I'm sure everyone has noticed that wearing masks has made interpersonal relationships less personal, especially when encountering strangers. It has become much easier to brush off others, to fail to offer a smile, to extend a greeting. I don't think this is by accident. We are being dehumanized, which threatens our resolve and makes us increasingly compliant.

Last year I made the statement that I'd be ok with either masks or social distancing but not both. After a year of this garbage, I'd much rather social distance than wear a mask.