Surgical Mask

I've read about the concern swine flu is causing in the U. S. But no matter how bad it gets, it is another opportunity for people in the West to learn from China's example and begin wearing surgical masks on a regular basis.

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The masks are very popular -- if you want to really use that term -- in China, but then again, the Chinese have had experience with the SARS epidemic a few years ago. People in Beijing celebrated May Day recently in massive numbers, without fear of H1N1, H2O, the NHL, NHK, NASCAR, or whatever other health-threatening numerical or alphabetical acronysm you could throw at them. It is really no surprise to see dozens of my co-workers wearing the masks, even when there is no crisis afoot. But they are shocked and amazed when I tell them the only American who wears something like that in public is Michael Jackson.

One of my Chinese co-workers was having a serious discussion with me, and I asked her to stop talking for a minute, because I couldn't take her seriously while she had the mask on. It sort-of muffled her voice a bit. So I asked if she was planning to rob a convenience store later on, and if so, could she get me some donuts?

She did not think that was very funny.


But seriously, it is really ironic that the same culture that doesn't care if people spit, poop, piss, and pick their noses in public, and then proceed to blow snot without tissue on the street, would be so careful as to wear surgical masks to protect themselves or their fellow citizens from germs.

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By the way, you can buy cheap paper masks like the ones from the hospital, or cute cotton masks with pictures of Garfield and Snoopy. Just make sure they match the footwear.