What is something you cannot leave your house without? Two years ago, the answer could have included everything from keys to phones. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have been added to the list of necessities. We keep them next to our door, we have extras in our cars, and we even have some to match our outfits for the day. Nevertheless, masks continue to arise as a controversial topic both within politics and individuals.
Aside from the hygienic benefits of wearing a mask, they have also helped in more unanticipated ways. For self-conscious people with anxiety, masks have been a blessing in disguise. Attending school without having to scrutinize over looks or ponder on classmates’ criticisms about post-quarantine changes, has allowed many to inhabit a newfound sense of confidence.
Along with concealing physical insecurities, masks have also become a way to express yourself. Thousands of small businesses have launched stylish, fashionable masks that make a statement. Face coverings also hide part of our emotional expression. A slight scoff or smirk can easily be disguised and cause the mask wearer to feel protected while expressing their emotions.
Though being able to portray limited emotions and expressions is a positive, it can be off-putting at times. The most efficient way to read other humans’ emotions is through facial movements. With the mask mandates, our ability to register and read emotions has become less accurate. With the bottom half of our face covered, our eyes are our only distinguishing facial feature left to observe. In particular, sarcasm is especially difficult to discern, being that expressions are crucial to understanding jokes.
Our brain naturally seeks patterns, a prime example being how our minds fill in the blanks by assuming what others’ faces look like under the mask. When we do not have an initial idea of what a stranger might look like without a mask on, our brain imagines it for us. This leads to an initial shock of surprise when a coworker, classmate, or stranger we have never seen without a mask, removes it. This vague perception of human appearance can be unnerving even after so long.
The politics surrounding masks are still tremendously divided. On one end of the spectrum, people favor masking in public places and receiving the vaccine. On the flip side, others are skeptical of the vaccine and believe masks restrict their freedom. This extreme difference in opinion has perpetuated the polarization between the two political parties.
Looking at whether a person is or is not wearing a mask can make way for preconceived notions about a stranger’s standing in politics and morals. Masking or anti-masking changes the way we perceive people because of the political stigma that has influenced us. In this day and age, we can now assume someone’s political bearing from a single glance.
Face masks can be overwhelming. They are a constant, visible reminder of how COVID-19 has influenced the people in our lives and experiences during the past two years. But through the fabric, there is a silver lining. A surge in confidence and freedom of expression are both a direct influence of the mask implementation.
Though it is uncertain how long masks will stick around in the future, it is undeniable that they have considerably impacted our lives. Over the coming years, as we progressively near the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be interesting to observe the new societal views on masks and their influence on our perception of others. In the past, East Asian countries have embraced masks as both practical and fashionable items. Thus, it is likely that in the future, Western countries will take on the same trends and incorporate them even after the end of the pandemic.
Written by Inaya Siddiqi of Clarksburg High School
Graphic by Cas Nguyen of Richard Montgomery High School