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Ask A Native New Yorker: Why Do Some People Wear Masks On The Subway?
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Gothamist Staff
Published Feb 24, 2017
Modified Feb 24, 2017
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By
Gothamist Staff
Published Feb 24, 2017
Modified Feb 24, 2017
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Are you relatively new to this bustling metropolis? Don't be shy about it, everyone was new to New York once upon a time, except, of course, those battle-hardened residents who've lived here their whole lives and Know It All. One of these lifers works among us at Gothamist—publisher Jake Dobkin grew up in Park Slope and still resides there. He is now fielding questions—ask him anything by sending an email here, but be advised that Dobkin is "not sure you guys will be able to handle my realness." We can keep you anonymous if you prefer; just let us know what neighborhood you live in.
This week's question comes from a New Yorker who doesn't get why people wear surgical masks while walking around the city.
Dear Jake,
I have been living in the city for awhile now and I would like to know what is up with the people who wear surgical masks while walking outside or riding the subway. I understand that they may have a respiratory problem, but is it weird I somehow take offense to it? I mean remember the uproar when the Olympics were in Beijing in 2008 and the athletes were ridiculed for wearing them in China?? Let it be noted that air quality here in New York is SIGNIFICANTLY better than in China. But do these people know something we don't? Are we the weird one for not wearing masks?
Sincerely,
Polluted Air or Polluted Ego?
Dear Polluted Air,
Jake wore this helmet during his entire presentation at the SoHo Apple Store (Courtesy Jake Dobkin Private Collection)
You certainly shouldn't be offended by someone's choice of headgear. I sometimes wear a bike helmet on the subway—does that make you feel like I'm somehow implying New York is a dangerous place where one is likely to get punched in the head? Of course not—I have a reason for wearing the helmet (I left my bike somewhere and am going to get it), and likewise, the mask-wearers you see have their own reasons for sporting that look.
Quartz has a wonderful history of mask-wearing in Asia which you can read here. In summary, the Japanese started wearing masks during the 1918 Spanish Flu, and the masks became more popular after subsequent Earthquakes (which started fires that produced a lot of ash), other flu pandemics, and pollution outbreaks during the 1950s. Although the masks provide little protection from actual germs, they provide spiritual comfort in countries where protecting your breath (or qi) from bad air (feng) is part of local cultural tradition.
These traditions have only been strengthened by recent outbreaks: SARS in 2002; bird flu in 2006; and Ebola and Zika last year. They've also become a fashion statement for young Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese, who use them to "signal a lack of desire to communicate with those around them".
Given New Yorkers' desire for being left alone on the subway, I'm surprised this trend hasn't caught on here. In any case, the reason you are seeing the masks more often is a combination of their increasing popularity among Asian immigrants, and the rising population of Asians in New York—more than a million live here now, according to the last census.
Are we weird for not wearing masks? No—the masks have little utility, since they won't protect you from germs. Surgeons wear masks to protect you from their germs, not the other way around (some of the mask-wearers may just be thoughtful people shielding you from their cold germs—if everyone did that during cold season, we'd be a much healthier city.)
There's also no need to wear a mask because of air pollution. In Beijing, readings of the PM2.5 ("terrible for you") particulate matter in the air are routinely above 500, in New York, they're often 1/10th as much or lower. So unless you are particularly enamored of Japanese fashion trends, this is probably a look you can safely ignore.
Recently in Beijing (via Shanghaiist)
It's natural to be interested when you see someone wearing a surgical mask for the first time—but it's something you soon get used to, especially if you ride the 7 train in Queens. Simply mind your own business and move on with your day.
Namaste,
Jake
NB. The best protection from germs on the subway is to wash your hands thoroughly when you get off (or use some Purell). Or better yet, touch nothing while you are on board.
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Gothamist Staff
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