Man Has Had Enough After His Wife Is Brought To Tears By Anti-Maskers Who Abuse Her At The Supermarket, Calls Everybody Out
Interview With Author
There is no excuse for harassing, bullying, or abusing essential workers like supermarket employees. No excuse whatsoever. And an employee asking you to wear a mask for your and their own health and safety certainly doesn’t give anyone permission to rage at retail workers.
John Martin detailed how his wife, who manages a supermarket, has become the victim of customer abuse who even went as far as calling her a “nazi” and “that mask b****.” Martin’s thread sparked a discussion on Twitter and his post ended up getting 11.2k likes.
John, who interviewed his wife on our behalf after passing on Bored Panda’s questions to her, said that the support from the vast majority of people has been fantastic. “Shoppers express their support and make their feelings known. Touchingly, people who are genuinely excluded from wearing masks are wearing them to protect and to support the staff. Some people are truly fantastic.” Read on for the full interview. We also reached out to Joseph Pierre, a professor of psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, to learn more about anti-maskers.
A manager at a British supermarket has been brought to tears with how anti-maskers treat her, so her husband spoke about the situation on Twitter
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The sad fact is, the British police simply don’t have the resources to prevent all cases of essential worker abuse. Meanwhile, British supermarkets are stepping up and taking charge of the situation. Supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and M&S are reintroducing bouncers at the door to make sure that everyone coming inside is wearing a mask and also maintaining a big enough distance from others.
John and his wife told Bored Panda that even though upgrading security will be enough in most locations, this won’t protect all retail workers. “Behavior has already improved. In some locations it won’t be and a police presence needs to be readily available,” they said.
The couple also had some suggestions on how to better support retail workers in the UK. “Those who are genuinely exempt [from wearing masks] need to be issued with an official pass from the NHS. Too many are downloading fake ‘passes’ from the internet. Entry to a shop without a pass must only be on showing an official NHS pass. When selling alcohol, shops legally have to demand proof of age. It should also be the same for mask exemption. The law needs to protect these essential workers.”
Meanwhile, Pierre, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA told Bored Panda that believing that masks aren’t effective isn’t necessarily a conspiracy theory. “A conspiracy theory would be that the government knows they aren’t effective but have been mandating them anyway to spread fear, promote lockdowns, and tank the economy so that Trump would not be re-elected. In order words, there has to be a kind of cover-up and a nefarious underlying purpose,” he explained how this would relate to the United States.
Professor Pierre said that within his model of conspiracy theories, the main elements are mistrust, as well as being exposed to misinformation. It all boils down to individuals losing trust in authority figures and sources and, instead, embracing various claims that are widely available in their ‘echo chambers.’ However, this doesn’t mean that everyone speaking unpopular opinions is a conspiracy theorist or that authority figures can get off scot-free for poor communication.
“Some of those claims are made by legitimate scientists—like John Ioannidis at Stanford who continues to argue against lockdowns and published a new paper claiming the cost:benefit is not favorable) On the flip side, the mask issue was also unfortunately complicated by the likes of the CDC, WHO, and even Fauci stating early-on that mask-wearing wasn’t effective or recommended. In retrospect, that probably happened due to a lack of clear-cut information at the time, but also intentional efforts to preserve N95 masks for frontline healthcare workers. If those statements were really motivated by the latter without actually saying so, then that lack of transparency can be said to be responsible for some of the mistrust that’s present now.”
Many people were supportive of the couple
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Of all places, this abuse of retail workers is actually taking part in the United Kingdom, not the United States like you’d expect. (Then again, the UK is currently having problems just feeding low-income students, so it looks like everything’s up for grabs in this bizarre new world we’re living in.)
Unfortunately, far from every Brit behaves like Hugh Grant and Judi Dench. But you’ll find anti-maskers, conspiracy theorists, and aggressive individuals who take it out on anybody standing close to them pretty much in every country. Not that this excuses this kind of behavior.
Three reasons come to mind as to why some people don’t want to wear masks (or why they wear them but wish they could take them off). The first is simple: so-called anti-maskers don’t want to wear masks because they don’t believe that they help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Despite there being lots of evidence to the contrary. Meanwhile, others believe that wearing a mask can make you ill or simply don’t trust their governments.
The second group of people is against masks on principle. They believe that the mandated wearing of masks, as well as other government regulations, infringe on their freedoms.
Lastly, there are your friendly neighbors and community members who are darn tired of wearing a mask all the time. They miss the fresh air. They miss meeting up with their friends. They miss not being anxious all the time. They wish they could just walk around without their mask full of condensation in winter; but they don’t. They keep it on. After all, what kind of fresh air could you hope to breathe in when you’re stocking up at a grocery store?
This is how people reacted upon reading what John’s wife (and other essential employees) have been dealing with on a daily basis
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Most Twitter users came out in support of John’s wife, who was frustrated to tears with how some customers were behaving. However, there were also some individuals who were much more critical, going as far as to suggest that they were both being overly dramatic. What do you think of the entire situation, dear Pandas? Do you have any ideas about how to better protect retail staff from abuse? Let us know in the comment section.
Even if you are vehemently opposed to masks, follow the rules of the establishment you are entering. This is not your house and you would be appalled if someone came into your house and just decided that your rules don't matter. That your comfort doesn't matter. If an establishment tells you to mask up, either mask up, or don't patronize. Don't be a d**k.
I mean I don't know how to put this that doesn't make it sound rude but I'm gonna try everyone knows masks are uncomfortable and you can hardly breath in them but they are protecting us from Covid really nobody is saying "Oh yay time to put my mask on" I know at least from my point of view I'm in Tenth grade and I help out in the lunch room on days I go to school and it is so hard to tell people over and over to put their masks on and over their nose. I can't sugarcoat this no matter how many words I use Suck It Up. And Put A Dang Mask On.
In 10th grade and already wiser than so many grown "adults." I see a bright future for you, dear Alice!!
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The abuse leveled at Mr. Martin's wife is just awful. I truly feel for her. To the covidiots out there, wear a mask - it will save your miserable life. Fortunately, people are very decent and respectful where I live. Everyone knows to mask up when they go into a store. The majority of people wear masks even when they are outdoors.
Thankfully the same for me. Where I work we have a giant "BLACK LIVES MATTER" sign outside and I think that scares off all the crazies hahaha. It was a bit more troublesome at the start of it all, but my work has been pretty clever and firm with reacting to people like this.
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After a store employee told me corporate advised them to try telling people to wear their masks, but not to press them, because too many employees were being assaulted by anti-maskers, I decided I would speak up to anyone I saw not wearing their mask. I start out asking nicely. If they decide to be assholes about it, I verbally rip them a new asshole. Loudly. Since I live in the red armpit of an otherwise blue state, I know I’m asking for trouble from the MAGAts for doing this. However, I won’t be the one going to jail for it. So they can go f**k themselves—-and put their masks on their ugly inbred faces!
Good for you! It has to be done. I had a huge row on a bus with a guy who wouldn't wear a mask because he didn't want to. The driver refused to drive until he got off. The other passengers started giving out to him too because we had been sitting there for 15 minutes. He then had the cheek to ask the driver to wait while he went and bought a mask. As soon as he got off, we drove away and he had to wait 30 minutes for the next bus.
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I'm in the same boat as your wife. At my store I've been called a "F***ing Commie", "Stupid Liberal, "UnAmerican"...the list goes on and on. Sometimes I just wanna walk out and never come back. My store was reported to the health department because too many weren't wearing masks. We tell people to forget about the politics and think about our jobs. We could get shut down! But they don't care. Why should the jobs of sixty plus people matter if we're "taking away my freedom"? My Nana died of covid-19 a few weeks ago and this is the kind of stuff I deal with daily. Everyday I have to remain professional and polite while selfish, ignorant, so called patriots put me and my coworkers lives and jobs in danger. My faith in humanity is all but lost.
Asking someone to wear a mask doesn't make you un-American, it makes you a decent human being that wants to keep people safe.
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The sad thing is us supermarket workers have been getting abuse way before the pandemic. Most likely will carry on through all of this and after. But nice to see that it's being noted at least!!
I can understand this. People have been feeling more and more self-entitled for a while now, way before Covid. Respect has gone out of the window.
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Tell them there are CCTV cameras in store using 5G facial recognition technology, and the only way to protect yourself is to wear a mask.
"No shirts no shoes no service" had been fairly uncontested in the US for what, decades? So why the kerfuffle of "no mask no service"? Put it on, get your stuff, be polite, everyone lives longer. Geez.
Sadly people dont even realize that it all falls under the same reasoning! Clothes are literally required to help prevent bodily injury that can be caused by the store & prevent you from contaminating things in the store with bodily fluids, hair, etc
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Wear a mask. 😷 It’s one action that would lead to many benefits. 👆Do you want to go on holidays? 🏝 Or go shopping? 🛍 Wear a mask, and stop complaining. 😷
THIS FFS. This is one of the ads being used in New Zealand: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P-TUd-fhhgU
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Living in Melbourne Australia anti maskers and those complaining about lockdown really annoy me. We had months of some of the strictest regulations out there. We were locked in our houses allowed out an 1 hour day for exercise, 1 person at a time, curfew. You name it we had it. Guess what, it worked. 50% of our workforce go back to work on Monday no mask required because we did the hard yards in 2020. Stop being whining selfish a-holes. This isn't about you this is about helping humanity.
The only people being over-dramatic are the snowflake anti-maskers. BUT MUH BREEEETHING! There are very very few people who actually need to be exempt from wearing a mask, got to admit I don't like it, it makes me claustrophobic and wheezy but I still do it FFS.
Anti-Maskers are stupid. Masks help protect against chemtrails and mess up the facial recognition in pigeons.
Its not just happening in the UK, its also happenin here in America. I never understand why people just don´t wear a mask! Its simple and its not like you have to wear one at home as well. I get it that they are hard to breathe in and can be a bit stuffy, but they help protect us from this virus. I wear glasses and wear a mask with no problem. Anti-Maskers...STOP FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.
This not wanting to wear a mask is getting absolutely ridiculous. It will not kill you to wear a mask over your face for the short amount of time that you will be shopping. The employees of a store don't deserve to be called names, threatened, or insulted because you don't want to wear. If we all do our part and wear a mask, we will get over this pandemic a lot faster.
Im sorry for this woman’s daily experience at the hands of her fellow humans. And if I’m honest, I guess I’m weirdly, sadly, comforted to know that it’s not just the United States that is completely full-up with selfish, willfully ignorant assholes....
I think the US and the UK have been engaging in a weird one-upmanship for a while. A governmental "hold my beer". We voted for Brexit, you voted Trump. Every time the US edged ahead in the covid cases, the UK would do something like reopen schools. It's not the "special relationship" it should be, it's (been) two toddlers in a d1ck-waving contest with the rest of us along for the ride. (For the record I did NOT vote for Brexit, I consistently wear a mask if I have to leave the house at all, and I am SO F*CKING TIRED OF THE IDIOTS RUNNING THE ASYLUM. At this point it's not even the inmates running the asylum either - they're sitting back with popcorn.
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Freedom without responsibility isn't freedom. That's adolescence. Wearing a mask is one of those pesky responsibilities of having those freedoms. Grow the f**k up, anti-maskers, and quit whining like toddlers.
They wouldn't be allowed in the door where I live. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
More shops are gradually banning these people from entry and I hope that will continue to grow and in the meantime, as I was saying to my partner a few days ago, the shops need to employ bouncers. Be a win-win for the people involved in trying to enforce these rules and creating jobs for those hopefully only short-term unemployed (assuming they'll get their original jobs back after of course) and supermarkets have not been suffering hardship during the pandemic so can't use that excuse.
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So you'll wear a seat belt. Stop at a red light. Wash your hands after pooping. All for safety. But you won't wear a mask. Ugh so childish and selfish.
I’ve noticed pretty good compliance where I shop. However, in one of the more upmarket supermarkets the worst offenders for not wearing masks properly are some of the most at risk - the elderly. Masks are worn under chins, nose uncovered, etc. but the “terrified deference” the company insists its employees have towards its clientele means they are not challenged. Hopefully this will change.
Supermarkets need to employ people who are going to be intimidating, like bouncers. Its so harsh on existing staff to take on this new role and put them at risk when dealing with people who might be total nutters - they're certainly not smart and don't care about being tackled by someone in a supermarket uniform with no power.
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At least the police there try to enforce the mask mandates! Our county sheriff announced on TV and in the papers that neither he nor his deputies would enforce the mask or lockdown rules. It's ridiculous. Masks are not political statements!!
I scared the living s**t out of an anti-masker recently at a local supermarket. They were going off about not having to wear a mask as Covid is fake so I walked up to them calmly and with a polite voice said "During this pandemic I have lost 2 family members to covid. The latest one was last week (Wednesday the 6th of January 2021) and I have watched babies suffer during a covid test. How about we go outside and sort this out?" They said "I suppose you are going to try and convince me that I need to wear a mask because..." I cut them of and with the sweetest smile, the gentlest voice and most psychotic eyes (description from my fiancée) I said "No. I'm going to beat you to death because you don't deserve anything better. With 2 covid deaths in my family, what do you think I'm capable of" After losing my Aunt in May and my Uncle (Different households) just recently, I was and still am full of anger and rage with baby killing sacks of sh*t and bile. He left very quickly.
He's wasting his breath and time trying to appeal to those mouth breathers. Things like etiquette and common sense fly right over their heads.
Them being mouth breathers does at least explain the proliferation of mask-wearers that don't cover their noses as well - it could be argued that these masks are effective, since their noses are for decoration only! (I'm now going with sarcasm and bad comedy, because at this point, if I don't laugh I'll just cry).
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come over to the US theres plenty everywhere whining about their "rights" and balantly ignore their responsibilities. they're just overgrown children tbh
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When mask became a necessity after Covid hit, we had many customers that would complain about wearing a mask, many would say, "I don't have to wear a mask. It's not a state law." It might not have been a state law but the signs we had posted out in the lobby clearly stated that it's a state requirement. Many customers have even threatened to get us employees fired. For those of you who are anti-mask, if any business says that you HAVE to wear a mask, either do or don't bother going in.
First...I am NOT an anti-masker, so chill lol. But this statement isn’t fully accurate “On the flip side, the mask issue was also unfortunately complicated by the likes of the CDC, WHO, and even Fauci stating early-on that mask-wearing wasn’t effective or recommended. In retrospect, that probably happened due to a lack of clear-cut information at the time“. Prior to covid, many studies showed masks don’t do anything. That’s why CDC and WHO didn’t advocate for masks. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article. “In our systematic review, we identified 10 RCTs [...] of face masks in reducing virus infections, published 1946–2018. Pooled analysis found no signif reduction in influenza with the use of face masks (Fig2)”. This often seem to get lost in mask discussions. Since then, plenty of studies HAVE verified their impact, and people SHOULD wear masks. But regarding the history of why masks weren’t initially recommended, that’s why.
I have asthma, I'm hypoglycemic and 62 years old. I wear a mask where I have to and don't when I don't. Never bothered me. Except for the fact that I now know how bad my breath smells somedays! It does increase my chances of getting a date though! :) Seriously, I see it as just being an a-hole. It's crazy how it became so politicized. Especially here in the US.
I was at the grocer store yesterday, and saw a couple with a little girl, couldn't have been more than 3? 4? Tiny little thing. Had a mask on. And surprisingly, seemed to have no problem with it. Didn't fiddle with it. Nothing. But yet, these people in the next line no masks, and worst of all wiping their noses with THEIR HANDS! They were disgusting. And when the manager told me I could get in that line because it was shorter, I said, No thanks, I'll wait here.
Too bad someone with Covid doesn't breathe/cough/spit/lick/kiss the anti-maskers. :) (or I am just a horrible person?)
Anti-masker are a human plague. The most practical thing about them is that you can spot an iirational, selfimprtant and uneducated egomaniac form several meters away. Previously, we had to talk to people, get to know them etc to find out that they are c*nts. Now, it is much easier. But I feel really sorry for the wife.
We have some lunatics here as well, but here it is mostly the people who work in the stores who don't wear masks.... It has recently become mandatory where I live, but how are they going to enforce it? *sigh* Well, at least I am learning to plan my shopping trips so I don't have to go out so often (only outdoors- out, to get fresh air)
If surgeons, dentists etc can work hours in a mask then the short time that it takes to shop should be no problem to others. I have chronic lung problems and shortness of breath, I do not grumble and wear my mask when out.
Both the UK and the US government have to step up and make not wearing a mask against the law...make the anti-maskers pay a HUGE fine, or go to jail. The anti-maskers don't believe the illness is real, so the only way to get them to comply is to hit them where it hurts...their wallets or their freedoms. They have already proven they will not do it "for the good/safety of others."
I like the idea of out of work bouncers at the gates, would love to see =if the arrogant no mask/under the nose mask pratts shout at and abuse them to their faces.. They would have to patrol the aisles as well, as the self important cretins would take their masks off as soon as they were past the entrance
Where I live it's not a law that you have to wear masks. It's only a mandate. This means it's a rule set in place by the governor, BUT there's no legal consequence for not following it. In fact, the local Sheriff even said on Facebook not to call 911 over mask issues, because they would not respond. Local businesses pretty much decide for themselves how strictly they want to follow the mask mandate. At my last job, we were told we were not even allowed to enforce it. If someone came in without, we could ask them to put a mask on. But if they declined, there was nothing else we could do. The whole pandemic has been handled with utter idiocy here. The US needs to step up, stop being afraid of hurting peoples' feelings, & protect its citizens. I, personally, try to live my life as normally as possible. I don't freak out. But I DO wear my mask. I stay home as much as possible, & when I do go out, I mask up, & sanitize frequently. It's not that hard. Just freaking DO it!
I have a part time gig as a cashier in a grocery store. The company, a private establishment, sets the rules. No mask? We'll provide you with one. Don't want to wear it and don't have a note from your physician? Sorry, you're not allowed in the store. We have one security person at a time. Some people are still d***s, but they aren't allowed in. The whole situation in the UK amazes me. We're just a commonwealth of Mother England, but I thought you folks were supposed to be the civilized one. Egads, that's awful for the staff.
Just like clubs can refuse you entry for wearing trainers, and bars can refuse you entry for wearing football tops it's a simple solution for Tesco. They make a rule. No mask, no entry. Period. They offer click and collect, they offer home delivery, there is zero need for people to enter the shop without a mask. Then, they hire a few currently out of work bouncers. Lots of men and women currently not working because the UK is in lockdown and bars, restaurants and clubs are closed. Ffs... You couldn't get into a restaurant in pajamas or barefoot, you wouldn't expect to! My god there's some places you can't get into without a tie! Dress code is a thing. Enforce it.
I like the response of one restaurant on a previous post. Masks available for $1. Customers without a mask will be charged a $10 hazardous work condition fee.
Are masks not mandatory when shopping in the UK? We have anti-maskers here, too, but I‘ve never seen anyone causing trouble at a store - you don’t get into ANY store without a mask, period, so there‘s no point in fighting the staff about it.
I wish there was something I could do to help. The supermarkets in my town have bouncers at the doors. Burly ones. Maybe something like that would help.
why not take their picture while maskless and hang by the registers the tell the cashiers anyone who sells to a maskless person who's picture is up is fired. they will stop coming in the store if they can't buy anything and if not then call police to eject them then be sure to ban them in front of the police and offer the police copies of the pictures so they can track who the trouble makers are.
I don't mean this in an offensive way, but why whenever I hear about anti maskers it's 95% American people?
And yes, I get my comment is ironic because this post is from the UK.
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Pretty terrible to say, but I am relieved to know anti-maskers are in other countries besides the US.
We've had rules like this for years. No shoes, no shirt, no service - no problem. Seat belts mandatory. Click it or ticket - no problem. We reserve the right to refuse anyone service - no problem. You must wear a mask to enter this establishment - My RIGHTS! You're violating my rights! I wish all the idiots (and the anti-vaxxers as well) would all get Covid and just die.
Whatever happened to "The Management reserve the right to refuse admission"?
If they did have a knife, someone would shoot them Maybe it's best if we do that... No more anti maskers!!
The few people who are genuinely exempt are usually very nice about it and won't tell at you. They try to explain. My sister has severe anxiety from DV and not being able to breathe. It makes it hard for her to wear a mask. She has 6 kids. Is she supposed to not buy food though?
Show them pictures of a COVID hospital ward and put a caption over the picture saying "They didn't want to wear a mask either".
Here's a thought... if you're wearing your mask, you are protected... why do you care about someone who doesn't (or can't for medical reasons) wear one? Instead of being a Karen about those not wearing masks, just let them be... they aren't harming you, they are just risking their own health (because you are wearing your mask... right?) ...the simple answer is to leave the anti-maskers alone... they are only risking their own lives if you are wearing your mask... and if you're correct in believing that COVID is going to kill everyone not wearing a mask, then pretty soon there will be no anti-maskers left... do yourself a favor, save yourself from the stress and the abuse by just leaving them alone... just a thought.
If only that were the case. Masks work the opposite way: they primarily stop the wearer from spreading disease. They aren't just hurting themselves, they're spreading a highly contagious & deadly illness as much as possible. I don't think caring about other people's lives is a "Karen" thing to do.
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This is so upsetting! People should not be treating others this way whether they disagree or not, employees should get much more support for making sure the rules are being followed and people are held accountable, and the government should be supporting businesses and essential workers! I am so sorry that your wife has to endure this kind of treatment.
It is the law and has been for many months. That strain has spontaneously happened in other countries. It isn't more deadly, just more contagious which of course can lead to more deaths though fortunately treatments have also improved over the last few months. The reason that the UK knows about the variant is that it does far more genetic sequencing tests than countries like the US. There are other variants springing up unknown and untested which is more dangerous because of it being unknown. The mask rules in the UK are already that you have to wear a mask inside. Shops were not enforcing it because it was felt unfair to their staff because, well see above. Stores are now banning people and staff are getting the backlash. Most countries have these people refusing to wear masks and arguing with staff no matter the rules.
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As long as you keep your maskless face away from areas where they are required. The shop has the right to make rules and refuse to serve people who don't follow them. No-one should give anyone else a hard time just because 'waah, I don't agree'.
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Telling someone to put on the mask is not an abuse. Don't want to wear it- stay the f home.
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Even if you are vehemently opposed to masks, follow the rules of the establishment you are entering. This is not your house and you would be appalled if someone came into your house and just decided that your rules don't matter. That your comfort doesn't matter. If an establishment tells you to mask up, either mask up, or don't patronize. Don't be a d**k.
I mean I don't know how to put this that doesn't make it sound rude but I'm gonna try everyone knows masks are uncomfortable and you can hardly breath in them but they are protecting us from Covid really nobody is saying "Oh yay time to put my mask on" I know at least from my point of view I'm in Tenth grade and I help out in the lunch room on days I go to school and it is so hard to tell people over and over to put their masks on and over their nose. I can't sugarcoat this no matter how many words I use Suck It Up. And Put A Dang Mask On.
In 10th grade and already wiser than so many grown "adults." I see a bright future for you, dear Alice!!
Load More Replies... The abuse leveled at Mr. Martin's wife is just awful. I truly feel for her. To the covidiots out there, wear a mask - it will save your miserable life. Fortunately, people are very decent and respectful where I live. Everyone knows to mask up when they go into a store. The majority of people wear masks even when they are outdoors.
Thankfully the same for me. Where I work we have a giant "BLACK LIVES MATTER" sign outside and I think that scares off all the crazies hahaha. It was a bit more troublesome at the start of it all, but my work has been pretty clever and firm with reacting to people like this.
Load More Replies... After a store employee told me corporate advised them to try telling people to wear their masks, but not to press them, because too many employees were being assaulted by anti-maskers, I decided I would speak up to anyone I saw not wearing their mask. I start out asking nicely. If they decide to be assholes about it, I verbally rip them a new asshole. Loudly. Since I live in the red armpit of an otherwise blue state, I know I’m asking for trouble from the MAGAts for doing this. However, I won’t be the one going to jail for it. So they can go f**k themselves—-and put their masks on their ugly inbred faces!
Good for you! It has to be done. I had a huge row on a bus with a guy who wouldn't wear a mask because he didn't want to. The driver refused to drive until he got off. The other passengers started giving out to him too because we had been sitting there for 15 minutes. He then had the cheek to ask the driver to wait while he went and bought a mask. As soon as he got off, we drove away and he had to wait 30 minutes for the next bus.
Load More Replies... I'm in the same boat as your wife. At my store I've been called a "F***ing Commie", "Stupid Liberal, "UnAmerican"...the list goes on and on. Sometimes I just wanna walk out and never come back. My store was reported to the health department because too many weren't wearing masks. We tell people to forget about the politics and think about our jobs. We could get shut down! But they don't care. Why should the jobs of sixty plus people matter if we're "taking away my freedom"? My Nana died of covid-19 a few weeks ago and this is the kind of stuff I deal with daily. Everyday I have to remain professional and polite while selfish, ignorant, so called patriots put me and my coworkers lives and jobs in danger. My faith in humanity is all but lost.
Asking someone to wear a mask doesn't make you un-American, it makes you a decent human being that wants to keep people safe.
Load More Replies... The sad thing is us supermarket workers have been getting abuse way before the pandemic. Most likely will carry on through all of this and after. But nice to see that it's being noted at least!!
I can understand this. People have been feeling more and more self-entitled for a while now, way before Covid. Respect has gone out of the window.
Load More Replies... Tell them there are CCTV cameras in store using 5G facial recognition technology, and the only way to protect yourself is to wear a mask.
"No shirts no shoes no service" had been fairly uncontested in the US for what, decades? So why the kerfuffle of "no mask no service"? Put it on, get your stuff, be polite, everyone lives longer. Geez.
Sadly people dont even realize that it all falls under the same reasoning! Clothes are literally required to help prevent bodily injury that can be caused by the store & prevent you from contaminating things in the store with bodily fluids, hair, etc
Load More Replies... Wear a mask. 😷 It’s one action that would lead to many benefits. 👆Do you want to go on holidays? 🏝 Or go shopping? 🛍 Wear a mask, and stop complaining. 😷
THIS FFS. This is one of the ads being used in New Zealand: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P-TUd-fhhgU
Load More Replies... Living in Melbourne Australia anti maskers and those complaining about lockdown really annoy me. We had months of some of the strictest regulations out there. We were locked in our houses allowed out an 1 hour day for exercise, 1 person at a time, curfew. You name it we had it. Guess what, it worked. 50% of our workforce go back to work on Monday no mask required because we did the hard yards in 2020. Stop being whining selfish a-holes. This isn't about you this is about helping humanity.
The only people being over-dramatic are the snowflake anti-maskers. BUT MUH BREEEETHING! There are very very few people who actually need to be exempt from wearing a mask, got to admit I don't like it, it makes me claustrophobic and wheezy but I still do it FFS.
Anti-Maskers are stupid. Masks help protect against chemtrails and mess up the facial recognition in pigeons.
Its not just happening in the UK, its also happenin here in America. I never understand why people just don´t wear a mask! Its simple and its not like you have to wear one at home as well. I get it that they are hard to breathe in and can be a bit stuffy, but they help protect us from this virus. I wear glasses and wear a mask with no problem. Anti-Maskers...STOP FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.
This not wanting to wear a mask is getting absolutely ridiculous. It will not kill you to wear a mask over your face for the short amount of time that you will be shopping. The employees of a store don't deserve to be called names, threatened, or insulted because you don't want to wear. If we all do our part and wear a mask, we will get over this pandemic a lot faster.
Im sorry for this woman’s daily experience at the hands of her fellow humans. And if I’m honest, I guess I’m weirdly, sadly, comforted to know that it’s not just the United States that is completely full-up with selfish, willfully ignorant assholes....
I think the US and the UK have been engaging in a weird one-upmanship for a while. A governmental "hold my beer". We voted for Brexit, you voted Trump. Every time the US edged ahead in the covid cases, the UK would do something like reopen schools. It's not the "special relationship" it should be, it's (been) two toddlers in a d1ck-waving contest with the rest of us along for the ride. (For the record I did NOT vote for Brexit, I consistently wear a mask if I have to leave the house at all, and I am SO F*CKING TIRED OF THE IDIOTS RUNNING THE ASYLUM. At this point it's not even the inmates running the asylum either - they're sitting back with popcorn.
Load More Replies... Freedom without responsibility isn't freedom. That's adolescence. Wearing a mask is one of those pesky responsibilities of having those freedoms. Grow the f**k up, anti-maskers, and quit whining like toddlers.
They wouldn't be allowed in the door where I live. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
More shops are gradually banning these people from entry and I hope that will continue to grow and in the meantime, as I was saying to my partner a few days ago, the shops need to employ bouncers. Be a win-win for the people involved in trying to enforce these rules and creating jobs for those hopefully only short-term unemployed (assuming they'll get their original jobs back after of course) and supermarkets have not been suffering hardship during the pandemic so can't use that excuse.
Load More Replies... So you'll wear a seat belt. Stop at a red light. Wash your hands after pooping. All for safety. But you won't wear a mask. Ugh so childish and selfish.
I’ve noticed pretty good compliance where I shop. However, in one of the more upmarket supermarkets the worst offenders for not wearing masks properly are some of the most at risk - the elderly. Masks are worn under chins, nose uncovered, etc. but the “terrified deference” the company insists its employees have towards its clientele means they are not challenged. Hopefully this will change.
Supermarkets need to employ people who are going to be intimidating, like bouncers. Its so harsh on existing staff to take on this new role and put them at risk when dealing with people who might be total nutters - they're certainly not smart and don't care about being tackled by someone in a supermarket uniform with no power.
Load More Replies... At least the police there try to enforce the mask mandates! Our county sheriff announced on TV and in the papers that neither he nor his deputies would enforce the mask or lockdown rules. It's ridiculous. Masks are not political statements!!
I scared the living s**t out of an anti-masker recently at a local supermarket. They were going off about not having to wear a mask as Covid is fake so I walked up to them calmly and with a polite voice said "During this pandemic I have lost 2 family members to covid. The latest one was last week (Wednesday the 6th of January 2021) and I have watched babies suffer during a covid test. How about we go outside and sort this out?" They said "I suppose you are going to try and convince me that I need to wear a mask because..." I cut them of and with the sweetest smile, the gentlest voice and most psychotic eyes (description from my fiancée) I said "No. I'm going to beat you to death because you don't deserve anything better. With 2 covid deaths in my family, what do you think I'm capable of" After losing my Aunt in May and my Uncle (Different households) just recently, I was and still am full of anger and rage with baby killing sacks of sh*t and bile. He left very quickly.
He's wasting his breath and time trying to appeal to those mouth breathers. Things like etiquette and common sense fly right over their heads.
Them being mouth breathers does at least explain the proliferation of mask-wearers that don't cover their noses as well - it could be argued that these masks are effective, since their noses are for decoration only! (I'm now going with sarcasm and bad comedy, because at this point, if I don't laugh I'll just cry).
Load More Replies... come over to the US theres plenty everywhere whining about their "rights" and balantly ignore their responsibilities. they're just overgrown children tbh
Load More Replies... When mask became a necessity after Covid hit, we had many customers that would complain about wearing a mask, many would say, "I don't have to wear a mask. It's not a state law." It might not have been a state law but the signs we had posted out in the lobby clearly stated that it's a state requirement. Many customers have even threatened to get us employees fired. For those of you who are anti-mask, if any business says that you HAVE to wear a mask, either do or don't bother going in.
First...I am NOT an anti-masker, so chill lol. But this statement isn’t fully accurate “On the flip side, the mask issue was also unfortunately complicated by the likes of the CDC, WHO, and even Fauci stating early-on that mask-wearing wasn’t effective or recommended. In retrospect, that probably happened due to a lack of clear-cut information at the time“. Prior to covid, many studies showed masks don’t do anything. That’s why CDC and WHO didn’t advocate for masks. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article. “In our systematic review, we identified 10 RCTs [...] of face masks in reducing virus infections, published 1946–2018. Pooled analysis found no signif reduction in influenza with the use of face masks (Fig2)”. This often seem to get lost in mask discussions. Since then, plenty of studies HAVE verified their impact, and people SHOULD wear masks. But regarding the history of why masks weren’t initially recommended, that’s why.
I have asthma, I'm hypoglycemic and 62 years old. I wear a mask where I have to and don't when I don't. Never bothered me. Except for the fact that I now know how bad my breath smells somedays! It does increase my chances of getting a date though! :) Seriously, I see it as just being an a-hole. It's crazy how it became so politicized. Especially here in the US.
I was at the grocer store yesterday, and saw a couple with a little girl, couldn't have been more than 3? 4? Tiny little thing. Had a mask on. And surprisingly, seemed to have no problem with it. Didn't fiddle with it. Nothing. But yet, these people in the next line no masks, and worst of all wiping their noses with THEIR HANDS! They were disgusting. And when the manager told me I could get in that line because it was shorter, I said, No thanks, I'll wait here.
Too bad someone with Covid doesn't breathe/cough/spit/lick/kiss the anti-maskers. :) (or I am just a horrible person?)
Anti-masker are a human plague. The most practical thing about them is that you can spot an iirational, selfimprtant and uneducated egomaniac form several meters away. Previously, we had to talk to people, get to know them etc to find out that they are c*nts. Now, it is much easier. But I feel really sorry for the wife.
We have some lunatics here as well, but here it is mostly the people who work in the stores who don't wear masks.... It has recently become mandatory where I live, but how are they going to enforce it? *sigh* Well, at least I am learning to plan my shopping trips so I don't have to go out so often (only outdoors- out, to get fresh air)
If surgeons, dentists etc can work hours in a mask then the short time that it takes to shop should be no problem to others. I have chronic lung problems and shortness of breath, I do not grumble and wear my mask when out.
Both the UK and the US government have to step up and make not wearing a mask against the law...make the anti-maskers pay a HUGE fine, or go to jail. The anti-maskers don't believe the illness is real, so the only way to get them to comply is to hit them where it hurts...their wallets or their freedoms. They have already proven they will not do it "for the good/safety of others."
I like the idea of out of work bouncers at the gates, would love to see =if the arrogant no mask/under the nose mask pratts shout at and abuse them to their faces.. They would have to patrol the aisles as well, as the self important cretins would take their masks off as soon as they were past the entrance
Where I live it's not a law that you have to wear masks. It's only a mandate. This means it's a rule set in place by the governor, BUT there's no legal consequence for not following it. In fact, the local Sheriff even said on Facebook not to call 911 over mask issues, because they would not respond. Local businesses pretty much decide for themselves how strictly they want to follow the mask mandate. At my last job, we were told we were not even allowed to enforce it. If someone came in without, we could ask them to put a mask on. But if they declined, there was nothing else we could do. The whole pandemic has been handled with utter idiocy here. The US needs to step up, stop being afraid of hurting peoples' feelings, & protect its citizens. I, personally, try to live my life as normally as possible. I don't freak out. But I DO wear my mask. I stay home as much as possible, & when I do go out, I mask up, & sanitize frequently. It's not that hard. Just freaking DO it!
I have a part time gig as a cashier in a grocery store. The company, a private establishment, sets the rules. No mask? We'll provide you with one. Don't want to wear it and don't have a note from your physician? Sorry, you're not allowed in the store. We have one security person at a time. Some people are still d***s, but they aren't allowed in. The whole situation in the UK amazes me. We're just a commonwealth of Mother England, but I thought you folks were supposed to be the civilized one. Egads, that's awful for the staff.
Just like clubs can refuse you entry for wearing trainers, and bars can refuse you entry for wearing football tops it's a simple solution for Tesco. They make a rule. No mask, no entry. Period. They offer click and collect, they offer home delivery, there is zero need for people to enter the shop without a mask. Then, they hire a few currently out of work bouncers. Lots of men and women currently not working because the UK is in lockdown and bars, restaurants and clubs are closed. Ffs... You couldn't get into a restaurant in pajamas or barefoot, you wouldn't expect to! My god there's some places you can't get into without a tie! Dress code is a thing. Enforce it.
I like the response of one restaurant on a previous post. Masks available for $1. Customers without a mask will be charged a $10 hazardous work condition fee.
Are masks not mandatory when shopping in the UK? We have anti-maskers here, too, but I‘ve never seen anyone causing trouble at a store - you don’t get into ANY store without a mask, period, so there‘s no point in fighting the staff about it.
I wish there was something I could do to help. The supermarkets in my town have bouncers at the doors. Burly ones. Maybe something like that would help.
why not take their picture while maskless and hang by the registers the tell the cashiers anyone who sells to a maskless person who's picture is up is fired. they will stop coming in the store if they can't buy anything and if not then call police to eject them then be sure to ban them in front of the police and offer the police copies of the pictures so they can track who the trouble makers are.
I don't mean this in an offensive way, but why whenever I hear about anti maskers it's 95% American people?
And yes, I get my comment is ironic because this post is from the UK.
Load More Replies... Pretty terrible to say, but I am relieved to know anti-maskers are in other countries besides the US.
We've had rules like this for years. No shoes, no shirt, no service - no problem. Seat belts mandatory. Click it or ticket - no problem. We reserve the right to refuse anyone service - no problem. You must wear a mask to enter this establishment - My RIGHTS! You're violating my rights! I wish all the idiots (and the anti-vaxxers as well) would all get Covid and just die.
Whatever happened to "The Management reserve the right to refuse admission"?
If they did have a knife, someone would shoot them Maybe it's best if we do that... No more anti maskers!!
The few people who are genuinely exempt are usually very nice about it and won't tell at you. They try to explain. My sister has severe anxiety from DV and not being able to breathe. It makes it hard for her to wear a mask. She has 6 kids. Is she supposed to not buy food though?
Show them pictures of a COVID hospital ward and put a caption over the picture saying "They didn't want to wear a mask either".
Here's a thought... if you're wearing your mask, you are protected... why do you care about someone who doesn't (or can't for medical reasons) wear one? Instead of being a Karen about those not wearing masks, just let them be... they aren't harming you, they are just risking their own health (because you are wearing your mask... right?) ...the simple answer is to leave the anti-maskers alone... they are only risking their own lives if you are wearing your mask... and if you're correct in believing that COVID is going to kill everyone not wearing a mask, then pretty soon there will be no anti-maskers left... do yourself a favor, save yourself from the stress and the abuse by just leaving them alone... just a thought.
If only that were the case. Masks work the opposite way: they primarily stop the wearer from spreading disease. They aren't just hurting themselves, they're spreading a highly contagious & deadly illness as much as possible. I don't think caring about other people's lives is a "Karen" thing to do.
Load More Replies... This is so upsetting! People should not be treating others this way whether they disagree or not, employees should get much more support for making sure the rules are being followed and people are held accountable, and the government should be supporting businesses and essential workers! I am so sorry that your wife has to endure this kind of treatment.
It is the law and has been for many months. That strain has spontaneously happened in other countries. It isn't more deadly, just more contagious which of course can lead to more deaths though fortunately treatments have also improved over the last few months. The reason that the UK knows about the variant is that it does far more genetic sequencing tests than countries like the US. There are other variants springing up unknown and untested which is more dangerous because of it being unknown. The mask rules in the UK are already that you have to wear a mask inside. Shops were not enforcing it because it was felt unfair to their staff because, well see above. Stores are now banning people and staff are getting the backlash. Most countries have these people refusing to wear masks and arguing with staff no matter the rules.
Load More Replies... As long as you keep your maskless face away from areas where they are required. The shop has the right to make rules and refuse to serve people who don't follow them. No-one should give anyone else a hard time just because 'waah, I don't agree'.
Load More Replies... Telling someone to put on the mask is not an abuse. Don't want to wear it- stay the f home.
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