One important thing to mention, that I feel you may have glossed over, is that contrary to (some) misconception, Covid-19 restrictions were broadly popular. That is, it is inaccurate to view pandemic restrictions as merely a battle between the elite power hungry politicians and bureaucrats, and everyday citizens.
Politicians are indeed power hungry. And the non-compliance among everyday citizens is indeed quite high. But broadly speaking, we (as in, the general population) did this to ourselves. Or at least, the politicians are clearly acting on behalf of what they think people want.
The majority of employed Americans continue to support their employer requiring employees to be vaccinated (54%) and requiring all employees and customers/guests to be masked in their own workplace (65%).
Even the majority of those unvaccinated — stereotyped as completely unconcerned about the virus — care enough that they report voluntarily wearing a mask. 57% of people in Texas support a mask mandate in indoor places, as of October this year. Throughout 2020, polls repeatedly showed that over 60% of people said it was “better to stay home as much as possible” than to “avoid disruptions to work and business.” 39% of those surveyed in the UK back in early November said they wanted new lockdowns, even while death rates were dramatically lower compared to previous waves.
Australia’s strict policy, which has been criticized by American conservatives, was overwhelmingly supported by the actual population as of August this year:
The latest Guardian Essential survey of 1,100 respondents finds only 12% of the sample would be comfortable with any transition that increases deaths and hospitalisations.
Now, the obvious first-pass explanation is that people aren’t thinking for themselves and just do whatever the guy on TV says. But this contradicts the idea that the majority of people are actively fed up with the restrictions, and are OK with Covid speeping through their community at this point.
One important thing to mention, that I feel you may have glossed over, is that contrary to (some) misconception, Covid-19 restrictions were broadly popular. That is, it is inaccurate to view pandemic restrictions as merely a battle between the elite power hungry politicians and bureaucrats, and everyday citizens.
Politicians are indeed power hungry. And the non-compliance among everyday citizens is indeed quite high. But broadly speaking, we (as in, the general population) did this to ourselves. Or at least, the politicians are clearly acting on behalf of what they think people want.
From a recent Ipsos survey,
Even the majority of those unvaccinated — stereotyped as completely unconcerned about the virus — care enough that they report voluntarily wearing a mask. 57% of people in Texas support a mask mandate in indoor places, as of October this year. Throughout 2020, polls repeatedly showed that over 60% of people said it was “better to stay home as much as possible” than to “avoid disruptions to work and business.” 39% of those surveyed in the UK back in early November said they wanted new lockdowns, even while death rates were dramatically lower compared to previous waves.
Australia’s strict policy, which has been criticized by American conservatives, was overwhelmingly supported by the actual population as of August this year:
Now, the obvious first-pass explanation is that people aren’t thinking for themselves and just do whatever the guy on TV says. But this contradicts the idea that the majority of people are actively fed up with the restrictions, and are OK with Covid speeping through their community at this point.