Buried in a review of Nic Cage's new movie, is a sentiment I take heart in. It sums up my feelings so well.
This resonance hit home when I went into a grocery store the other day, where half the customers weren't wearing masks despite the store's posted request. I felt the flickering of a familiar anger -- and then a sort of internal shrug. The idea of returning to perma-rage about other people's lack of concern for public health is simply exhausting; it's overwhelming. Instead of anger or frustration, I found myself experiencing a kind of grief. Many of us, I think, are mourning the loss of normal life, and public civility, both of which feel like they may be gone for good.
I feel your pain. I don't mind, and actually enjoy, asking anyone who approaches me and is not wearing a mask to back up. So far, no one seemed slighted or annoyed by my request.
ReplyDeleteI read a bunch of stories like this, but I don't get it very much. Luckily New York is still mask central. Ed and I now take ours everywhere. We don't where them outside when walking, but about everywhere else. Our building put the mandate back in place for the common areas. Apparently 1 man (a renter) is the only one to ignore it (because the fines go to the owner).
DeleteI miss public civility, or the illusion of it, too.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Even the illusion of simple politeness and civility would be appreciate now.
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