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Since writing this piece for @TheAtlantic, I've been contacted by a whole lot of dudes who won't wear masks. I've had some good conversations with them.
Here are a few things I've learned. 1/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/06/dudes-who-wont-wear-masks/613375/
Here are a few things I've learned. 1/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/06/dudes-who-wont-wear-masks/613375/
These men were universally grateful to read something about anti-maskers that didn't shame or demonize them. It made them want to hear what else I had to say about why it might be worth wearing a mask. Compassionate public health messaging builds trust. 2/
They felt like mask mandates were an infringement on their liberties. Instead of dismissing that concern, it helped to acknowledge it and talk about other people's freedoms too, especially people who don't have the choice to move away from them. 3/
They were skeptical about the effectiveness of masks, not least because officials initially recommended against them. The messaging on masks has indeed been confusing, and it helped to admit that rather than attribute the change in messaging entirely to the evolving science. 4/
They said they felt ridiculous wearing a mask when there are few people around, like outdoors or in a spacious store. When I agreed that masking isn't as important in certain settings, they became more amenable to wearing one when it matters most. 5/
They felt like masks aren't worth it because the threat of the virus has been overblown. Although not necessarily the cause of that conviction, absolutist and fear-based messaging haven't helped. Not everything is high risk and public health communication should reflect that. 6/
