# If you're not wearing a mask at the grocery store by now, you're a fucking idiot. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 27, 2020, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558 "2020-05-27T18:33:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![LegendHasit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/legendhasit/32/8246_2.png) [@LegendHasit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LegendHasit)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/61 "2020-05-29T01:42:27Z")
Monstro, So sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You’re a familiar name I enjoy reading and that news was a gut punch. I wish you well in managing this new chapter. Thank you so much for the reminder about wearing masks. It is so disheartening that some people only care about their own feelings on matters and ignore how their choices can potentially affect others. LH ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/62 "2020-05-29T02:09:32Z")
Then there are the people who actively shame mask wearing and demand that others, especially employees, take off the masks they’re wearing… ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/63 "2020-05-29T02:54:55Z")
Hugs Monstro, sorry for your diagnosis and the shitty timing. A couple of suggestions, 1st, I’d think about getting the antibody test, imperfect though it might be it will give you and your oncology team some reassurance, 2nd, make sure your fully informed about droplet precautions, you can still reduce your risk even if others are jerks. ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/64 "2020-05-29T08:38:30Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > That’s kind of like saying ‘condoms increase the risk of pregnancy because some people don’t wear them right.’ > > If you’re worried that those improper mask-wearing practices would increase your risk, then don’t engage in improper mask-wearing practices. But wear the damn mask, it’s protecting other people. Good analogy, thanks. I’ll think about getting one for next time I have to go into a crowded shop. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/65 "2020-05-29T10:10:36Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > I get that face masks aren’t the most comfortable thing to wear, especially now that it is getting warm. But you know what else isn’t comfortable? Being laid up in the hospital for days or weeks and not being able to see family. Being on a ventilator isn’t comfortable. Wondering if you were the source of infection for a loved one isn’t comfortable. Grieving that loved one’s death isn’t comfortable. Those things are way more uncomfortable than having to don a piece of fabric across your face for 30 minutes. > > A week ago, if you had asked me if I was concerned about getting infected with COVID-19, I would have told you “hell naw.” I’m not a spring chicken, but I’m not in a sensitive age group. I don’t have any of the known risk factors. I’m in good physical shape. > > But today? I’m fucking afraid. A few days ago, I found out I have breast cancer. As far as they can tell, it hasn’t spread and my prognosis is excellent. But I. Can’t. Get. Sick. Because if I get sick, my treatments will be delayed. My surgery will be delayed. And if I do have to get chemo, COVID-19 could very well take me out of here. It wouldn’t matter how healthy I am right now. A weakened immune system is a weakened immune system. These things were abstractions for other people to worry about just a few days ago, but now they are a sober reality for me. Unfortunately, I still have to go to the grocery store and pick up prescriptions and shit like that. So I really need people to get with the fucking program and help a sista out. Help keep a sista alive and stop being selfish idiots, you people who refuse to wear face coverings! I fully endorse this rant. Stay safe, **monstro** , and best wishes for your surgery and recovery to go smoothly. This shit is bigger than any disagreements we’ve had. ---
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/66 "2020-05-29T10:50:35Z")
Thanks for that, **RTFirefly**. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/67 "2020-05-29T13:04:35Z")
A few weeks ago I saw a definite increase in the number of people wearing masks while out and about here in Arkansas. But this week, the number of people I see wearing them varies widely depending on where I am. I went to Moe’s the other day to pick up dinner and most everyone had masks on. Last night I went to Harp’s grocery store and while standing in line saw that I was the only one wearing a mask. Not counting the employees, all of whom wore masks. Most businesses here are not requiring everyone to wear a mask. The only one I can think of is Fresh Market. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/68 "2020-05-29T13:51:02Z")
> [@Dead\_Cat](#): > > Good analogy, thanks. I’ll think about getting one for next time I have to go into a crowded shop. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/69 "2020-05-29T14:29:53Z")
One other thing that gets my goat is the recent outrage about pool opening guidelines. In my area, a lot of the parents are just enraged at the mere thought of wearing a mask if they aren’t in the pool. I don’t get it. You’re at the damn pool. In a public place. Yep, it’s hot, which is probably why you’re at a fucking pool in the first place. It’s not a plot by the CDC to get the pools to stay closed, it’s what the CDC recommends so you or your loved ones don’t get sick and spread virus all over creation while still getting to enjoy the outdoors. I can’t tell you how many people are shrieking, “This is just TOO MUCH! Think of the children and their destroyed summer!” Christ on a cracker, their summer will be way shittier if you let them go into a public place only to have them put on a vent two weeks later. Or maybe they’ll make five other people’s summer shittier by having them get terribly ill. Get over yourselves and wear the fucking mask or don’t go to the pool. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/70 "2020-05-29T14:34:03Z")
When I gaze into my crystal ball and look 6 months into the future, I think it looks a lot like old photos from 1918: people going about more or less normal activities, but everyone’s wearing a mask. So…folks better get used to it. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/71 "2020-05-30T04:26:29Z")
I am so sorry about your diagnosis and want to join with everyone else in sending well wishes. I do have to say that pro-mask folks are focusing on the wrong things. Seriously, the whole “wearing one might be hot and uncomfortable, but they protect everyone” discussion won’t change anyone minds. You gotta focus on the important things… I LOVE my masks!!! I have a black rhinestone one that looks fabulous with my little black dress, I have a black, studded Mad Max one for when I’m being biker chick, I have several Cthulhu ones cause I’m such a geek and I just got a cat face one…so gonna wear green eye shadow with gold liner for that one. And, speaking of makeup, I don’t have to waste money and time on foundation and stuff because the entire bottom half of my face is covered. I’m saving money and looking amazing!!! ---
**Author:** ![orcenio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orcenio/32/1036_2.png) [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/72 "2020-05-30T04:33:57Z")
**monstro** , I wish the best to you and your loved ones. Good vibes from Canada. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/73 "2020-05-30T08:44:53Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > I LOVE my masks!!! I have a black rhinestone one that looks fabulous with my little black dress, I have a black, studded Mad Max one for when I’m being biker chick, I have several Cthulhu ones cause I’m such a geek and I just got a cat face one…so gonna wear green eye shadow with gold liner for that one. I’m actually pleased at the use of masks for self-expression. I’ve had several customers with various words across their masks, from a crass version of “keep your six foot social distance” to ones with animals, or interest themes (I have a Doctor Who TARDIS pattern and another with knitting needles and skeins of yarn, I’ve see others with comic book themes, movie references, Harry Potter, and others), one of the gals in the deli at work has a collection of faux animal fur prints, and so one. And, of course, American flag variations. If we gotta wear them why not get creative and express ourselves with them? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/74 "2020-05-30T11:03:52Z")
> [@Dead\_Cat](#): > > Good analogy, thanks. I’ll think about getting one for next time I have to go into a crowded shop. You’ll “think about it”? Huh? 😕 What am I missing? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/75 "2020-05-30T13:37:16Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I’m actually pleased at the use of masks for self-expression. My gf’s advertising agency had everyone’s pictures taken and they’re designing personal masks that have each person’s smiling face on them. She says they’re creepy af. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/76 "2020-05-30T14:19:19Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I’m actually pleased at the use of masks for self-expression. > > … > > If we gotta wear them why not get creative and express ourselves with them? Yeah totally! My masks are Super Mario, dogs, Star Wars and Cleveland Indians (sans Chief Wahoo). And I’ve got some plain ones. I think masks are going to become the next graphic tees when it comes to wearing self expression! ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/77 "2020-05-30T14:47:50Z")
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, **Monstro**. Hope it goes well for you. And thanks so much to everyone who wears a mask. You’re wearing it for ME, since I’m at very high risk. The more I read about this virus, the more scared shitless I am. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2020, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/78 "2020-05-30T16:34:53Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > I am so sorry about your diagnosis and want to join with everyone else in sending well wishes. > > I do have to say that pro-mask folks are focusing on the wrong things. Seriously, the whole “wearing one might be hot and uncomfortable, but they protect everyone” discussion won’t change anyone minds. You gotta focus on the important things… > > I LOVE my masks!!! I have a black rhinestone one that looks fabulous with my little black dress, I have a black, studded Mad Max one for when I’m being biker chick, I have several Cthulhu ones cause I’m such a geek and I just got a cat face one…so gonna wear green eye shadow with gold liner for that one. > > And, speaking of makeup, I don’t have to waste money and time on foundation and stuff because the entire bottom half of my face is covered. I’m saving money and looking amazing!!! Ha! I’ve never liked my nose, and my eyes are my best facial feature, so I think I look awesome in my masks! I have dachshund print masks, of course. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2020, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/79 "2020-05-31T05:22:36Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I’m actually pleased at the use of masks for self-expression. I dibs Alfred E. Newman. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2020, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558/80 "2020-05-31T05:36:07Z")
Powerpuff Girls, if I can find such. Buttercup. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-wearing-a-mask-at-the-grocery-store-by-now-youre-a-fucking-idiot/854558.md?page=5)