Overthink Anti-Maskers and American Individualism
Oct 31, 2020
Delving into the rise of Anti-Mask protests, discussing American individualism and freedom, exploring philosophical perspectives on freedom, and examining gender dynamics in mask-wearing.
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Collective Masking Increases Freedom
- David and Ellie argue COVID exposes our shared vulnerability and interdependence.
- If everyone masks, public spaces become freer because risk and restrictions fall for all.
Freedom Is Social, Not Just Individual
- They contrast Locke's individualist freedom with Hegel's view that freedom emerges through society.
- Hegel sees freedom as a collective achievement realized via institutions and mutual recognition.
Recognition Makes Freedom Real
- Hegel's master–servant dialectic shows freedom requires mutual recognition from other free people.
- Being 'free' alone lacks social meaning without reciprocal recognition and institutions.