[glennaro]

The mask is a security blanket

It's more like a talisman -- no, the mask is exactly like a talisman. The completely ineffective mask against a virus -- any virus -- is nothing more than a good luck charm or face-mounted amulet to ward off a Chinese evil spirit, Covid. You could wear the mask on a chain around your neck and have the same amount of protection/transmission as you do wearing it to dehumanize yourself and to hide your identity ... it's true social purpose.

[palmer]

It's more like a talisman -- no, the mask is exactly like a talisman.

A mask is more like nothing. I wear one at work because it is required. I wear one in stores because it's nothing.

[lepton]

It’s more like a talisman — no, the mask is exactly like a talisman. The completely ineffective mask against a virus — any virus — is nothing more than a good luck charm or face-mounted amulet to ward off a Chinese evil spirit, Covid.

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I’m not going to say that the masks cannot, if worn properly, be at least somewhat effective in certain situations and conditions - but for the most part and for most people it is exactly that: a talisman.