Put Your Mask Where Your Mouth Is

There’s a running debate over who is more responsible for the spread of COVID-19 in the United States: MAGA Country individualists refusing to wear masks as a silent political protest… or social justice collectivists refusing to wear masks while engaging in loud political protest. Here’s a data point to contribute to that discussion…

FXBG Free, a coalition of racial-justice groups in Fredericksburg, has postponed all in-person gatherings after five of its organizers tested positive for COVID-19. The organizers are self-isolating for two weeks. After making the announcement, FXBG Free reminded followers that masks and social distancing are “mandatory practices at our events and protests.”

However, notes the Free Lance-Star, the cover photo on its Facebook page (shown above) shows a crowd of mostly young people in protest mode, many of whom are maskless.

Shouting protest slogans, I’ve noticed, just doesn’t have the same impact when you’re wearing a mask.

— JAB