DESNÉ MASIE: The transatlantic myth of the ‘liberal’ mask
Wearing or not wearing a face mask during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK and US marks your political and cultural leanings
05 July 2020 - 17:34
How face masks got caught up in the transatlantic culture wars is baffling. The US and UK have the highest Covid-19 death rates in the world, yet people are still debating whether wearing “liberal” masks is a political statement or a public health necessity.
Mask wearing has become associated with weakness, femininity and left-wing politics, and non-mask wearing has become associated with strength, (toxic) masculinity and right-wing politics. Sadly, it has also become associated with racism against Asians, as mask-wearing is almost ubiquitous in countries such as China and Singapore...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.