Snapshot from Blue America

this is what it's really like

My Friend Josh, and Being Believed

I grew up in the Deep South, and have many friends still there. My friend Josh Slocum hosts the Disaffected Podcast, on which he often talks about life here in Blue America. He does it so you all know what’s going on, and what will happen where you are if you don’t pay attention. Because yes, the Wokeness in your local schools will make its way to your city council, too, if you’re not careful.

Josh and I have discussed many times how hard it is to communicate what life is really like in Blue America without coming across as paranoid, hyperbolic, or histrionic. Of course, my friends insist that they believe me, but part of me can’t help but wonder…do they really?

So I write this in part to bear witness, to add credibility to the great work my friend does in exposing this stuff, and partly to provide context for readers who may never leave their sane bubbles—their bubbles that are colors other than cobalt blue.

Josh’s content can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Substack.

I Need New Glasses

It’s one of those chores I had been putting off—getting a new eye exam. Finally made myself call and schedule one a couple of weeks ago, my first standard exam (for the purpose of getting a new prescription) since getting private insurance. My appointment was this morning.

Red Flag #1

When I arrived, the door was locked and a sign advised me to ring the doorbell. Still, I was feeling optimistic, so I thought, “It’s probably not a COVID thing. It’s March 2023, for fuck’s sake. The neighborhood is a little sketchy. This is probably just so that they can control who gets inside.”

Red Flag #2

The woman who answered the door was wearing a surgical mask.

This matters. Why? If she had been wearing an N95 respirator or some other mask that actually does do some level of prevention with regard to the spread of respiratory viruses, this story would still be stupid, but it would at least be coherent.

There would at least be a level on which it makes some kind of sense.

Surgical masks are exactly that—masks intended for surgery, to prevent spittle from entering body cavities or blood splashback from entering a surgeon’s mouth. They are utterly and entirely worthless for preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses, and this has been well-known for some time.

Red Flag #3

Please note this very carefully, people.

After having me come in and getting my name and the time of my appointment and all that—questions during which I had to ask her to repeat herself, as hearing aids do not negate the need for me to read lips—she asked me, “How do you feel about wearing masks?”

She did not ask: “Are you willing to wear a mask?”

She did not say: “We prefer our patients to wear masks. Will you comply?”

She asked for my feelings about wearing masks.

I felt hopeful, in that moment. I thought the question probably signaled that masks were optional for patients, so I answered honestly.

I repeat: I honestly answered the question that I was asked. I said that I don’t like masks. As a deaf person, they impede my ability to communicate “since I can’t see your lips, which is why I’ve had to ask you to repeat yourself already.” I added, “And they fog up my glasses, so I definitely have negative feelings about masks. Why?”

What Happened Next

She asked me to wait where I was, and went to another room. About 90 seconds later, she returned.

She did not ask, “Would you be willing to wear a mask anyway, since you already drove all the way out here for your appointment?”

She did not say, “I certainly understand how you feel. Trying to read lips when people are wearing masks must be very frustrating. But unfortunately, that’s our policy, and the doctor just said he needs you to wear a mask for your exam.”

I need new glasses badly enough that I would have said yes, if presented the option to wear one and have the exam.

I was not given that option.

She said: “I just spoke to the doctor, and he’s refusing to see you due to our policy about masks.”

I Am A Feelings-Criminal

The image I chose for this essay is of thought crime, as google images wasn’t much help looking for something to represent a crime of feelings.

Remember: I was not asked for my thoughts about wearing a mask. I was asked for my feelings.

A physician’s employee asked me for my feelings. I gave them, including reasons for them that disclosed my status as a member of a protected class (deafness is a legally recognized disability).

As a consequence of my having the wrong feelings about wearing masks—on the first day of spring in 2023—I was denied a medical examination.

Bearing Witness

It’s going to be fine, eventually. When I got home, I called around and asked questions of local optometry practices until I found a practice for whom “masks are optional for patients and mandatory for our doctors and staff, but we will either get clear masks or stand six feet away and pull them down—we’ll accommodate you.” I made an appointment there. So, in about a month, I’ll get my exam and my glasses. This isn’t the end of the world, and I’ll get my needs met eventually.

I’m not writing about this because it was that big of a deal. It wasn’t.

I’m writing about it because of what it portends: masks are a political virtue signal now to such a degree that one’s feelings about masks are the new standard.

Not whether one is willing to comply and wear one when asked—how one feels about them.

I’m writing about it to bear witness.

This is where we are, as America slides farther down the slippery slope of worshipping feelings above reason and prioritizing feelings above reality.

Why Not Move?

Before the comments fill up with this question, let me answer it now.

Because I love how beautiful this state is, and that billboards are not allowed, protecting the beauty for all.

Because I love having four distinct seasons.

Because I love that postcard-worthy beauty can be had by walking to the mailbox.

Because the sane families who’ve lived here for generations and want to homeschool their kids need a math tutor who will help their kids with rigor and without Woke bullshit.

Because political winds shift.

Because this insanity will peak, probably as a result of lawsuits from detransitioners, and people willing to support them, uplift their voices, and donate to their legal expenses will be a crucial part of helping things change here.

Because I’m progressing in my career and will, if I can pay off my student loans (the goal to which your paid subscriptions go) buy a house in a few years—a house in which I can hold discussion groups, book clubs, meetups, and otherwise participate in opening minds.

Because this is my home, too.

But mostly?

Because fuck them. That’s why.

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