[ehacke]

For decades large portions of the US population have prided themselves on ignoring whatever the government says. Until the bodies start piling up in their own town, people will not take it seriously, and possibly not even then.

[eBombzor]

This comment seems to be unpopular but I have to admit, I really do think that a small portion of the US population treats this pandemic as an overblown distraction or treats it as fuel for some other conspiracy theory. I've experienced this first hand as someone I unfortunately live with was very vocal about how the coronavirus was created as a distraction by the media to avert our attentions to something about Iran and some other conspiracy crap. These people exist.

[exegete]

Didn’t help when the President said it was a hoax by political opponents. There’s another segment that believes every word he speaks even though it changes constantly. Also doesn’t help that WHO & CDC said masks don’t help when they have been proven to reduce transmission. So misinformation came from the highest levels of government and experts. The media also didn’t take it seriously (not just Fox News). People formed incorrect opinions and as you said until they see it for themselves it’s not a big deal in their minds since everyone said that for weeks. Not sure if there is a technical term for this when one forms an opinion and won’t change it even when new evidence is introduced.

[dntbnmpls]

> For decades large portions of the US population have prided themselves on ignoring whatever the government says.

The fault lies where? The government/state that has lied about pretty much everything or the people who have been lied to?

The amount of "believe government", "trust government", "obey government" throughout social media makes me wonder. Not to mention all the messaging about compliance. Even more astounding coming from someone who has "hack" in their username.

Also, "ignoring the government" to some degree and "civil disobedience" is part of being american. It's what separates the US from Britain, EU, China, etc.

[credit_guy]

Just to add to your point, the Surgeon General recently advised "don't wear masks". I personally disobey this every time I step out of my apartment. And I'm proud of that.

[DeonPenny]

For decades? Thats the entire point of the US. Even the bodies won't change that