I'm new to this forum. I came across it but have been vocal across various boards (and subsequently kicked off them) . My voice won't be silenced.but I know it has to be transient . Yesterday I got on a bus with no mask with my kids and first time I was confronted by driver. I stood my ground and driver relented by the fear and anxiety of thinking if the passengers got on board with driver then I would be in a fight with many, in front of my kids, was an anxiety that stayed wit me. I had a kids party today and was that anxious about protecting my kids from hive aggression we got a taxi. The taxi driver was 'one of us' but says he fears losing his job if police stops him for us not wearing masks.he brought it up, I think many want to but scared. Can we encourage others out state of fear?
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I use a bus five days a week so I've been confronted several times now, though it's more often other passengers who react this way rather than the driver. Hopefully people would be less likely to cause a scene knowing that young children are present.
As for encouraging others, it can be done in many subtle ways. For example, I noticed two women in the shop where I work complaining about hardly being able to breathe in their masks so I just invited them to take them off (the relief on their faces was a lovely sight) and suggested that they claim exemption next time.
Anytime anyone brings up covid related matters, even if it's a casual comment from a stranger, I try to mention something to make them think a bit (for example the unreliability of tests). Keep it friendly rather than confrontational and they are more likely to listen.
By taking advantage of all these opportunities we can potentially all do our little bit every day.
Also, whenever I see a fellow non-mask wearer I give them an encouraging smile - after all they might secretly be feeling a bit nervous.
Hey Thanks, I havethe occasional wobble especially when confronted when I am with the kids as I have never made them wear a mask and consistently say this is wrong but dont want them seeing confrontations . But on whole I feel so strongly about this that I, and kids, walk round and without a mask. I speak to many and they all say this is malignant but most of not all follow the rules . That bus driver was only time I have had a direct intimidating conflict - and I can handle it but what affects me is *this shouldn't even be a situation*. I avoid bus now as enclosed spaces with aggro is not something I want me and kids to be trapped in. To date I barely see anyone not masked but tonight at shop good news! Only one person masked and rest not! I pray a ripple has been made in to a tsunami for us all. Thanks again for your reply. Strength and power to you and yours