Why do some people resist wearing masks?
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My answer:
The government systematically lied (and continues to lie) to the public about drugs, Iraq/Afghanistan, warrantless wiretapping, etc. So, baseline levels of trust in the government are deservedly low.
Universities are overwhelmingly dominated by those on the left, to the point that many departments at many universities have not a single Republican on their staff.
Many believe that the scientific community (which mostly operates out of universities) has been captured by idealogues who don't practice proper science, but instead manufacture results that best suit their political goals.
News organizations routinely exaggerate risks for clicks to make money. And most news organizations are also dominated by the left. (Though right leaning news organizations, such as Fox News, also do their fair share of fearmongering.)
Government officials have also been sending many contradictory messages. For example, at the beginning of the pandemic, many health officials said that it was counterproductive for the general public to wear masks:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/opinion/coronavirus-face-masks.html
The WHO didn't recommend that everyone wear masks until June 6:
https://www.vox.com/2020/6/6/21282108/masks-for-covid-19-world-health-organization-guidelines-cloth-n95
In this environment of general distrust of government officials, perceived scientific corruption, and contradictory advice, is it surprising that many people are skeptical and rebellious when told they _must_ wear a mask under threat of fines/imprisonment?
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My answer:
The government systematically lied (and continues to lie) to the public about drugs, Iraq/Afghanistan, warrantless wiretapping, etc. So, baseline levels of trust in the government are deservedly low.
Universities are overwhelmingly dominated by those on the left, to the point that many departments at many universities have not a single Republican on their staff.
Many believe that the scientific community (which mostly operates out of universities) has been captured by idealogues who don't practice proper science, but instead manufacture results that best suit their political goals.
News organizations routinely exaggerate risks for clicks to make money. And most news organizations are also dominated by the left. (Though right leaning news organizations, such as Fox News, also do their fair share of fearmongering.)
Government officials have also been sending many contradictory messages. For example, at the beginning of the pandemic, many health officials said that it was counterproductive for the general public to wear masks:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/opinion/coronavirus-face-masks.html
The WHO didn't recommend that everyone wear masks until June 6:
https://www.vox.com/2020/6/6/21282108/masks-for-covid-19-world-health-organization-guidelines-cloth-n95
In this environment of general distrust of government officials, perceived scientific corruption, and contradictory advice, is it surprising that many people are skeptical and rebellious when told they _must_ wear a mask under threat of fines/imprisonment?