In our travels during the plague, we've been fascinated at the geographic differences of the wearing of masks in America. East of the Mississippi, there is marked transition, north to south, of the prevalence of masks. The west has been more nuanced...less geographic than political.
So, it was quite the surprise last week as Terri and I travelled the island on a project for Discover Puerto Rico to see that everyone wore a mask. Everyone. Indoors and Outdoors. Everywhere.
When we asked those with whom we interfaced why, most were baffled at our question. The most common response was, "why wouldn't we?"
After all the people of Puerto Rico have been through with hurricanes, earthquakes and the pandemic, the simple answer is that that they care about each other as a people. They are united in their survival. They wear masks because they care. And yeah, they have the highest vaccination rate in the country.
Which makes us here on the mainland look positively stupid.
Masks = Caring about each other. Not a political position to embrace.
Why is this so hard?
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