Could it be right to shame someone for not wearing mask as RI Mayor suggests?

[duhneece]

I've been shamed for shaming. Maybe I went too far by posting on our local Facebook page. This is a Republican, right wing county and few wear masks. As a member and former treasurer of our local NAACP branch, I'm too aware of how devastating the virus can be to people of color.
"PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, calls it “social shaming” and says it’s a good idea to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Appearing Tuesday on local radio station WPRO, Mayor Jorge Elorza encouraged people to speak up if they see someone in public without a face mask or people gathering in large groups.

“You should socially shame them, so they fall in line,” Elorza said...."



https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/06/providence-rhode-island-mayor-says-shame-people-not-wearing-masks/5178112002/

[LiberalBrooke]

1. I don't think it is my place to shame others.

[rzemanfl]

5. Even when their actions could kill you? Seriously? n/t

[dewsgirl]

9. +1000

[duhneece]

10. It's like someone driving drunk.

Not wearing a mask literally could kill my family, friends, neighbors.

[Tipperary]

18. Do you really think "shaming" them will do any good?

Like they are just going to say, “oh dear, what an idiot I am, let me get a mask on right this minute!” I doubt it.

[rzemanfl]

20. No, but it's better than having them think you believe they aren't assholes. n/t

[duhneece]

23. Silence can so easily be taken to mean agreement

Or at least a neutral opinion

[rzemanfl]

24. So true. n/t

[PTWB]

2. There's nothing wrong with publicly shaming the shameful.

[duhneece]

6. I would never shame someone for their weight, mental illness, attrativeness

But for putting other lives at risk, I thought there was nothing wrong with public shaming. If someone is proud of what they're doing, they wouldn't threaten and demonize someone for posting their picture.

[beachbumbob]

3. a simple picture and posting to Instagram, why not?

[duhneece]

7. Or Facebook....that's how I saw it nt

[samnsara]

4. i didnt even know there were any GOP left in RI!

[Marrah_Goodman]

11. Yes we have a number of Trump worshipping idiots

You can find them in the comment sections of news posts.

[Totally Tunsie]

13. Unfortunately, there are more than you might imagine.

In fact, I was just doing a mental headcount last night of those I know of personally, and it left me rather despondent at how many there are. Many are just as you might expect...slightly (?) dimwitted sheeple. The good news is that I don't need to interact with them often; the bad news is that they do vote.

However, RI is the third bluest state in the nation. We're good for 2020 and hopefully for long beyond.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. I don't know someone's life but I'll definitely avoid them if they're not wearing a mask.

Who has the time? Wearing a mask provides social pressure.

[MineralMan]

12. I wouldn't do it in person. Too much chance of getting into

an argument and getting exposed to droplets, it seems to me. I don't shop regularly, but when I do I avoid unmasked people as much as I possibly can. I'm not going to discuss it with them, though.

They are far more likely to reap the consequences, I think, through other unsafe behaviors. I just treat them all as though they are out spreading the virus and keep my distance.

[Tipperary]

19. Yes, this.

Sensible.

[soryang]

14. In some communities the police don't wear masks

why is that? doing traffic stops for minor infractions, forcing the driver to roll down the window, and then approaching within three feet without a mask? WTF?

[Totally Tunsie]

15. Mayor Elorza tends to be more outspoken in his comments and

opinions than our Democratic Governor Raimondo. It's not necessarily a good thing. Gov. Raimondo is more subtle, but still manages to get her point across with finesse.

I suspect Elorza is looking ahead to future plans and is charting his course.

There are a lot of idiots out there. "Social shaming" can be a dangerous way to proceed.

[tulipsandroses]

16. It depends on what shaming means.

I went to a local restaurant a few days ago. They are still doing take out only. There are arrows on the floor and directing one way flow and markers for 6 feet distances. Everyone ahead of me on the line was doing just that. 3 people came in and decided they were going to do their own thing.
They walked the opposite way of the arrows, walking right next to me. They were not wearing masks. They got in line behind me, they were not 6 feet away from me. I moved up so they were not right next to me breathing on me. Instead of staying on the 6ft marker, they moved up again right up under me. Again I moved forward, they did the same thing. This happened a number of times. I would distance myself and they would move up and stand right behind me.

One of them moved up to the front of the line standing next to another customer, he did that to get a closer look at the menu on the wall. The other 2 were still right up under me. Finally I said, please stand 6 feet away from me. One of them laughed, the other 2 just looked at me with a puzzled look. I pointed out that there were clear instructions and they were going against it. I said if you don't care about your safety, that's on you, but the rest of us care about our own and the safety of our loved ones so once again please step away from me. They finally backed away grumbling to themselves.
I don't know if that is shaming. But I have a right to speak up for my safety.

So that is my approach. If there is space to move away from them. I will do that first and distance myself. If they do as these people did, keep moving closer to me, then I am going to say something. If it escalates, I will notify the management of the facility. I think not only should businesses post directions, they should post signs outside letting people know if they don't adhere to social distancing and mask guidelines then they will be asked to leave. If they refuse to leave at that point. They will be trespassing and law enforcement will be called.

[duhneece]

17. We're in unchartered territory

And we all see and feel things differently.

[LizBeth]

21. Nope, not going to do it. As I wear my mask, look after myself, I would have to stand up for the

person being shamed and ask mask wearer to back off, then I would be pissed. It is like having to defend rw women from sexism. If there is not a rule or law requiring masks, then it is wrong. Choice is their. Not a believer in guilty. At that point I would have to curtail my behavior or adjust my need for my safety.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

22. It would be foolish for me to try it!

I'm in the minority of mask-wearers in my area!

If I try to shame anyone, I'll probably have half a dozen other non-wearers getting in my face about it.