called many names and blocked from supposedly open forums because of the information that I offer. People that I thought I knew and have been friends with for years, all of a sudden treat me as the latest pariah. I am told that I am ignorant, stupid, or even worse. Even though I have researched the subject extensively and have a medical background, somehow, that doesn’t matter. How can you change superstition by using facts? That seems to be a bridge too far.
My biggest concern with this whole issue is that people, who under normal circumstances have been very reasonable and engaging in reasonable debate, have now made such radical shifts in their personalities. “Fear is the mind killer!”
SPIRITUAL ASPECT
I have done some study into the spiritual aspects of mask wearing. One of the interesting observations is that many esoteric initiation ceremonies use masks on the initiates to emphasize that they are to submit to the initiator and give over their identity to the organization – the mask being the symbol of their surrender. There is a concerted effort to make the initiate understand through this symbolism that they are not their own person now – they are owned by the collective. No longer do they have a say in what happens to them. They will now allow their will to be directed by those higher up in the organization.
SOCIAL ISSUES
Think of other ways that masks are commonly used in our society. Halloween costumes use masks to hide the identity of the person, so they are free to do negative “tricks” without being identified or suffer reprisal. Masquerade balls use masks so that people won’t feel so inhibited by social norms. This sounds quite close to the lack of inhibition to social norms that are being displayed among the “masking crowd.” Although these applications seem to be all in fun, a little deeper reflection offers a more sinister motivation, especially from those setting the current mandate policies.
I am not saying that the mandatory mask policies are necessarily equated with these other applications. Rather, I am saying, maybe we should think a little more carefully before we just accept what is demanded of us, especially when the effectiveness of masks is so doubtful; and there is potential harm. Maybe we should ask if there might be another reason we are required to wear masks instead of medical reasons. Something to think about.
CHILDREN
Another important consideration that I would like to present is the fact that children are dependent on facial cues from their parents and others for their maturational progress. If half the face of those same people is covered – and who knows for how long, what is going to happen to that development in their lives? And what of all the closing of the schools with the children being isolated from their friends and forced to use a computer screen for their companionship and education?
Several studies have shown that the computer screen is incapable of transmitting the body language that is so necessary for properly interpreting our personal communications. Too many major misunderstandings have occurred because of the computer screen and texting for communications.
INHUMAN BEHAVIOR
One of the saddest things that I have observed in stores as masks have been required, is that people are not making eye contact very much. They are not engaging each other in conversations. They go out of their way to avoid each other so they can maintain their social distancing. (There is nothing social about it!) For the most part, even though they are out of their houses, they are still in isolation. The mask is one more degree of that isolation. Not only can you not get close to someone, but you cannot even show them your smile or surprise or sadness or other emotions, because half of your face has been erased!