Honestly, thank you for responding. I actually work for one of those companies- not for them directly- but in their stores everyday. They hate the masks as much as we do, and at night- maybe one or two people wear them. During the day, they have them hanging under their nose for the most part. And as soon as they get out of public sight- that mask comes off! I apologize for coming off so strongly- I guess it just hit me personally because I hate it as much as you do but am just powerless to do anything about it aside from losing my job. I’m in the Deep South, but everyone here mostly still masks up. (97%!)

The mandate in our state is gone, but employers can still require them?. I, myself went to Target today (rare thing- just had to get something kid had to have and I don’t do Walmart) and for the first time didn’t wear a mask. Maybe 3 other people in store didn’t have one and it was weirdly very crowded for the middle of a workday. Was extremely nervous someone was going to say something to me, but no one did. I got a few approving looks and a few disproving looks, and one or two people trying to “keep their distance” from me. (My kid wore their mask.)

The whole thing is just so dang frustrating - and everyone is on edge. Plus people who go to Target seem to have that virtue signaling disease, even here in Deep South. Had I gone to Hobby Lobby.... it would have been like coming here to GA, I’m sure. People would go maskless there even when there was a mandate.

I am absolutely frustrated by the entire thing. Both for being forced to wear the masks, and then to have everyone call everyone cucks and sheep and even worse names for those who have no other choice but to go along with it or lose their livelihoods. It’s so demoralizing, and it’s coming from both sides?

Edit: left out a word