masks off

Masks became optional in public spaces and in public schools this week, for the first time in Oregon since the pandemic began. Two years! Both Seb and Liesl opted to not wear masks inside their classrooms, but both reported that they were in the minority by substantial margins. In Liesl's class, only 5-6 students out of 25 took masks off. In Seb's school, he said that less than 20% of students weren't wearing masks, and in one class he was the only one unmasked. I asked if they knew why their friends were keeping masks on (because I'm pretty sure they're all vaccinated), and they mentioned vague anxieties, parental preferences, upcoming travel plans, and discomfort with their looks (especially middle school girls). Fascinating little sociological experiment we have going on.