Okay everybody! Comply! Wear your masks! Stand in lines! Keep your distances! Forfeit your humanity! Listen and obey! The New World of the Future is coming for you!
Take Your Mask and Shove It!
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| Traditional Tragedy and Comedy Masks |
You might be the compliant type who insists that everyone should be wearing a mask. I say go ahead and wear yours if you wish. Or better yet just quarantine yourself in your locked down house and wait until the world is a totally safe place for you. Enjoy your wait. As long as the power and water stay on you might be okay.
About these masks though...
After reading an article recently, I was reminded of something I had heard about a few years ago. The word "hypocrite" comes from a Greek root word that refers to someone who is a fake, a cheat, or a liar which is based on the stage actors of ancient Greek theater who wore masks instead of showing their true faces.
This article discussed how much we rely on facial expressions to provide some indication of the intent or emotion of another person. As humans--as well as many animals--we use the outward appearance of a person to read what that person might be thinking which in turn might help us determine their potential action in a certain situation. A mask covers that up. It's not only difficult to read another person who is wearing a mask, but sometimes it's hard to even recognize who they are.
Shades of masquerades! Or perhaps banditry?
So today we accept mask wearing as a norm and even a requirement. So how about another practical solution to maintaining order in society? Maybe some kind of mark or number on each of us? What a great idea! No more ID cards needed and all of the information about each of us encoded in a mark that can be read by a scanning device. The fast track solution to getting through security checks and moving easily about society. Much easier than a mask too--you can breath better and it doesn't hide your face.
If you don't mind the mask then the world government mark will be a breeze for you. How about it? Are you ready to accept that as well?
Battle of the Bands Results
This recent Battle of the Bands contest between Dorris Henderson and Melody Gardot performing the traditional work song "No More My Lord" was one that I went back and forth on. The guitar work in the Henderson version was appealing to me, but I preferred the vocals on Gardot's version. The delivery of the Melody Gardot version was more entertaining and listenable in my estimation so that is the one I settled my vote on.
At the outset it looked like Dorris Henderson was going to run away with the win, which she did, but in the end Melody didn't have too bad of a showing.
Final Vote Tally
Dorris Henderson 11
Melody Gardot 8
Next Battle on Monday June 1st
Hard to believe that summer is almost here again. For now I'll plan on doing this next Battle, but a break might still be in the cards for me. Come back on June 1st for the Battle and maybe something else...
Do you have any special summer plans? Or have you put plans on hold to see what is going to happen with the pandemic scam? I'm not saying that the COVID disease isn't real, but the response to it is indeed a scam. Have you figured that out yet? If you don't think it's a scam then are you ready for that identification mark?
There's talk of chipping people which is a very scary thing indeed.
ReplyDeleteAlex, scary in some ways, but a somewhat hopeful sign for those who are ready for something greater than what this world holds.
DeleteLee
The media drove the fear and we blindly accepted what we were told. Most people don't realize how many rights we are losing. Some are waking up though. I'm reading about a lot of businesses that are opening anyway, quoting the Bill of Rights, and if they are doing it properly, the cops are not shutting them down.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, media is no longer as much of a news and information source as it is a mouthpiece for propaganda with the intent to shape viewers minds. I agree that this is a media-driven pandemic.
DeleteLee
I didn't get the winner but loved your post about those mask. As you say "Where Will It End????
ReplyDeleteTake care and safe, I very often think of our day in LA with fond memories.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, yes, those were better days when things were open and people could flow freely throughout society.
DeleteLee
Screw the "new normal." I want things to return to the normal we've always had. I'm not going to put up with this "wear a mask" and "keep your distance" BS any longer than I have to. Me not wearing a mask or only staying 5'11.5" away isn't going to kill anyone. And I think people know that, even the ones who are most adamant about the rules. Jesus, it's like "step on a crack, break your mother's back."
ReplyDeleteCovid-19 is nothing compared to these "viruses of the mind" that the media, self-serving politicians, the ultra-wealthy, the pharma companies, and anyone with an agenda have planted in our minds. Read Richard Brodie's book "Virus of the Mind." I've never seen a better description of what we've seen happen all around the world in the last three months.
John H, I want the traditional normal to return as well. A lot of people have gone a bit daft in following into line about this COVID stuff. A "virus of the mind" is a good description of what has been going on.
DeleteLee
I don't like the masks either but so far I am complying. It won't be long though, as our triple digits are on the way. It's getting old real quick.
ReplyDeleteDebby, I comply with reluctance when I go to places I need to go like the supermarket. This will be an interesting summer if the various COVID measures continue.
DeleteLee
This turned into a good Battle, despite the blowout beginning.
ReplyDeleteLee, you might be surprised by how many people would willingly - even eagerly - accept that "mark", so long as it keeps them "safe" and makes daily tasks (like shopping, boarding a plane, getting their medications) more "convenient".
Fools will give away their liberty for safety and convenience. And this country has been so dumbed-down over the last few decades to the point that there are an awful lot of fools amongst us!!
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, I do believe many people will accept "The Mark" even having heard about it. No one likes being inconvenienced let alone having their head chopped off. I hope to be gone before any of that happens.
DeleteLee
I love you guys and agree that we have to be careful of heavy-handed restrictions and tracking methods that take away our freedoms. But wearing the mask is a small thing for the short-term if it slows the virus enough to keep the health care system operating at peak efficiency. I don't wear it on my face when I'm out for exercise walks, but I'll happily wear it in the grocery store. We do need to pick our battles, and I'd much rather fight about phone tracking and Alexa-like surveillance than those pesky masks.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I begrudgingly wear my mask where I am required to. I think probably the tracking and surveillance are all part of this bigger Chinese Corona virus hysteria. It's connected to a lot of social hysteria that we've seen coming down the road in recent decades.
DeleteLee
Ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure? I don't wear a mask when I'm walking the dog but have to when in the grocery store. I don't mind doing things like that but would not go along with a chip or a number. I do believe that it is more difficult to show facial expressions but I also believe you can smile with your eyes. You can see it if you look for it. I agree with Patricia, the phone tracking and Alexa stuff bothers me more.
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
Janet, when I'm out it seems most people avoid looking at each other with the masks. The other day I was thinking I saw someone I knew, but didn't want to say anything because I wasn't really sure. The expected and the willing compliance is what is disturbing. When people get accustomed to complying with whatever the government expects then the powers that be will feel more comfortable with adding more requirements for all of us.
DeleteLee
I am not a mask wearer granted I don't go anywhere although when I went to the hospital I thought I might have to wear one but nope didn't have too. We have been told in Australia that most masks do very little if anything to protect us
ReplyDeleteJo-Anne, I've gone through nearly 70 years of life where I never had to wear a mask and I don't think there are any more germs in the air now than there have been in all my years on Earth. I do believe this is all a bit of a hoax.
ReplyDeleteLee
I hesitate to mention it again, because I already lost one friend who believes as you do about the mask thing for saying this, but is it really necessary to denigrate those who do wear the masks just because you don't agree with it? We've posted back and forth enough to know I don't do things out of cowardice or being manipulated, but out of concern. A very good friend just lost his mother to this crap Sunday morning. All I am asking is to remember there are two sides to the story.
ReplyDeleteCW, kind of funny how people have been "losing friends" over the past few years because of differences of opinion. I don't think I necessarily denigrated anyone who wishes to wear a mask for protection unless making certain observations is offensive to them. From my side, I'm a bit offended and greatly annoyed by an insistence on me having to wear a mask and I've been denigrated for my opinion.
DeleteAs to the two sides to the story thing I think I know that as well if not more so than most people. That's why I called my blog Tossing It Out--I like to consider all sides. I certainly understand the mask wearing argument, but it just doesn't make enough sense to me for me to want to comply. I've gone nearly 70 years without having to wear masks and I seriously doubt that there are any more organisms floating through the air now than any other time.
I still think this mask issue--like the climate change hysteria and socialist inclinations--is just another way to make us all compliant and dependent on government. Fear leads to irrational behavior.
My opinion.
Lee
Having to wear masks everywhere seems such a draconian overreaction. Whatever happened to common sense? This has made my father even more germophobic, and he acts like getting Coronavirus is a done deal if he immediately brings a package inside instead of letting it air off for a few days, or if he gets a pizza with ingredients that aren't cooked (like spinach or cherry tomatoes).
ReplyDeleteThere seem to be parallels of a sort between this and what happened with polio in the early 20th century. Many historians and scientists feel it became so much more prevalent and deadly because people got TOO clean and sterilized, losing their natural immunity to the worst forms of the disease.
Carrie-Anne, definitely draconian in my view. It seems like the more knowledge we gain, the less we use common sense. If things become too sterile then we will be living in a bubble from which escape would likely mean death.
DeleteIt's become a rather crazy world. Society is looking for a government that can protect them and take care of their every need.
Lee
I am on the winning team, in all ways considered.
ReplyDeleteGo Team Henderson!
Those are some fine points you made in your monologue, Lee.
By the way, I finally posted a new blog on my Blogspot page. I only mention because you noticed it was far too quiet there.
Michael, everyone is a winner in my Battles--some just get more votes than others.
DeleteI've been wondering if you were ever going to post again.
Lee
I wear a mask in public because (contrary to popular belief) it protects others more than it protects me, by containing my cough or sneeze. There may be vulnerable people around me, so I do it for them. And I'm forced to wear one all day at work. I'm a nurse.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Alex, though - if they want to force a vaccine or a microchip on me, I'll refuse.
Melissa, as a nurse you are accustomed to wearing a mask I guess. I feel so confined that it starts making me feel sick. But then maybe it's my psychological reaction.
DeleteLee
I wear a mask in enclosed public places, but have trouble wearing one on long walks outside. Most of us have been abiding social distancing by politely taking turns moving out of the way when other walkers approach. We have also been doing this with our kids, and though I miss having them over for dinners etc., I would never forgive myself if they or anyone else got sick because of me. I’ve also been extremely fortunate to have received a kidney from an exceptional anonymous donor. Though I will never be able to truly repay this selfless humanitarian for her life-saving gift, I will try my best to avoid any unnecessary health risks. In the end, we all want to spend more time with our loved ones, so masks are a small price to pay.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Julie, many believe as you do. I just want to live my life and enjoy all the risks that living entails without succumbing to fear. I have become rather indifferent about so many things these days.
DeleteLee