This probably isn't very important to the movie in general, but so many of the people were wearing surgical masks and I was just wondering if anyone knew why?
I also see a lot of Asian people in big cities in the U.S. wearing them as well. What's the deal???
"People should get beat up for stating their beliefs"
--They Might Be Giants
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These are likely Janists. Jainism dates back to the sixth century BC, and most of its followers are located in India. Like Buddhists they believe in karma, reincarnation, and non-violence. So much so that they cover their mouths so as not to destroy microscopic forms of life.
shareThe monks who are building the sand mandala are wearing masks so they don't accidentally blow around the grains of sand they are so painstakingly coaxing into position.
Everyone else... I would imagine that they are wearing the masks because of the SARS scare/epidemic of the past few years.
Wow if that is the reason that is pretty amazing. I too thought it must have been from the SARS scare, but your comment is much more interesting hah.
shareWhy do so many people of Asian races who live in the United States continue to wear the masks even when the polution is obviously not so bad?
"People should get beat up for stating their beliefs"
--They Might Be Giants
I know that in Japan there is a big etiquette issue with 'nasal' related stuff.
If someone has a runny nose it would be considered outrageous bad manners to wipe or blow the nose in public, so they prefer to wear a surgical mask. BTW a surgical mask would not help to stop breathing in air pollution.
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haha, there are about 8 different theories in this thread, and all seem probable.
shareAlright, after two years I've decided to do some additional research and found this on Wikipedia under "surgical mas." So basically just another theory.
"Outside health care facilities, simple, inexpensive masks of similar appearance are commonly worn in heavily populated centres in East Asia to help prevent spreading the common cold."
"People should get beat up for stating their beliefs"
--They Might Be Giants
Because these buddhists believe that all living organisms have the chance to reach enlightenment, they do not want to spread their germs, thereby hindering the microscopic living organisms in the air from doing just that.
share[deleted]