Masked truth
The country is stepping another direction towards de-identification of individuals, although the current step wasn't one I anticipated in my post late last year.
https://fulnessoftimes.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-de-identification-of-individuals.html
Masks. They're popping up more and more as people try to avoid getting sick from the COVID-19.
But, if anyone pays attention to what the professionals are saying, even though more and more are advocating the wearing of masks, masks will not keep you from getting sick.
Especially masks that are not N95 (or equivalent or higher protection) won't keep you from getting sick.
When you wear a mask the only real protection that is happening is you are protecting others from you. When you sneeze or cough your droplets won't go everywhere.
Masks will give you some protection, by they are not as effective as people think they are at keeping you safe.
So, if you're feeling under the weather, wear a mask if you have to go out in public.
Even those with allergies, who sneeze and cough, should wear a mask in public because if they are asymptomatic with COVID-19 or some other illness they are less likely to spread it.
And if you have health issues, particularly those which may make you more susceptible and vulnerable to other illnesses, like COVID-19, then wearing a masks is an extra layer of possible protection for you.
On a personal level, there are some potential problems with wearing a mask, particularly if you wear one for long periods of time.
Masks don't keep you from touching your eyes, which, along with the nose, are two key entry points for viruses to enter our body. When I wear a mask, and I know I'm not alone with this, I tend to touch my face more as I adjust the mask. And putting masks on, taking them off, along with adjusting them throughout the day means you frequently get the fingers on the face.
So, hypothetically, you wear a mask multiple times through the week before you wash it, or get a new one, which means you touch the mask frequently. There may be particulates on your mask that you now touch and put on your face, or which others may get exposed to at your home. The only bright side here is the COVID-19 (and many other viruses) seems to have a hard time staying virulent on cloth.
The other problem is there is great potential that mask overuse may even affect your health. While the mask does allow air to pass through, it might also keep a higher concentration of carbon dioxide for you to breathe. Let's get a bit deeper here.
The air we breathe is typically about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, .9% argon, .04% carbon dioxide, with traces of other gases. Our body needs the small amount of CO2. Hyperventilating can reduce the amount of CO2 in the body, which is why breathing into a paper bag is one help because it allows the person to breathe in a higher concentration of CO2 to help alleviate the symptoms of hyperventilation. But too much CO2 can also cause problems, and too much isn't a very high percentage.
While a person sitting or casually walking may not be breathing in too much CO2 while wearing a mask, anything that increase the breathing rate will. So physical exertion while wearing a mask probably isn't a good idea, especially if it can be avoided (like maintaining good social distancing).
The other issue with wearing a mask, especially over a long duration (wearing it for hours each day for many days, weeks, or months) is can reduce the contagions you experience.
Why is that a problem?
Well to maintain a healthy immune system we need to be exposed to things. If we sanitize everything around us all the time then a small, minor bug will end up taking us down and the flus and other more serious pathogens can really become life-threatening.
Here's the problem with everyone wearing masks.
Masks hide the person. Sure we can see their eyes, but it's hard to really identify them.
Why is it robbers, thieves, outlaws, gang members, etc. wear masks (even if it's just a bandanna around their mouth and nose)? Because they don't want to be identified.
If we're afraid to closely interact with others, and we're hiding from others behind our masks, and we want others to hide their faces from us, aren't we losing the personal touch that identifies each of us as individuals?
And who is pushing this de-identification? It's recommended by the CDC and public health and pushed by government.
You won't hear it put that way, de-identification. We're told masks are for our safety and protection. Masks are to keep others safe. "It's for the greater good" that everyone wears a mask.
But when should we wear a mask? When we really need to be more safe and protected from harm, and there is sufficient (not anecdotal or modeled) data that proves wearing a mask is the safest option.
When are we being told to wear a mask? Everywhere we go and all the time, except for at home. But even there, if you read some recommendations, you should wear a mask to keep others in your home from getting ill, especially if you're feeling under the weather.
So, according to public officials (government and health) we should be afraid of going anywhere because of the possible threat of harm. Just because there is a risk, even if it's remote, we should hide behind a mask.
The only times we should wear a mask are if we are going into harms way, or where there is substantial risk that a mask can shield against. In today's environment we should also consider wearing a mask if there is the potential of close (less than 6 feet) contact with lots of other people.
But, if we are keeping good social distancing, is there a need for wearing a mask? Well, maybe if the air is polluted. That's why a lot of Chinese people in their big cities wear masks. Yes, they do it out of fear of getting sick as well. But without as many cars out, pollution isn't as bad. And maybe there might be some rogue citizen going around coughing and sneezing everywhere...but remember, unless it's a N95 or better mask, masks don't do much to protect you from others.
Most of our government officials don't realize the problem with wearing masks. They follow the recommendations of public health officials. And most public health officials use medical guidelines for minimizing exposure to infectious diseases, so that's what they recommend.
However, I believe there are some in government and public health who do see and know how wearing masks is a way of controlling the people. It keeps fear alive. It keeps people from wanting to associate too closely with others. It keeps the individuals dependent on those in political power.
Instead of identifying certain risk situations where masks are appropriate, like when you need to be close to an at-risk individual or when you're in a high-risk environment, government officials are pushing the wearing of masks with phrases like, "we need to wear masks to protect others" and "it's for the health and safety of everyone." Sure, they'll sometimes mention it's for your own protection as well, but they push the others and community narrative more.
And if you don't wear a mask you will be labeled as not caring about others health and wellness. You might be labeled as reckless, inconsiderate, or irresponsible.
It's also coming to a point where you will be required to wear masks in certain stores.
And, it may come to a point where you might get reported, if masks become in any way mandatory in a public setting.
I suspect wearing masks will take a bit of a backstep during the mid-to-late summer, and maybe even into the early fall. But as flu season picks up in October going into November, along with a likely resurgence of COVID-19, the wearing of masks will return with a vengeance by the end of the year. I believe it will be required for going to stores, especially when the holidays come.
I'm not even sure how social distancing will work for many stores where you currently have to wait in long lines to get in. Are they going to have covered waiting lines? It's also likely we'll see stores taking everyone temperatures, maybe even without their knowledge (though that would be a violation of personal rights, it will likely be permitted, and even encouraged, for the "greater good").
Before I finish up, let me touch again on the de-identification part. Some people might think wearing masks is good because it hides them better from government surveillance. Thankfully we don't have as many cameras as places like China. But even Britain and other countries have an enormous amount of cameras on public places. And more cities in the United States are getting more cameras.
So what? you might think, "they can't identify me if I'm wearing a mask."
That would be more true if your whole face were covered. But with only your nose and mouth covered it leaves your eyes and the rest of your face and head exposed. And artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, whatever it is or might be called can identify individuals based on limited facial characteristics if there is sufficient data for an analysis.
And with so many pictures and videos online, and many of those tagged, labeling individuals in the photos or videos, it becomes a treasure trove for data mining.
Just because others might not be able to readily identify you doesn't mean government surveillance can't. In most places in the US we're not there...yet. But, is wearing masks a step in that direction...
Here's where I stand.
I'll wear a mask if I'm required to, as I will be when around others at work. I'll grudgingly wear one in stores if I have to.
But I am against any government mandate, requirement, and even suggestion that everyone should wear a mask. There is insufficient absolute proof that everyone wearing masks reduces the number of illness and infections and is harmless to the individual wearing the mask in all the situations where they are required to do so.
I think the CDC and other health professionals look at it this way, "we wear masks as personal protective equipment so it's probably a good idea for everyone else to as well." That recommendation is then applied by public health officials and politicians who may see this as "if its good for medical professionals, then it'd be good for everyone everywhere." Some may even point to countries in Asia, like China, and say "look they wear masks, it must be working for them."
But I don't want to become like China where the government rules the people absolutely and the people have extremely limited choices, opportunities, and freedoms.
Point me in the direction of double-blind, peer-reviewed studies that conclusively state that wearing a mask all the time is good for your health.
Give me references that provide absolute data points demonstrating wearing a mask is more effective than social distancing, thorough hand washing, and not touching your face. I'd even be happy with references showing that adding mask wearing to those other practices significantly increases health and wellness of the person wearing the mask AND significantly reduces infection rates of others.
To me required public mask wearing falls into one of two categories. Either the requirement is part of an effort to increase control and compliance in the population, through fear and manipulation. Or, the requirement is based on grasping-at-straws, going to extremes, try anything that might possibly work, and make the public believe the government is doing something, even if there is no proof that it will have any significant effect.
Too many people want the government to "do something", like requiring the use of face masks or mandating self-quarantines and home isolation or closing of the economy. Even if that something does nothing it's a placebo for people who want to believe the government can fix things and should take control. And therein lies the problem, a growing number of Americans are willing to turn over their lives and freedoms to the politicians in exchange for an illusion of safety and protection.
As I stated, I'll wear a mask if I'm required to do so. I know it will help others feel better, even if it does little to actually protect them. My concern is with people accepting what the government tells them to do without asking questions.
In marketing there's what is called the lab coat effect. Basically you put someone in scrubs or a lab coat, don't forget to put the stethoscope around the neck, and then have them talk about how good the drug, vaccine, or whatever is. People will think the person is a doctor and should be trusted and most won't question what they're told.
The same principle applies to other things. Sometimes that trust is established by the clothing, as in putting an actor into a lab coat. Sometimes people trust the prestigious title, like doctor. People often trust those they idolize, like actors, athletes, and other celebrities. Other times the trust is by position, as is the case in politics.
Many people think their elected officials (read "politicians") should be trusted either because they (supposedly) represent their constituents or they're in the same political party. Too many believe that just because some high ranking official tells us to do something that it shouldn't be questioned.
All of us need to be asking more questions and stop blindly accepted whatever reasons or "answers" are given. We need to know the data, reasoning, and decision-making process behind the answers. How was the answer arrived at? Why? How is it better than other options? What are the repercussions?
https://fulnessoftimes.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-de-identification-of-individuals.html
Masks. They're popping up more and more as people try to avoid getting sick from the COVID-19.
But, if anyone pays attention to what the professionals are saying, even though more and more are advocating the wearing of masks, masks will not keep you from getting sick.
Especially masks that are not N95 (or equivalent or higher protection) won't keep you from getting sick.
When you wear a mask the only real protection that is happening is you are protecting others from you. When you sneeze or cough your droplets won't go everywhere.
Masks will give you some protection, by they are not as effective as people think they are at keeping you safe.
So, if you're feeling under the weather, wear a mask if you have to go out in public.
Even those with allergies, who sneeze and cough, should wear a mask in public because if they are asymptomatic with COVID-19 or some other illness they are less likely to spread it.
And if you have health issues, particularly those which may make you more susceptible and vulnerable to other illnesses, like COVID-19, then wearing a masks is an extra layer of possible protection for you.
On a personal level, there are some potential problems with wearing a mask, particularly if you wear one for long periods of time.
Masks don't keep you from touching your eyes, which, along with the nose, are two key entry points for viruses to enter our body. When I wear a mask, and I know I'm not alone with this, I tend to touch my face more as I adjust the mask. And putting masks on, taking them off, along with adjusting them throughout the day means you frequently get the fingers on the face.
So, hypothetically, you wear a mask multiple times through the week before you wash it, or get a new one, which means you touch the mask frequently. There may be particulates on your mask that you now touch and put on your face, or which others may get exposed to at your home. The only bright side here is the COVID-19 (and many other viruses) seems to have a hard time staying virulent on cloth.
The other problem is there is great potential that mask overuse may even affect your health. While the mask does allow air to pass through, it might also keep a higher concentration of carbon dioxide for you to breathe. Let's get a bit deeper here.
The air we breathe is typically about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, .9% argon, .04% carbon dioxide, with traces of other gases. Our body needs the small amount of CO2. Hyperventilating can reduce the amount of CO2 in the body, which is why breathing into a paper bag is one help because it allows the person to breathe in a higher concentration of CO2 to help alleviate the symptoms of hyperventilation. But too much CO2 can also cause problems, and too much isn't a very high percentage.
While a person sitting or casually walking may not be breathing in too much CO2 while wearing a mask, anything that increase the breathing rate will. So physical exertion while wearing a mask probably isn't a good idea, especially if it can be avoided (like maintaining good social distancing).
The other issue with wearing a mask, especially over a long duration (wearing it for hours each day for many days, weeks, or months) is can reduce the contagions you experience.
Why is that a problem?
Well to maintain a healthy immune system we need to be exposed to things. If we sanitize everything around us all the time then a small, minor bug will end up taking us down and the flus and other more serious pathogens can really become life-threatening.
Here's the problem with everyone wearing masks.
Masks hide the person. Sure we can see their eyes, but it's hard to really identify them.
Why is it robbers, thieves, outlaws, gang members, etc. wear masks (even if it's just a bandanna around their mouth and nose)? Because they don't want to be identified.
If we're afraid to closely interact with others, and we're hiding from others behind our masks, and we want others to hide their faces from us, aren't we losing the personal touch that identifies each of us as individuals?
And who is pushing this de-identification? It's recommended by the CDC and public health and pushed by government.
You won't hear it put that way, de-identification. We're told masks are for our safety and protection. Masks are to keep others safe. "It's for the greater good" that everyone wears a mask.
But when should we wear a mask? When we really need to be more safe and protected from harm, and there is sufficient (not anecdotal or modeled) data that proves wearing a mask is the safest option.
When are we being told to wear a mask? Everywhere we go and all the time, except for at home. But even there, if you read some recommendations, you should wear a mask to keep others in your home from getting ill, especially if you're feeling under the weather.
So, according to public officials (government and health) we should be afraid of going anywhere because of the possible threat of harm. Just because there is a risk, even if it's remote, we should hide behind a mask.
The only times we should wear a mask are if we are going into harms way, or where there is substantial risk that a mask can shield against. In today's environment we should also consider wearing a mask if there is the potential of close (less than 6 feet) contact with lots of other people.
But, if we are keeping good social distancing, is there a need for wearing a mask? Well, maybe if the air is polluted. That's why a lot of Chinese people in their big cities wear masks. Yes, they do it out of fear of getting sick as well. But without as many cars out, pollution isn't as bad. And maybe there might be some rogue citizen going around coughing and sneezing everywhere...but remember, unless it's a N95 or better mask, masks don't do much to protect you from others.
Most of our government officials don't realize the problem with wearing masks. They follow the recommendations of public health officials. And most public health officials use medical guidelines for minimizing exposure to infectious diseases, so that's what they recommend.
However, I believe there are some in government and public health who do see and know how wearing masks is a way of controlling the people. It keeps fear alive. It keeps people from wanting to associate too closely with others. It keeps the individuals dependent on those in political power.
Instead of identifying certain risk situations where masks are appropriate, like when you need to be close to an at-risk individual or when you're in a high-risk environment, government officials are pushing the wearing of masks with phrases like, "we need to wear masks to protect others" and "it's for the health and safety of everyone." Sure, they'll sometimes mention it's for your own protection as well, but they push the others and community narrative more.
And if you don't wear a mask you will be labeled as not caring about others health and wellness. You might be labeled as reckless, inconsiderate, or irresponsible.
It's also coming to a point where you will be required to wear masks in certain stores.
And, it may come to a point where you might get reported, if masks become in any way mandatory in a public setting.
I suspect wearing masks will take a bit of a backstep during the mid-to-late summer, and maybe even into the early fall. But as flu season picks up in October going into November, along with a likely resurgence of COVID-19, the wearing of masks will return with a vengeance by the end of the year. I believe it will be required for going to stores, especially when the holidays come.
I'm not even sure how social distancing will work for many stores where you currently have to wait in long lines to get in. Are they going to have covered waiting lines? It's also likely we'll see stores taking everyone temperatures, maybe even without their knowledge (though that would be a violation of personal rights, it will likely be permitted, and even encouraged, for the "greater good").
Before I finish up, let me touch again on the de-identification part. Some people might think wearing masks is good because it hides them better from government surveillance. Thankfully we don't have as many cameras as places like China. But even Britain and other countries have an enormous amount of cameras on public places. And more cities in the United States are getting more cameras.
So what? you might think, "they can't identify me if I'm wearing a mask."
That would be more true if your whole face were covered. But with only your nose and mouth covered it leaves your eyes and the rest of your face and head exposed. And artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, whatever it is or might be called can identify individuals based on limited facial characteristics if there is sufficient data for an analysis.
And with so many pictures and videos online, and many of those tagged, labeling individuals in the photos or videos, it becomes a treasure trove for data mining.
Just because others might not be able to readily identify you doesn't mean government surveillance can't. In most places in the US we're not there...yet. But, is wearing masks a step in that direction...
Here's where I stand.
I'll wear a mask if I'm required to, as I will be when around others at work. I'll grudgingly wear one in stores if I have to.
But I am against any government mandate, requirement, and even suggestion that everyone should wear a mask. There is insufficient absolute proof that everyone wearing masks reduces the number of illness and infections and is harmless to the individual wearing the mask in all the situations where they are required to do so.
I think the CDC and other health professionals look at it this way, "we wear masks as personal protective equipment so it's probably a good idea for everyone else to as well." That recommendation is then applied by public health officials and politicians who may see this as "if its good for medical professionals, then it'd be good for everyone everywhere." Some may even point to countries in Asia, like China, and say "look they wear masks, it must be working for them."
But I don't want to become like China where the government rules the people absolutely and the people have extremely limited choices, opportunities, and freedoms.
Point me in the direction of double-blind, peer-reviewed studies that conclusively state that wearing a mask all the time is good for your health.
Give me references that provide absolute data points demonstrating wearing a mask is more effective than social distancing, thorough hand washing, and not touching your face. I'd even be happy with references showing that adding mask wearing to those other practices significantly increases health and wellness of the person wearing the mask AND significantly reduces infection rates of others.
To me required public mask wearing falls into one of two categories. Either the requirement is part of an effort to increase control and compliance in the population, through fear and manipulation. Or, the requirement is based on grasping-at-straws, going to extremes, try anything that might possibly work, and make the public believe the government is doing something, even if there is no proof that it will have any significant effect.
Too many people want the government to "do something", like requiring the use of face masks or mandating self-quarantines and home isolation or closing of the economy. Even if that something does nothing it's a placebo for people who want to believe the government can fix things and should take control. And therein lies the problem, a growing number of Americans are willing to turn over their lives and freedoms to the politicians in exchange for an illusion of safety and protection.
As I stated, I'll wear a mask if I'm required to do so. I know it will help others feel better, even if it does little to actually protect them. My concern is with people accepting what the government tells them to do without asking questions.
In marketing there's what is called the lab coat effect. Basically you put someone in scrubs or a lab coat, don't forget to put the stethoscope around the neck, and then have them talk about how good the drug, vaccine, or whatever is. People will think the person is a doctor and should be trusted and most won't question what they're told.
The same principle applies to other things. Sometimes that trust is established by the clothing, as in putting an actor into a lab coat. Sometimes people trust the prestigious title, like doctor. People often trust those they idolize, like actors, athletes, and other celebrities. Other times the trust is by position, as is the case in politics.
Many people think their elected officials (read "politicians") should be trusted either because they (supposedly) represent their constituents or they're in the same political party. Too many believe that just because some high ranking official tells us to do something that it shouldn't be questioned.
All of us need to be asking more questions and stop blindly accepted whatever reasons or "answers" are given. We need to know the data, reasoning, and decision-making process behind the answers. How was the answer arrived at? Why? How is it better than other options? What are the repercussions?
Comments
Post a Comment