We also don't consume ground up rhino horn to cure impotence, but the Chinese do - what do they know?
Unless somebody coughs right in your face, a surgical mask will do nothing to protect you - but even then your eyes are still exposed.
There are still valid rationalizations: Personally, it may be a superstition, but it nevertheless makes you feel better. Externally, it will lower the risk of you infecting others. There actually is some social pressure to wear a mask.
The downside is obvious: Masks are uncomfortable and you'll be the odd one out unless the majority already wears them. You need to reach critical mass first, but when the only reason to wear a mask is to protect others from a disease, you'd raise suspicion: If you're sick why are you outside?
Unless somebody coughs right in your face, a surgical mask will do nothing to protect you - but even then your eyes are still exposed.
There are still valid rationalizations: Personally, it may be a superstition, but it nevertheless makes you feel better. Externally, it will lower the risk of you infecting others. There actually is some social pressure to wear a mask.
The downside is obvious: Masks are uncomfortable and you'll be the odd one out unless the majority already wears them. You need to reach critical mass first, but when the only reason to wear a mask is to protect others from a disease, you'd raise suspicion: If you're sick why are you outside?