The Mask Bully is back! To properly take over the city address concerns about masks, we first have to read the blueprints consider why people are so divided when it comes to wearing masks.

Politicized Pandemic

A huge issue with this Pandemic is the level of politicization. Rather than putting facts first, people followed “their” party’s lead on responding to the pandemic. This unfortunate situation meant that people on “both sides” miss important information.

It’s so hard to share information because many people possess an inherent distrust of news and recommendations from “the other side.”

Nearly everyone wants to see our world be a good place. Rather than assuming the other side is trying to demolish our economy or be superspreaders for a deadly virus, let’s recognize that most of the individuals genuinely believe they are doing what is best for our communities.

But even if you struggle to trust “the other side,” you can still recognize that science itself isn’t liberal or conservative. How we apply it to our lives is going to have a bias, but the facts themselves don’t lean left or right.

We as Christians must seek these facts from reputable sources, even if the truth leads us in a different direction than “our side.”

If we are earnestly seeking the truth, we will end up on the right side – the side of Truth, the side of God, the side we all should strive to be on.

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 

Romans 14:19

Confusing Science

Another challenge is that the science was confusing, especially when mixed with commentary. Early in the pandemic, we heard mixed opinions regarding masks. It can seem unusual to go from “don’t wear masks” to “you must wear masks.”

As time progresses, we develop new understandings of science and how we can and should apply that in our society.

I’ll go into why this isn’t flip-flopping in a later post, but for now, I think I’ll just share a paraphrase of what my sidekick in supervillany best friend said: “If we didn’t trust developments in science, we’d all still be putting leeches on our faces to treat disease.”

Science brings men nearer to God.

Louis Pasteur

Conspiracy Theories

There are so many Conspiracy Theories going around. It’s disheartening that people misrepresent scientific studies, spread lies, and instill fear in people. People who see through the conspiracy theories may question how anyone could actually believe it. We must recognize that everyone has different knowledge, wisdom, and experience.

If you’re talking to someone who believes a conspiracy theory, try to be patient with them. Don’t be condescending. Validate concerns that are legitimate but also try to share some facts.

If you’re reading something and wondering why the mainstream media is refusing to talk about it, consider looking for information that validates the claims. Consider that the media might not be reporting on it because it isn’t actually happening. It’s certainly true that the media at times fails to share accurate information, but be must look critically at sources. I talk about thinking critically about sources in one of my posts about the COVID vaccines. I will address some conspiracy theories in a later post.

It is not a surprise that Jesus called Satan a murderer, a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44) Those who willingly create or spread lies and bogus conspiracy theories are not our friends, and doubtless God will judge them.

“Professing Faith: The reality of conspiracy theories” by Fr. Gregory Elder, 1/20/2021

American Individualism

We were made to be a community. We were made to help our neighbors and walk together on the path to holiness.

In American culture, individualism has become our goal. We put ourselves and our immediate family over our communities. We look down on people who need extra help.

There’s this attitude that if my family is fine with xyz, everyone else can just deal with it.

This fierce individualism has been a problem for decades and will persist after the end of the pandemic. I believe that the pandemic has highlighted the severity and toxicity of this individualism.

Of course there are times where we have to put our families first, but there are also times that we must consider our communities as a whole.

Now more than ever the claim to focus everything on ourselves is illusory – to make individualism the guiding principle of society has proved to be illusory.

Pope Francis

Emotional Exhaustion

I think we’re all pretty worn out from the pandemic. The changes in routine, the limited access to the Sacraments, less social interaction, and observing the vitriol spread when discussing the different approaches to ending the pandemic can all be emotionally exhausting.

I suspect that people just can’t accept any more information at this point. And I don’t mean a stubborn refusal. I mean that for some, the weight of the pandemic is so heavy, they just cannot process any more information. This is particularly true for people who have their opinions challenged (check out this helpful comic about the backfire effect).

I know it can be frustrating when there is clear evidence supporting your stance and other people refuse to accept it. We have to remember that we are both emotional and logical; it can be hard to separate those two.

So What?

I wrote this post for others just as much as I wrote it for myself. I’ll admit that I’ve had some pretty uncharitable thoughts about people refusing to wear a mask.

I believe that taking the time to reflect on why these differences exist even though the truth seems obvious will help us be more compassionate towards those with whom we disagree.

Even if people are wrong or seem selfish or are acting rude, they are still made in the image and likeness of God. We must treat them with love and respect, and hopefully, the truth will follow.

Even if people are wrong or seem selfish or are acting rude, they are still made in the image and likeness of God.
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