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Sophia's avatar

A few thoughts for people who find the idea of disobedience scary (because it can be, you know?) You don't have to start big to get going. Start small. I just finished reading a book on Kaizen, and the author said if an action was too scary, make it tiny and just start imagining yourself doing it. So if walking around in a parking lot outside without a mask on is terrifying for you because you're worried the nutsos will scream and holler, spend a few days imagining yourself walking around without a mask on in a parking lot. Your brain will get used to the idea. And then . . .

Then you walk around the parking lot without your mask on. It's a tiny act. But it sends a message.

Here are a few tiny things I do to disobey. I bring them up because when I see other people disobey even in little ways, it gives me courage. So I figure it can't hurt to list some stuff out.

On most days, I am the only person walking in the parking without a mask on. As far as I know, no one has even glared at me. (Then again, I'm pretty oblivious.) It's a little thing, but it gets people to see the real normal. I don't put the muzzle on till the very last second before going into the shops, if I absolutely have to go to the shops. With time, I have put it on later and later. I rip it off my face now before I am officially out the door.

I have a friend who finds it easier to pretend she is desperately looking for her mask in her bag. If a little subterfuge is what helps you get started, then go for it.

Every little bit counts.

Whenever I can, I avoid the silly temperature taking and the hand sanitizer at the entrance of shops. And when a tinpot bureaucrat insists on spraying it on my hand, I immediately wipe it off on my skirt. Right in front of them.

When I put gas in my car, I am the only one not wearing a mask. Considering the number of believers, I expected some nagging. No one has bothered me yet.

Don't take the long route around someone on the sidewalk. Keep walking straight. You aren't dangerous, so don't act like it.

I am not a mover and shaker. I have almost no platform. But I use Facebook to post the truth. I've pissed people off, but there are bigger fish to fry than some people's feelings.

Each act is a small one. Every little bit counts. It all adds up. Start small. And with each tiny start, we'll all grow from there.

Some of you have probably been a lot braver than me. I think you should boast about it. It'd do us all a world of good.

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Gaye's avatar

“I have a medical condition. I’m allergic to tyranny. It makes me break out in rebellion.”

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