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The controversy surrounding wearing a mask boldly illustrates a pervasive issue for advisors and their clients.
If I hold one view and you hold another, you’re not going to change my mind. It doesn’t matter how passionate you are or the merit of your views.
Wearing a mask
Wearing a mask to suppress the spread of COVID-19 is supported by the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association and most researchers and public health experts.
The Center of Disease Control agrees. Its director, Dr. Robert R. Redfield, stated: “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Support for wearing a mask has become a political issue.
Of course, there can be legitimate medical reasons for not wearing a mask, including breathing issues (like asthma), those who are unable to remove a mask without assistance and others with behavioral or psychological issues.
Why we won’t change our mind
As explained in this insightful article, once we form an opinion (even on something that should be as uncontroversial as wearing a mask), we tend to adopt an “us versus them” mentality. We attribute positive traits towards those who agree with us and negative (even despicable) traits to those who don’t.
Those who wear masks believe they do so to protect themselves and others from the virus. Mask wearers believe their safety – and that of others – is vastly improved by wearing a mask. When others refuse to do so, “...it can create fear, which leads to resentment and anger,” according to psychiatrist Gayani DeSilva, MD.
Those who refuse to wear a mask believe it’s their right not to be “controlled” by others. They don’t want to sacrifice their individual rights. Some are in denial of the seriousness of the pandemic. Their views are fueled by conspiracy theories found on social media and mixed messages from political leaders.
What’s lost in the politicization of mask-wearing is the science behind wearing one during a pandemic. In its place is a tribal debate. Are you one of “us” or one of “them”?
More troubling is that people who believe conspiracy theories about COVID-19 are far more likely to refuse a vaccine when one becomes available.
Horrific ramifications
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What should be a dispassionate discussion can even turn violent, as evidenced by a recent tragedy where a 65-year-old man shoved an 80-year-old man causing his death when the older man insisted the younger one should be wearing a mask.
The younger man has now been charged with criminally negligent homicide.
It was a senseless death triggered by a tribal mentality. It wasn’t about wearing a piece of cloth. It was how the parties demonized each other based on their respective views of masks.
Think about the futility of persuading someone opposed to wearing a mask to change their position the next time you are tempted to argue with a prospect or client over the merits of factor-based or passive investing.
You are unlikely to succeed.
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Advisor Perspectives welcomes guest contributions. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of Advisor Perspectives.