’s a comprehensive analysis of how we got here - and I hope everyone reads & shares. Here’s just a few important snippets.
“bans, themselves, are not a victimless crime. Framing mask wearers as criminals cannot but cause more harassment and less access to public spaces than is already occurring, among people who were often already stigmatized.”
“Masks are indeed a threat cue, an environmental stimulus that tells you something is wrong or off; that you need to be more aware and cautious, rather than just operating on automatic.”
“the thing that masks are cuing is ongoing disease transmission that masks prevent, not criminal activity that masks foster.”
“Mask bans are ableist, racist, and likely unconstitutional. As enforced, they almost surely will violate the Americans with Disabilities Act on a regular basis”
The reality is that Covid is not over. Far from it. Politicians pushing for mask mandates are appeasing their anti-mask base while also driving the dangerous narrative that we’re fully “back to normal”.
They don’t want people in respirators because they remind the public that the threat has not passed. That perhaps they too should be wearing a mask and/or curtailing their activities. Since those of us still masking aren’t giving it up - they’re making it illegal.
They’re pushing us further and further into this world of denial - a world where getting sick all the time is the norm and where wanting to safeguard your health is “living in fear”. Those of us advocating against these bans know that version of “normal” will cost lives.
We understand it’s all a mirage - and that no amount of mask banning, data manipulation & outright denial will change the reality that Covid is still here, still killing & disabling and we CAN do more to protect people. We know better - let’s do better.