There’s an old American saying, “your freedom ends where my nose begins.” In the 19th century, it was a reminder of the limits that necessarily exist for all freedoms. “You can swing your arms, but you are not free to punch someone else’s nose,” explained a judge.

In the 21st century, as a global pandemic rages on, and the U.S. suffers yet another surge, this saying takes on new meaning. The Gazette’s front-page article Friday (“Yes or no on masking up? Depends on who you ask,” Aug. 13) describes those opposed to Northampton’s recent mask mandate as insisting on their freedom to determine their own “personal risk.” Last week I needed my phone fixed. I got a technician who was both unmasked and unvaccinated and who explained his choice as his “personal preference.” (I asked for someone else.)

Such people seem to miss the crucial point that their “choice” is not just about them. Do they think they have the freedom to harm others? This pandemic has provided a sobering — and deadly —reminder of our interdependence. You literally breathe in the air I breathe out, and vice versa. We are not free from each other’s germs, not on this planet.

None of us would prefer to wear masks. We have to do it to avoid harm to others and to ourselves. Masks are not about your freedom. Your choice not to wear a mask literally determines whether others live or die. “Personal freedom” does not extend to harming others.

At Smith College, where I work, the campus has had banners with photographs of students wearing masks, captioned, “I wear a mask. For you. For me. For us.” The first time I saw these, my eyes filled with tears. What I found so moving, I think, was the idea of mutual care, of community. I like that it puts “you” before “me.”

Those banners were removed recently, but, because so many people refuse to get vaccinated, and new variants develop and spread, those banners might return. I would love to have the freedom not to wear a mask. But we can only get that if we all wear masks until this pandemic is over. You and I individually are not free to do whatever we like until we can collectively be free of this pandemic.

Ambreen Hai

Northampton