My family and I have not worn masks with exception to a private business asking us to do so, but we have noticed a trend. My wife went to a "drive by baby shower" where everyone was sitting outside wearing masks. She showed up without a mask and slowly people started taking theirs off ultimately leading to no one wearing a a mask.
We are just finishing a weekend in NYC visiting family, not wearing masks outside, and my family who lives here and started the weekend wearing them outside ended the weekend without wearing them (which the admitted the normally do). My nephew (11 y/o) straight up asked me "why aren't you wearing your mask?". I simply said "I'm not afraid to be outside or around others without one".
Once people realize you and others aren't afraid, gives them strength and confidence to follow. I think it's a good step forward.
I hear ya. I have been making a habit of going into stores in MA without my mask, expecting and having a staff member say "excuse me sir, can you put on your mask". Which I then play dumb and say "oh I forgot, no prob". I'm not here to bust a 9-5 min wagers balls, but I do think this little action will lead to others realizing that masks are not normal and not wearing one is normal.
They can all still be reached. I pity the easily subjugated, but it takes a person going against the grain to perhaps wake them up and make them realize. Hope is not lost, and we are keeping hope alive!