[foerbert]

Well, particularly in the current situation where masks somehow became a political hill to die on, I think you are underselling the matter some.

It's a bit difficult to feel all that neighborly or friendly with people adamant that they won't even wear a mask to help protect your own health.

And all the topics listed - religion, political affiliation, guns - are all infamous for causing strife. Even the most tolerant person can easily wish to simply minimize the chances of a conflict. Tensions over these matters also only seem to be intensifying, which further exacerbates the matter.

[jjeaff]

While anti-maskers are definitely more likely to be politically right, due to weird behavior of the last administration, the reality is, the majority of Americans are fine wearing masks in public. Polling i have seen showed 75%+ were fine with masks.

[foerbert]

I think that likely shows the problem, rather than anything else.

(I'm going to assume you mean that number nationwide)

75%, or roughly so, nationwide would be one thing if it was evenly distributed. But as you noted, the issue is tied to politics (I think more than you imply, but doesn't matter). We also know political affiliation is not evenly distributed.

So, a number like 75% mask compliance makes it possible, and frankly very likely, that there are areas with substantially lower rates.