2020 Pandemic: Masks Revived
Published via Lifestyle Blog
Regardless where you live in 2020, you can walk through your local city center and watch numerous passersby with partially covered faces. From Tallahassee, to Tallinn, face masks have quickly become the norm throughout these trying times. The push came primarily from the WHO advising the public to incorporate these changes for public health and safety.
Though the types of masks vary, from the coveted N95 mask, to a sad looking tea-cloth assembled with two elastic bands (speaking from personal experience here), for many, masks carry a single purpose: safety.
Yet, as we come into the eighth month of this bizarre year, it's evident that face masks are taking on a whole new meaning. Around the world, fashion designers of all calibers are busy creating new lines—extraordinary face masks. Although some designers have stated that they want to assist in preventing mask shortages, the products that they are creating are undoubtedly serving other purposes. Trendy designs, luxurious materials, political statements, and even high-end branding, intertwine with the necessity to protect yourself and others during this pandemic.
Bringing this into the limelight isn't necessarily astounding. Some may regard this as selflessness of companies in a position to lend a helping hand. Others may argue the exact opposite. However, that is missing the more interesting perspective; the consumers of these masks and the reasons behind their particular purchases. As with the majority of consumer purchases, this comes down to identity.
Masks in particular function as an interesting expression of the self. Unlike other garments, masks veil the face, which is our most identifiable feature. We could be in a crowd filled with acquaintances and peers, but pass straight through without a tug on the arm or tap on the shoulder. Just like taking a trip to an unknown land where you don't know a soul—you are ignited with a sense of freedom. When we feel unrecognizable, we feel the ability to create and express our identity in a liberating way.
This form of self-expression isn't a new phenomenon. It's centuries old and can be seen in numerous cultures, with its true origins in the theater. Perhaps the most prevalent is Masquerade Balls which date back to the 14th century. These masked events took place throughout various European nations, although the country that seems to be associated with it to this day is Italy, Venice in particular. The Venetian Carnevale celebrated with masked pomp until the fall of the Venetian Republic.
Throughout the 18th century, Venetians were allowed, by law, to maintain veiled faces, for 8 months out of the year. Masks levelled social divisions by allowing aristocracy to gain anonymity, and non-nobility, a glimpse into the world of those always so out of reach.
Undoubtedly, there exist countless differences between the mask wearing of 18th century Venice, and the mask boom during the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet self-expression continues to be an evidently important drive for us all. Looking around the masses, we can see how individuals have taken on mask mandations in different ways. High end brands are selling their new collections between $14–$100.
Stepping away from providing a simple material as a safety measure, certain brands are giving access to statement pieces that also provide a semblance of anonymity, and luxury too. The Tory Burch collection of 5 printed face masks was originally being sold for a mere $35, in comparison to their lightweight summer scarf collection, the cheapest of which being $180. People from all walks of life are now given the option to veil their most identifiable features with affluent brands and lavish materials.
Another interesting cultural phenomenon during which we can see mask wearing is the Celtic celebration of Samhain, a similar celebration to the Latin American Día de Muertos. Samhain (pronounced sow-in), was celebrated by the Celts who lived around 2000 years ago in western Europe. During Samhain, the Celts believed that a type of 'doorway' was opened between other worlds and our own—there was believed to be a day where ghosts were able to roam the Earth: October 31. The rituals revolved around weaning off ghosts and their malevolent tendencies, including wearing costumes and masks to disguise themselves from unknown, evil spirits.
While the Celts were being conquered, and a swift shift was made to Christianity among the masses, mask wearing became an unlawful act, and remained illegal for centuries to come. We can see a similar type of hysteria coming to the surface today. Though the context is seemingly different, the same outrage has arisen amongst some uncomfortable with mask-wearing. From fears around government control, to feeling like they are being stripped of personal rights, these individuals are fighting mask mandations around the world.
During this strange rollercoaster of a year, another movement has been brought to the spotlight. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which isn't a new demonstration in any way, has been shifted and swayed through the mask-wearing pandemic of 2020. Those aligned with the movement have been significantly impacted by their mask wearing choices. While protests became rampant around the USA, which trickled around the globe, masks featuring 'Black Lives Matter', 'BLM', and other symbols connected to the fight for racial equality, became popularized around the world.
While some have taken on face masks to indulge and express their bourgeois persona, others have chosen to express their political perspectives on a centuries-old battle. People around the world are fighting for human rights, not only during protests, but during every minute of the day that they are mandated to wear a mask.
