My announcement that I was running with a mask got a LOT of comment (from all sides) earlier. It’s in response to changes in the state of the pandemic and the transmissibility of the virus. Worth unpacking 1/goodness knows

First I posted the photo after a couple of interviews this week in which mask use outside was discussed in the context of surging infections due to the variant B.1.1.7. Here's one https://t.co/fyzz8rKnXb
And then this with RTE where were talked about mask use in the context of the situation in the Republic of Ireland, where cases are surging. I commented that I run with a mask. Hence the tweet

https://t.co/P3tC6NYWAa
Some asked “why are you doing this outside?” – I know where they’re coming from. Risk of transmission is MUCH lower outside. If all contacts were outside there probably would not *be* a pandemic. But it's also not nil
https://t.co/gTxywkPqFf
and remember this is also about solidarity. Seeing a person wearing a mask is a sign that they are looking out for you and not just themselves, because masks greatly reduce the risk of transmission https://t.co/k0yjAePH1w
and there's this too. The law. I'm not altogether sure I agree with it as phrased. But I sure as hell have bigger fish to fry https://t.co/eUv8GT6JgQ
BUT the context of this is the variants of the virus that are more transmissible. One is rampant in the UK, and growing in Ireland. THAT is the context for the discussion – what more can we do to stop a yet more infectious virus?
These may not have been identified where you live, but they will likely grow there and become more common over the next couple months. Like this says, so get ready now. https://t.co/AlEmZA1lbq
Nearly a year ago I pinned the tweet - Don't panic, do prepare. Still true. Rather than panicking or being fatalistic, this means we have to step up infection control. That includes masks outside. So I am stepping up. And showing that I am stepping up in the hope you will too
(Btw I don't *like* running wearing a mask. but it's far from impossible. You can also wear one on your chin and pull it up as you get close to other people esp when running in less crowded areas)
Masks are a small inconvenience in all but quite limited, specific situations. Being triggered by this seems… odd for people who would probably not like to view themselves as easily shaken. And would like masks in other contexts where they were more macho and transgressive
Don't know how to reach those folks. But won't stop trying.

/end
PS those who want to know I was wearing a KF94 from Facefit, which people who know more about masks than I do recommend. There are *many* other options

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Two things can be true at once:
1. There is an issue with hostility some academics have faced on some issues
2. Another academic who himself uses threats of legal action to bully colleagues into silence is not a good faith champion of the free speech cause


I have kept quiet about Matthew's recent outpourings on here but as my estwhile co-author has now seen fit to portray me as an enabler of oppression I think I have a right to reply. So I will.

I consider Matthew to be a colleague and a friend, and we had a longstanding agreement not to engage in disputes on twitter. I disagree with much in the article @UOzkirimli wrote on his research in @openDemocracy but I strongly support his right to express such critical views

I therefore find it outrageous that Matthew saw fit to bully @openDemocracy with legal threats, seeking it seems to stifle criticism of his own work. Such behaviour is simply wrong, and completely inconsistent with an academic commitment to free speech.

I am not embroiling myself in the various other cases Matt lists because, unlike him, I think attention to the detail matters and I don't have time to research each of these cases in detail.

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