Do I Ask Someone to Wear a Mask?

 Yesterday, I entered a convenience store for a small item with my mask securely in place. I also do my best to maintain adequate distance from others, but it seem that others have a much more relaxed view on this.  I approached the check out line and stood behind two maskless men.   Why?  Is it possible that they are not aware that every state and national health expert recommends mask wearing? Yes, there was some confusion on this initially, but all of the experts are singing from the same hymnal now.  It’s an act of ignorance and selfishness.  How do they justify putting themselves, other customers like me and store employees at risk of contracting COVID-19?  Is this the example they choose to set for their children, friends and coworkers?  Or, are these just folks who don’t like to be told what to do?

If the nation had not become a cauldron of anger, I might have approached these men to engage them in a conversation.  But, not these days.  Yesterday’s Road Rage has morphed into Mask Rage and I don’t want to risk sticking my hand into a hornet’s nest. 

A Black-footed ferret doing the right thing.

Several weeks back I reached out to 2 major companies in Cleveland to inquire why they permitted unmasked customers to wander about.  “Don’t you want to protect your employees and customers”?

Of course, they do, but they explained that they have already had so much drama and conflict with maskless customers who were politely offered a mask, that the notion of taking stronger enforcement action would pose unacceptable risks to store employees.

Such is the state of the nation, divided over everything and fighting over anything.  Hyperbole?  Think of the issues and challenges of our time and tell me which among them hasn’t sparked conflict. 

And even if we elect new leadership this fall, don’t expect the wolf and the lamb to graze together anytime soon.  Leadership is important, but the harmony we seek and deserve will have to come from within.