Most of us that are fortunate enough to live in countries where the environment of smog, pollution, overcrowding, and lack of personal space does not impose on our daily lives probably have never given face masks any consideration. Well, it’s about time that you do.

If anything that comes from this pandemic aside from the highs and lows of government strengths and weaknesses, global humanity, etc... it’s that the stigma around wearing masks in America and other Western countries should be removed. In many East Asian countries face masks are a common and daily practice as a gesture of civic duty and good hygiene.

Protection from environmental factors such as pollution/smog
Gesture of consideration towards others when sick
Good Hygiene and civic duty towards public health
Protection from cold weather

And the list goes on...

(You can read an article from November 2014 on “A Quick History On Why Asians Wear Surgical Masks in public” here and the “History of Surgical Masks” here.)

Source: The New York Times “The Mask” March 17, 2020 — Source: The New York Times *“The Mask”* March 17, 2020

Whether it’s out of necessity or accessory, there are many reasons why Asian societies have adopted masking. But, let’s be honest, the concept of masking in America and other Western countries is pretty much a foreign concept that elicits xenophobia. And, people that wear face masks while traveling outside of their native country or live in Western societies often face discrimination or receive weird looks.

Now that we are in a global health crisis, we shouldn’t be debating whether to mask or not to mask. But rather, we should accept the fact that even if it’s a small percentage of protection, it’s still a form of added protection. If people voluntarily practice masking because they feel just a little bit safer or whatever their reasons may be, they shouldn’t have to face discrimination over it. Furthermore, this pandemic reinforces that we are all equally vulnerable to community transmissions. Not one society or country is above wearing face masks at this time or in the future. When this crisis is over, we should continue this practice as a consideration and protection for ourselves and others.

Besides, before the pandemic, this Asian trend was starting to trickle to the West as a “fashion” trend. Some designers such as The Blonds and Marine Serre have included face masks in recent collections during fashion week... And let’s not forget Chinese designer Masha Ma was already doing so back in 2014… I guess, if it takes face masks cloaked as a fashion trend to become palatable for the greater good, so be it.