I wore a mask the other day to go to Costco for the first time in months. I really wanted to go and brought one of my old masks they handed me at the Doctors office months ago. Wearing a mask was dehumanizing and I felt very ashamed for doing it. I saw a group of 3 people not wearing a mask and I felt more ashamed of myself. Why wasn't I brave enough to not wear the mask?
Today I redeemed myself and regained some of my humanity. My state of Michigan requires a mask under penalty of a misdemeanor and $500 fine. I had to build up my courage but I went grocery shopping and did not wear a mask. I saw only one other person not wearing a mask and 1 person with the mask pulled down completely.
It isn't much but I told myself that if I can't stand up for a small infringement on my rights that I will never stand up for a large infringement.
Good work, Pede.
I'm in Nevada, whose idiot governor mandated masks last month. To be fair, he's less of a Nazi than Whitmer and hasn't attached the threat of a fine nor a misdemeanor charge.
I haven't worn a mask once. Went to a couple of restaurants and an auto repair shop, ready to claim a "medical condition" if any employee gave pushback.
But like with you, the big test was the supermarket. My girlfriend, who's somewhat cucked on the mask issue, offered to buy the groceries (something she never does.) I agreed and then thought, "Chiliad5, you are a hall of fame pussy. Grow a pair."
I took a deep breath, walked in - an employee even greeted me at the door - and shopped as normal. Must've spent 20 minutes in there. I admit my nose was buried in my shopping list, but I didn't see another freeface. No dirty looks either, though it's hard to tell when you're just looking at the top halves of people's faces.
The checkout girl and I spoke briefly and pleasantly, as did the bagger. And NOTHING HAPPENED. I walked out of there feeling exhilarated, but not the normal kind of exhilaration. It was like I'd just robbed a bank and gotten away with it.
I had my fake doctor's note and fake asthma inhaler ready to go, but never needed them. My sister-in-law does this too. Walk confidently, and that's 90% of the job right there.
If an employee had confronted me I'd have gone with the "medical condition" rap, and if there was any pushback after that I'd have left. (I've done it in a couple of other places.) It's a private business, always respect their right to refuse service. Even if the reason is retarded.
People worry that they're going to end up like the dummies on the YouTube videos, getting in fistfights and being carted away in handcuffs. Just be confident, be respectful, and you'll be surprised at how much power you wield. And what a good example you're setting.
This is the same tactic I use too and you are completely correct! The confidence really does make it easy to shop. Even in crazy Cali, I've been able to shop and do most shopping this whole time.
Did wear the mask about 3 times before Anxiety went nuts, turns out, not getting enough oxygen can really cause some physical and mental shit.
But people are usually super relaxed as long as you are confident, respectful and willing to walk away.
I had similar thoughts for a while. I would claim to be exempt and hide behind HIPPA. But this too felt wrong to me and dishonest. I didn't feel liberated until I decided that I would not lie but refuse on grounds that it violates my rights.