Recently, I have noticed in my community that mask wearing individuals have found it acceptable to confront those of us who choose to not wear masks. After a confrontation I had today, I did some thinking as to why people are doing this to their fellow citizens and realized it is most likely bullying rooted in insecurity. I am guessing I am not the only one who has dealt with this, so I want to share a few quick thoughts on why it's important to push back and how to do it.

Why Stopping Mask Bullies Is Important

1. An unchecked bully will harass you more, finding delight in your discomfort. Right now it is verbal confrontation for not wearing a mask, but I could see eventual physical confrontation if mask bullying is not nipped in the bud.

2. Stopping mask bullies is not only helping you, but helping others. Many people wearing masks are people who are afraid of these bullies. In cities, especially, those in fear are wearing their masks because they are scared of confrontation. Shutting down bullies will remove others' fears.

How To Stop Mask Bullies

1. The purpose the encounter is to show you aren't afraid of them. However, they do not deserve your time or energy beyond a few words. Don't try to debate them with "Facts and Reason", it's a waste of time similar to a kid trying to make a deal with a school bully.

2. Realize that the purpose of pushing back is to mentally maim them and make them realize they are a joke.

3. A quick line is enough to take down a bully. My preferred comebacks are "OK Karen" and "My body my choice". Although cliche, these are good because they are 1) easy to say without messing up the delivery and 2) have penetrated the common culture so that when a bully hears it they know you think they are a joke. I sometimes ask them to call the police as well. Since Mask Bullying is rooted in insecurity, making them realize they are not accomplishing anything is all it takes to win.