Augie RayJan 9, 2023

Imagine if we relied on “personal responsibility” instead of the law to combat other public health issues like drunk driving. No rules--just “you do you”. If you're comfortable driving drunk and wish to take the risk, go ahead and do it--why worry yourself with harming anyone else?

Wait, that doesn't work? Then why do maskless conferences, flights, and events work at a time when we know #COVID19 risks are rising. Don't take personal responsibility; take public responsibility. #WearAMask

Show threadLars Marowsky-Brée 😷Jan 10, 2023

@augieray When (for example) they introduced the no-drunk-driving laws, there _was_ similar backlash in society, it was by no means an easy win. No smoking rules were incredibly controversial. Speed limits, gun control, (vehicle/road/building/electrical) safety standards, ...

So, in a way, yes, this is very much in line. All of this is only possible _years_ after it was clearly needed, because There Is No Glory In Prevention(tm).

Show threadAugie Ray
@larsmb I think you might have missed the point. The changes happened because we changed laws, and then over time, attitudes fell into line. With masks, our leaders are actively discouraging concern about COVID and encouraging maskless routines. My point is that we need to change the conversation around risks and masks from the top down.
Jan 10, 2023 at 12:05pmWeb
Show threadLars Marowsky-Brée 😷Jan 10, 2023

@augieray True, but they also happened because we fought (and won) against the complacent/complicit majority. It took time to convince the leaders that this was necessary. They only move if there's a majority in it.

I think though we're in agreement - we do need to change it, because the current risks taken are deadly. It's irresponsible and irrational.