A key intrinsic characteristic of toxicity is its inability to see itself as toxic. More than likely, it considers itself good if not noble. A defender of truth. An irreplaceable cog in the information ecosystem.

Imagine a skunk not just impervious to its scent, but proud of its fragrance. Going further, imagine a Pepe Le Pew-type with a violent streak of incredulity or righteous indignation that its advances are unwelcomed. Even when it’s wholly convinced it is giving off a welcoming vibe.

Attempting to reason with toxicity is not only a fools errand, but likely adds fuel to its fire. Withdrawing consent can be a safe and nonviolent option as long as boundaries can be maintained. But when toxicity considers itself a kind of moral crusader, all bets are off.

Yesterday, a widely-watched cable ‘news’ personality (rhymes with clucker) instructed his viewers to keep calling the police if they see a child wearing a protective mask (because the viewer should be morally obligated to prevent that level of child abuse). Really? Are there any more sharks to jump?

I do hope that calls for confronting people choosing to wear masks during a pandemic will be ignored even while more are retreating from any semblance of precautions. But if the past year has taught me anything, it’s that I shouldn’t underestimate the conviction of those who are certain they’re correct. It doesn’t seem to matter if folks like Sarah Palin or Ted Nugent recant – impenetrability is a proud feature, not a bug. If we frame freedom as an individual right instead of a communal experience, we all lose.

The auto industry fought safety features such as seat belts with vigor until the public preferred vehicles with them. But that doesn’t mean there still isn’t some annoyance at the seat-belt beeper. It’s one thing to disarm the warning sound in your vehicle – it’s quite another to incite folks to confront those who refuse to disarm theirs.

Be careful out there.