We Need to Get Our Masks Together! By Laura D. Harver

I get it. You don’t like being told what to do, and it frustrates you. As an American, I get it. I like my sense of freedom, too. With that said, it does not mean freedom eradicates our responsibility to wear a mask when we leave our homes. 

 

The wearing of masks is not a debate. It’s not a republican or democrat issue. It is about doing what is right. It is about caring for ourselves and others. Hence, let us stop politicizing not wearing a mask. Call it full flames, brushfires, embers of gold or gray, or whatever you may. The fact is people are getting sick and others dying amidst the unclear testing guidelines and inconsistent statements found on and offline.  

 

We need to get our masks together. Like it, love it, or hate it, let’s wear them. After all, our need to be right or feel free does not halt our need to care for ourselves and others. Should we have rights? Yes, but we should also be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. So, come on and “Do the Right Thing,” as Spike Lee’s film title suggested. 

 

Is there a precedent for getting our masks together so that lives are not continuously endangered or lost? I feel there is, but let’s explore this. Does every state require passengers to wear a seatbelt while riding in a vehicle? No. Is there still a case to make wearing a seatbelt mandatory? Yes, I believe so. 

 

If the seatbelt scenario does not sway you, what about science? Okay, maybe you’re not all that interested in science, but what about having good ole common sense, showing some human decency, and most importantly, following the CDC guidelines? After all, what can we lose if we do? However, if we refuse to do these things mentioned, we risk our health, our well-being, and losing our own life as well as the lives of family members, community members, healthcare workers, etc. 

 

Come on now, let’s work together and get our masks together. What can we do during this time? Here are nine things to consider: 

 

1. Stop politicizing mask-wearing regardless of your party affiliation.

2. Wear a mask, or another appropriate face covering, when you are out in public.

3. Stop calling the virus by a race or ethnic group.

4. Stop downplaying the rise in cases when they occur.

5. Protect children’s right to receive a good quality education. Close the digital divide in urban and rural areas so that no child is left behind. All children should receive a quality education while learning, whether in-person or remotely.

6. Practice social distance based on CDC guidelines.

7. Stop organizing and attending super-spreader events.

8. Wash your hands. 

9. Read credible information about the coronavirus.

 

Let’s be mindful of one another. Unify our message. Lead through best practices and adjust when needed so that we do not put ourselves and others at risk. Protect yourself and vulnerable populations from contracting COVID. 

 

Put your masks on when out in public. Support the learning and development of our children while guarding their well-being. Build our economy. Let’s get our masks together and wear them responsibly.

 

Laura D. Harver is the founder and CEO of Harver Edge, LLC, the Innovative Solutionista™, and a credentialed Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coach Federation (ICF). She covers topics centered around leadership, health & well-being (individual, family, organizational), diversity, equity, and inclusion, and legacy development.