WE ARE MASKED

Your car stops at the intersection on a congested road, a young boy taps on the pane begging for money. Instead, he gets a mask which he accepts with a grin, and puts it on immediately. A year ago, the same child would have been baffled at the sight of a surgical mask.

Face masks are omnipresent since the beginning of the pandemic, a representative of Corona Times. Along with safety and necessity, a symbol of fear and anxiety. Colorful muzzled humans are here, a long way from de muzzling. The invisible virus transmitted through the air in water droplets from infected humans will take time to go.

The Coronavirus has altered the face of the world. We have no alternative; for our protection and the safety of others, masks are mandatory. Donning masks or not using them reveals our perspective and preferences in life. There is a risk of skin problems due to continuous wearing, and maskne is the new acne currently. For doctors and health workers, it is part of their uniform now. It is inconvenient roaming masked all the time.

Masks are prominent on the streets, in the internet advertisements, in selfies, are an accessory now. We have transformed into masked fashionistas. There is a little mystery, a little veiled identity, encompassing unattractive flaws. 

Surgical face masks emerged to prevent infections in the late nineteenth century. The last pandemic understood its importance, and as the prevailing pandemic is sweeping the globe, we realize its necessity. From operating tables to safeguard against smog to the pandemics, masks have stayed.

 

 We ascribe a lot of importance to a facial expression, so concealing a part can be unsettling and alienating, a barrier that can rebuke the onlookers. We need to devise new ways to interact, and gestures are a convenient medium of expression. Pulling a mask on the road is a sign of respect, sacrificing some freedom for the public good. It is a bright spot in the otherwise bleak times. When we step out without a mask, we feel like a batman without his Bat-suit. In the new normal, we feel comfortable with masked humans on the street. 

Impeccable eye makeup is paramount, while lipsticks are for zoom meetings as all points south of the eyes are in the mask. It is just a relief to have it off of our faces when we get back home. And so lipstick endures, if only for the benefit of family members, Zoom colleagues, and Instagram followers.

 

 By tradition, we viewed masked humans with mistrust, but the story has turned the other way now. Masks are crucial devices and will be around fogging our glasses. We need to mask up and follow coronavirus courtesies, not as chin covers or dashboard accessories. Most face-to-face communications are on hold till the time pandemic stays. It is better to endure the times as no one feels slighted without a handshake. Unflinching commitment and not feeling overwhelmed or perplexed will get us through these difficult times. 

Images: Pinterest