This article is focused on the following Sustainable Development Goals:
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of protesters have emerged all across the United States due to masking mandates. Studies urging the use of face masks are being ignored. The use of face masks in public has turned into a political statement. Does wearing a face mask to protect yourself and those around you, call for a national outrage? Should an act of human decency, like wearing a mask, be debatable? Does the health of others in your community really deserve to come last? According to the people of the United States, the answer is yes.
When you refuse to wear a mask in public, you are telling those around you that you don’t care about anything except for your personal liberty. According to a poll conducted by The Mercury News, most people refuse to wear masks because of the statements made by the government and the people in power early into the pandemic(Woolfolk, 2020). Therefore, many people either don’t believe that masks curb the spreading of the coronavirus or they don’t believe in doing something for the greater good regardless of whether or not it makes them uncomfortable.
As cases are reaching 16.5 million, it is crucial for us to reduce the spread of the virus and take preventative measures. We cannot latch onto information that was released so early into the pandemic, especially in this field of science that advances at such a high rate. The world has lost 645,000 people due to the coronavirus pandemic and we don’t need to lose more to ignorance.
So what can we do as individuals and institutions?
Teach our communities how to identify reliable sources. Interact and mentor members of the local community and share the knowledge you were blessed to have. Thereby, we can improve the quality of education of those in our local communities
Be wary of what you promote. It is important to make use of the large platforms we have access to but we must be responsible for what we post. Social media is a powerful tool, make sure you are not spreading outdated, false information.
Highlight updates regarding the situation that is constantly evolving based on the newest developments and discoveries. Wearing a mask is promoting good health and well being to those around you by protecting them from the spread of the virus.
Sign petitions and email people in power to hold them accountable for who and what they promote.
Raising awareness in your local communities as well as internationally would work to improve SDG 4: their quality of education. Making people aware of recent developments and making sure they are up to date with the best ways to keep themselves and those around them safe will essentially promote SDG 3: Good health and well-being in the community. We cannot debate about the safety of the people on our planet. Hence, as human beings, during such unprecedented times, we must do our part. It is our responsibility to spread and act on the right information as well as correct those who may be wrong. Remember, change starts with you.
External Resources
Works Cited
Gillespie, C. (2020, July 01). People Are Being Shamed on Social Media for Not Wearing a Face Mask in Public-But Why Won't They? Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/face-mask-refuse-to-wear-one -but-why
McKelvey, T. (2020, July 20). Coronavirus: Why are Americans so angry about masks? Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53477121
Pawlowski, A. (2020, July 07). Why we hate being told what to do: Psychologists explain the battle over masks. Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://www.today.com/health/mask-protest-t186064
Woolfolk, J. (2020, June 15). Coronavirus: Why are we at war over face masks? Retrieved July 28, 2020, from https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/13/coronavirus-why-are-we-at-war-over-face-masks/
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