When the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) announced that masks would no longer be mandatory for vaccinated individuals a couple of weeks ago, I brushed it off. Surely everyone would continue to wear masks as an extra barrier, right?  

However, I soon realized that this was not the case. As the number of people talking about how excited they were to meet up and finally be able to “breathe” again grew, so did the sinking feeling in my stomach. I couldn’t understand why others would risk their own and others’ safety just for a minuscule reward.

The answer is clear. The cons of wearing a mask would be drastically outnumbered if you put the pros up against them. A little less airflow, a little more acne, and not much else. 

And the pros? Adding a layer of protection to help the weaker population, slowing the transmission of the virus, and, possibly best of all, being able to fake your emotions much more easily. Not only are you protecting yourself, but you are certainly protecting others who may be more susceptible to the virus. The CDC may be trying its best to accommodate our need for both safety and comfort, but right now, it’s important to sacrifice a few luxuries to reset the world. 

The pros definitely outnumber the cons; honestly, this isn’t even a fair fight. CDC, you’ve been good to us, but sometimes, it’s beneficial to know how to make choices on your own and listen to the authorities selectively.