[mowowie]

Is this some type of mass hysteria over germs? My old neighbors wore those stupid masks every time i saw them here in MA.

[be-baw]

I can’t answer, but I’m glad you asked. I see them occasionally and would like to know why.

[dsrtsage]

It helps them pronounce Ls with the La sound instead of the Ra sound

[ArtDodger]

In Asia (China and Japan), it is polite for people with colds to wear a gauze mask in public to avoid spreading germs to others on crowded trains or in stores.

[dp0622]

I don’t know but if you see a 350 foot reptile emerging from the ocean, grab a mask too.

It may be his breath.

[Red Badger]

It is common.........................

[pepsionice]

This started up around 8 to 10 years ago....when some flu episode started up and folks were coughing a good bit. The face mask routine has become accepted now.

I’m still waiting on statistics to prove it’s a good habit.

[Junk Silver]

My understanding is that there are two reasons for this practice:

1. If Japanese people have colds or other illness they’ll wear this type of mask to avoid infecting others.

2. These masks are worn in large Chinese cities to mitigate the extreme air pollution.

[rightwingcrazy]

Found this article on that topic:
https://qz.com/299003/a-quick-history-of-why-asians-wear-surgical-masks-in-public/

“Studies have found that among many young Japanese, masks have evolved into social firewalls; perfectly healthy teens now wear them, along with audio headsets, to signal a lack of desire to communicate with those around them.”

[Freedom4US]

I saw people wearing surgical type masks in South Korea when stationed there. They did have a serious smog problem at times in Seoul, although I also saw one guy smoking a cigarette though the mask.

[BenLurkin]

[DCBryan1]

Is this some type of mass hysteria over germs? My old neighbors wore those stupid masks every time i saw them here in MA.

Etiquette, politeness, and honor.

[Politically Correct]

It helps prevent Skynet from identifying you.....

[vannrox]

In China, it is a fashion item. In general, if you have a cold, you wear the mask as a sign that you are considerate of those around you. But lately it has taken on an element of fashion. The most popular are the black wrap-around-the-face masks.

[Puppage]

I just read an article that it all started with a SARS outbreak.

[Retvet]

The purpose is to control spreading of germs. Health insurance.

[Leaning Right]

Were they also wearing sunglasses? If so, they were probably Michael Jackson impersonators.

[babble-on]

Usually they are protecting others. They themselves have a cold or cough and don’t want to spread the germs.

[mountainlion]

It is part of the uniform like Mohamit women covering every inch.

[Tamatoa]

Even here in Salem Oregon. Especially at my gym. It’s weird. But hey whatever floats their boat.

[Political Junkie Too]

Air pollution.

-PJ