Masks, Peer Pressure, and Freedoms of Expression

Masks, Peer Pressure, and Freedoms of Expression

As we work our way through this coronavirus episode of our lives I become more and more astounded by humans and our peculiar ways!

Masks have become the new symbol of a variety of human conditions:  freedom, liberty, independence, control, protection, concern for others.  Currently in our society masks are seen by most as a way for people to protect themselves and others; while those who portray themselves as freedom lovers and desire independence to get our economy back on track see masks as manipulation and control by those for whom they have no respect.

I, too, want to have our economy back on track, but I have concerns about those who want the economy open but criticize citizens who chose to wear masks while out in public. It seems that the “COVID-19 is not a problem” people want all to adopt their position, but why is that? Are they so insecure in their belief that the economy should reopen and the virus is not a problem that seeing others wearing makes them insecure about their position?

Those who are pushing to open the economy and are “insulted” by those who wear masks because it challenges their “open the economy, there’s no threat” attitude need to stand by their own desire for freedom and independence and let others enjoy theirs too.  Those who choose to wear masks are exercising their rights just as those who choose not to wear masks are exercising theirs.

But here’s the difference. Those who choose to wear masks are working to protect themselves and others; while those who chose not to wear masks are ignoring their own health and the health of others (whether they recognized it or not) during a time when there are no certainties about the spreading of the virus. Yes, there are guidelines based on best science but there is still much to be learned about this coronavirus.

People wearing masks – exercising their freedom to do so – are being accosted by those without masks in public places. In places where masks should be worn, some are not while challenging those who are.

People, if you believe in freedom, liberty, and the Constitution, etc., as you assert don’t deny others that right, too!

The influence of peer pressure plays into this. Unfortunately, leaving high school does not eliminate that pesky social issue from our lives. Peer pressure can exert a positive or negative influence. When peer pressure encourages others to achieve more in their lives, become better humans, it’s a good thing. When that pressure works to undermine what’s good for oneself and others, that’s a bad thing.

A gentleman who attended an event with many older people observed the effects of that first hand even on the elderly who are at greater risk currently. He was wearing a mask and many others were, too, but some were not. After a bit of time, he noticed some who had been wearing their masks had removed them. Apparently, they had either been convinced via peer pressure that they looked dumb wearing a mask or it just wasn’t needed.

I got curious about peer pressure and started looking for information online. Curiously, most of the sites were only focused on children and teens but some did address adult peer pressure. One site by Dr. Shilagh Mirgain noted this about adult peer pressure and people’s effort to improve themselves or step outside the established boundaries of their group.

“The metaphor I use is a crab in a bucket. Whenever one of the crabs tries to climb out and escape, the other crabs will grab hold and pull him back down. If we don’t know how to deal with the pressure, we can internalize it and self-sabotage by giving up our goals and reverting to old habits,” she explains.

“Often, criticism comes from a place of insecurity. Rejecting the status quo and trying to make changes feels to some as though you are rejecting them. But it’s not. The choices you make, you are making for your own well-being and it’s critical to remember that,” says Mirgain.

So, for those who believe that wearing masks is the right thing to do, stay strong in that belief.  For those who refuse to wear masks because it doesn’t support the political position of your group or tribe, ask yourselves if others are holding you back from doing what’s really right, not just politically correct, using peer pressure.

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