I think almost every one here would be surprised at how much of the 'go along to get along" was going on. they just need someone else to be brave enough to disobey, and then they do as well.

Its kind of the same effect as the agitators use at BLM protests. Most of the time, nobody wants to do anything out of fear of repercussions. The agitators know they'll get away with it, on catch-and-release or the bailout funds they have set up, so they're not afraid to throw some fireworks, bash in a police cruiser's windows, set a police cruiser on fire, assault of counter protestors, etc. So they just have at it. Those in the crowd that would've behaved themselves had nobody done something join in. Then those who see more people doing it will think its ok, suddenly the whole thing is a riot.

Not to say that BLM didn't have its own share of bad apples, but its also how the media could get away with "Mostly peaceful protest turned violent" BS. They WERE peaceful, until they allowed themselves to be agitated.

Same thing with masks. Most wear them just to avoid conflict. Some wear them because they're genuinely afraid of Covid, most just don't want to cause a scene. It takes those not wearing them to kind of "give permission' to those who don't want to wear them, but also don't want the attention going unmasked on their own would bring. THIS is what the hardliners on this board need to understand, not everyone is willing to be a martyr. Many will stand with one, however, they just need to be shown the path.