To jump right in, the short answer to the burning question is no: masks are not an invasion of human rights. Rather, the egocentric idea that entitles people to refuse to wear a mask is the true invasion of rights. In the basic sense, rights exist to protect the life and wellbeing of people. Neither of those two are at stake when one puts on a mask, but both are at stake when an individual willingly choses to make choices that have been deemed harmful to others (CDC). It is tough to understand why this issue had to become one of politics, and not basic human decency, but such is the nature of a society built on the capital “I” where individuals seek to meet their own ends on the gross exploitation of everyone else. There is a virus free in the world, striking people down. It corrupts and weakens them, yet does not affect everyone. To the world, it is known simply as Privilege.
The onset of COVID 19 in the early months of 2020 raised alarm across the globe. One by one, nations shut down, asking their citizens to distance and wear masks to protect not themselves, but their neighbors and their communities. The goal: to stop the spread of the virus (Atalan 6). What is known for sure is that in the past six months during the shutdown, roughly 12 million American people have been infected, and over 250 thousand Americans have died (CDC). The CDC has outlined pathways for the virus to spread, including close contact with others, and repository droplets. They promote much the same information that would follow with any illness, such as hand washing and keeping distance. Perhaps the most controversial recommendation is to wear a mask around others — a recommendation that is stated as a means specifically to “protect others” (CDC). Unfortunately for many Americans, these preventive measures translated to socialism, or government control, and a restriction of human rights; both of these ideas stemming either from a privileged view of the self, a misunderstanding of information, or far-fetched conspiracy theories. It is difficult to properly source the origins of these sentiments given the scarcity of reputable sites supporting them; rather, the popularity of these ideas come from misinformation spread on social media platforms, particularly Twitter and Facebook (Gibbens). In addition to a viral pandemic, we are also seeing one of misinformation. This has created two major groupings of ideologies: the reasonably misinformed, and the radical conspiracy theorists.
A popular argument against mask wearing on the more conventional side, is the idea that those who choose to follow federal mandates are nothing more than misinformed people who are “told what to think rarely….draw their own conclusions or even research themselves,” as one Facebook user writes (Hancock). This is the very same argument for those in support of preventive measures. In fact, many of the arguments against either side are near identical. These supposedly enlightened people are under the impression that it is their personal right to decide whether or not they follow the safety guidelines by dismissing the existing mandates as unfounded. Perhaps one of the most reasonable explanations for this idea comes from Joe Hancock, founder of the Against Masks Facebook group, who feels that the powers granted by a state of emergency violates democracy by bypassing conventional governmental systems (Hancock 7). In relation to this, fellow anti-masker Angela Berry feels that masks infringe on her private affairs, violating her constitutional protections, as well as first amendment rights through the censorship of information on social media (Berry 4–5).
What makes it most difficult to counter these ad hominem arguments is their simplicity, which individuals find particularly enrapturing. They work by manipulating any opposing information into a tool to fight back, or to divert and target a characteristic not completely related to the argument — such as relating COVID to the flu. For these reasons ad hominem arguments are defined as a fallacy (Txstate.edu). In the short sense, there is no basis for the idea that public health mandates violate any constitutional rights. In fact, a 1905 Florida case had already previously ruled that mask ordinances do not violate any constitutional rights (Fink). Despite all, the issue persists. The US and individual states all declared a State of Emergency, which by definition does not allow a state to exercise any new powers, and can only be enacted when the safety of the public in in jeopardy (Gump 1). According to the Constitution, no rights can be violated without “due process of law”, yet in the case of a State of Emergency, it remains constitutionally acceptable to delay said processes and exercise powers in the interest of the public, “subject only to later judicial review” (Gump 3). For Angela Berry, it must be clarified that while strictly Governmental censorship is a direct violation of the First Amendment, social media companies are private organizations that can censor information as they see fit based on user agreed terms and conditions. Censorship by these private companies targets hate speech, obscenity, misinformation, and harassment, by which the decision to do so is not unconstitutional (Nott). The idea that accuses safety protocols as unfounded and followers as uneducated is ironic, and in itself an example of confirmation bias. With due process and proper research, it is clear that these ideas of constitutional violation are nothing beyond a misinformed notion that improper research has come to defend, spread by the masses on social media.
Aside from the ideas of constitutional violations, there is another side to the argument that is disturbingly prevalent. A leading theme here is the idea that masks, and COVID itself, are a socialist agenda designed to control the public through fear. In an interview, anti-masker Angela Berry states her belief that masks are a “political tool….being pushed on the world to destroy the rights of the people….for… reasons of power and control” (Berry 5). Another interviewee, Helen, believes it was planned “to do dirty deeds in all countries” (Mullins 2). To people like Helen, COVID is being manipulated by the Media, the Democratic Party, and “big wigs” to aid the adaption of communism in free countries (Mullins 6). Angela Berry also commented stating that “masks [have] been a form of power and control….a sinister power play” and she takes her sentiments further to encompass an idea shared by a concerning number:
“I believe COVID was released upon people worldwide to collapse the economy, to make President Trump look bad and to destroy America so that the elites can try for a “global reset” for their New World Order” (Berry 4).
Throughout the entirety of both interviews, as well as the anti-mask social media groups, the theme of governmental control seems to act as an explanation for non-compliance. According to Berry, asking her to “give up her rights” in the case of protecting another, constitutes “codependency and manipulation” therefore excusing her (Berry 6). Hellen also feels she is responsible solely for herself, and that masks are a mere “compliance tool” (Mullins 8). In regards to COVID victims, the response was near unanimous: either the numbers were faked completely, or are not entirely accurate. A recent study conducted by the YouGov-Cambridge Globalism Project reported that nearly 40% of Americans believed the numbers were inaccurate (Henley). Respect and sympathy for those affected is few and far between in these groups, rather the central focus remains on the individual operating under the impression that masks are not about helping others, they are about control. It really does boil down to an issue of privilege. People do not like being told what to do, and rather than acknowledging their part in assisting others, they come up with excuses to explain why they retain the right to do as they please in complete disregard of the rights of those who are dying.
The idea that COVID was purposefully released into the world for mal-intent is ridiculous. COVID related conspiracy theories serve as a major roadblock to turning the tides of this pandemic. Misinformation spread from social media, unreliable news agencies, and leaders like President Trump have only served to contribute to this growing issue (Law). Conspiracy theories are the modern day equivalent of myths, and they exist to provide explanation to topics that confuse the public. One of the more interesting relationships being looked at concerns climate change. The idea of Climate change being a hoax has been a long standing issue, with many including those within the scientific community debating its validity (Zeller). Communications expert John Cook relates the misinformation spread around climate change to COVID, calling foreign case comparisons and flu analogies “simplistic and misleading” (Gibbens). At the end of the day, simplicity is the key factor in making a theory believable, and platforms designed to spread simple messages are the epicenters of misinformation.
It is apparent that some people find it hard to understand why social media is not a reliable source of information, and therein lies the crucial dispute. This issue with COVID and masks did not start in the early months of 2020, but has been brewing for more than two decades. Conspiracy theories about government censorship and the media became most prevalent after the events of 9/11. This built distrust in the government and in turn the media, which circulated and spread online. People were reading posts and taking them for face value — usually because of visual association with reputable sources via linked hashtags, or because they were shared by trusted friends and family (Suciu). In terms of COVID, a very similar thing is happening. Individuals are sifting through an enormous amount of information available to them, thanks to the internet, and selecting only the bits of information which serve to confirm their ideas (Gibbens). Some of these sources contain early ideas or data that has been since disproven. This behavior is the very embodiment of confirmation bias, and spreads like wildfire through social media. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter are the hubs of misinformation, and their engagement revolves around a desire to share information, to facilitate its spread, and one by one people fall victim to false ideas. Sharing is encouraged, and each like equates a token of positive feedback, all reinforcing a foggy reflection of credibility (Gibbens). These people are searching for excuses, and each subtle confirmation for one idea snowballs into another. These are not just wallflowers sitting on their misinformed ideas; these are activists, working hard to spread false information. A quick search for “Anti Mask” on Facebook reveals a massive flood of people actively working to spread false theories, preaching to anyone who will listen, invalidating anyone who says otherwise, and attacking those who are actively working to heal the country.
It should not need to be said that COVID is not a communist plot. In a similar token, people should also not need to be reminded to behave with decency and respect. Misinformation is fast becoming one of the most serious threats to modern society; now so more than ever, when it is costing human lives. The best way to protect against this is constant diligence and cross referencing. No single source can be considered the Holy Grail of truth. Individuals need to discipline and prepare themselves for the eventuality that the bulk of information they find will not always align with their views. The issue with anti-maskers is one of Privilege. For one reason or another, they magically grant themselves a special immunity from the suffering of others. They seek to justify this privilege by cherry picking information to suit their ideologies, by manipulating facts, and by spreading misinformation like flour in a tornado. The intent is not for the benefit or the demise of any other, but rather purely selfish. The idea that they and they alone, are a free thinker, the enlightened; but in the midst of their ego, they forget one thing: in varying degrees modern technology has given everyone access to all knowledge. It becomes the individual’s choice to decide whether or not to use it improperly for selfish means, or appropriately for the common good; and to become information literate in a time when the ease of illiteracy has become vogue.
Works Cited
Atalan, Abdulkadir. “Is the Lockdown Important to Prevent the COVID-9 Pandemic? Effects on Psychology, Environment and Economy-Perspective.” Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012), Elsevier, Aug. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7293850/.
Berry, Angela D.M., and Lucas Dul. “No2.” Lucas Dul, 24 Nov. 2020, www.lucasdul.com/no2.
CDC, “How to Protect Yourself & Others.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.
CDC, “Scientific Brief: Community Use of Cloth Masks to Control the Spread of SARS-CoV-2.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html.
Fink, Jenni. “Fact Check: Is a Mask Mandate Unconstitutional?” Newsweek, Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2020, www.newsweek.com/fact-check-mask-mandate-unconstitutional-1542465.
Gibbens, Sarah. “A Guide to Overcoming COVID-19 Misinformation.” The ‘Infodemic’ of COVID-19 Misinformation, Explained, 23 Oct. 2020, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/10/guide-to-overcoming-coronavirus-misinformation-infodemic/.
Gump. “COVID-19: Emergency Powers and Constitutional Limits.” Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, 2020, www.akingump.com/en/news-insights/covid-19-emergency-powers-and-constitutional-limits.html.
Hancock, Joe. Facebook Group: Against Masks (Against being forced to wear masks in public), Facebook, 26 June, 2020., https://www.facebook.com/groups/293418101806798/about accessed November 2020
Hancock , Joe, and Lucas Dul. “No3.” Lucas Dul, 24 Nov. 2020, www.lucasdul.com/no3.
Henley, Jon, and Niamh McIntyre. “Survey Uncovers Widespread Belief in ‘Dangerous’ Covid Conspiracy Theories.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 26 Oct. 2020, www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/survey-uncovers-widespread-belief-dangerous-covid-conspiracy-theories.
Law, Tara. “COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Are a Public Health Threat.” Time, Time, 21 Sept. 2020, time.com/5891333/covid-19-conspiracy-theories/.
Mullins, Helen, and Lucas Dul. “No4.” Lucas Dul, 24 Nov. 2020, www.lucasdul.com/no4.
Nott, Lata. “Free Expression on Social Media.” Freedom Forum Institute, www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/primers/free-expression-on-social-media/.
Suciu, Peter. “Conspiracy Theories Have Gained Traction Since 9/11 Thanks To Social Media.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 12 Sept. 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2020/09/11/conspiracy-theories-have-gained-traction-since-911-thanks-to-social-media/?sh=4eeda1f43ddb.
Texas State, Ad-Hominem. “Ad Hominem.” Department of Philosophy : Texas State University, Texas State University, 15 May 2019, www.txstate.edu/philosophy/resources/fallacy-definitions/Ad-Hominem.html.
Zeller, Written by Peter, and Peter Zeller. “Climate Change 7: How Global Warming Is Both a ‘Hoax’ and a Legitimate Area of Study.” American Experiment, 10 Dec. 2016, www.americanexperiment.org/2016/12/climate-change-7-global-warming-hoax-legitimate-area-study/.
Closing Notes: I really want to stress the importance of public health. The amount of selfish behavior that is being displayed by millions of Americans is shocking despite the general knowledge of “that’s just how Americans are”. Is that how the people of this country wish to be known? As a collective that would willingly destroy the lives of others for nothing more than an attempt at grasping personal convenience?
It is not a political issue, it is not a religious issue, it is nothing more than an issue of privilege. That is a big theme in America too, people seem to think that for one misguided reason or another, they are better than everyone else. Where does that leave those who are disadvantaged? Those with truly good intent? Are we really about to let them fall by the wayside, trampled under an angry mob chanting conspiracy, violence, and nonsense?
Every religion, every basic moral code, our very constitution was created on the basis of helping each other and working towards creating a healthier whole. Our moral core is being challenged, and it needs to stop. It is time for people to stop being cowards about making the right decisions. It is time for people to let go of the delusion of privilege because we all live on the same planet. Grow up.
The interviews in their entirety have been published here: www.lucasdul.com/covid19
Thank you.
