KISS frontman Paul Stanley asks people to wear masks and ignore conspiracy theories, fans are here for it
With all the unusual events taking place this year, our focus can often get sidetracked from the biggest threat at the moment — the coronavirus pandemic. Yes, this is old news and some may even find the topic boring at this stage, but whether you are bored or not, taking your mind off of it doesn't make it go away. We are all affected by this virus and our daily choices will have an effect on others whether we like it or not.
Some artists have understood this basic concept and have used their social media platforms to encourage safety. With US government officials urging citizens to wear masks to mitigate the spread of the virus, some members of society have turned this truly unselfish act into a controversy. Last month, the US Surgeon General urged people to wear face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus, which would allow citizens to slowly move out of quarantine. However, many citizens feel that they should only have to wear face masks if they want to and some also argue that they are unable to wear facial coverings for various health reasons.
Research has proven that face masks are one way to help slow the spread. This means that until better methods are discovered, however long that may take, wearing face masks is the best way to protect yourself and others during this pandemic. Additionally, many government mandates and stores now require individuals to wear face masks when out in public. Some still argue whether the government can legally get people to wear a mask or not.
Last week, Donald Trump said that he’s “all for masks” in a statement, according to CNN. Then he later stated that there shouldn’t be a nationwide mandate for citizens to wear them while outdoors.
Now, Paul Stanley of KISS is addressing the face-covering conspiracy theories and making his stance public. Stanley encouraged his followers via Instagram on July 6 to "WEAR YOUR MASK!" and added, "Don't listen to conspiracy theorists or graduates of The Internet University Of Medicine." He said, "While the credible authorities and experts continue to learn more about Covid 19 they remain in agreement about safety protocols. End of story."
Stanley's caption was with a photo of him with his daughter Emily with both wearing face masks. Over on Twitter, his post has received many mixed opinions. Fans who supported the rocker wrote, "Thank you for setting a good example, Paul much love xxx" and "You're a great role model for your children. Stay safe and healthy." One said, "I wear one everywhere I go in public. Our parents and grandparents went through 2 World Wars and made sacrifices, many with their lives. Is it any big deal just to wear a mask? These conspiracy theorists are nothing but spoiled brats who want their own way!" Another said, "My granddaughter and I wore our masks. We washed our hands constantly. We got Covid because someone else didn't do the same."
One user said, "Agree, but we can’t be sheep either," to which another replied, "It’s being a sheep to take the advice of experts in a particular field?" One user who did not agree wrote, "Masks do more harm then good. You don’t have to have a college degree to clearly notice that you breathe a whole lot less oxygen with them on." Another said, "Sorry bubba, I'm not in agreement with you. The best way to counter the virus is make friends with it. Our immune systems are designed to counter anything that comes our way. We just need to be adaptive to it."
No matter who the advice comes from, we all need to get through this together and the best way to do that is by wearing a mask.