Before you get your wand in a knot (if you get that reference you’re cool in my books – if you don’t, you’re probably way cooler than me), this isn’t me voicing my opinion on whether or not you should wear a mask.
[Quite frankly I believe the world is basically split 50/50 and most people are either for or against something, with little interest in having their minds changed, so I refuse and couldn’t care less about expressing my views on the matter.]
Now back to business – I have had the pleasure (if you can call it that) of experiencing both compulsory mask wearing and the liberty to choose. When I was living in Singapore, it was against the law to leave your home without wearing a mask. If you are unaware, Singapore is a very strict country (yes the country that banned chewing gum, thats the one!) and if you do something wrong in Singapore, you don’t just get a slap on the wrist – it’s taken very seriously. So seriously, I was actually given a written warning by not one, not two, no not even three but four property officials at my apartment doorstep with security camera footage of me with my mask pulled down to my chin (to be fair, the person I was on the phone to couldn’t hear me properly but not making excuses). So yes, Singapore is strict, masks must be worn and it is a criminal offence to not abide but these rules. When I returned to Australia (Sydney), I noticed almost immediately that only about 1% of people were in masks… a very unexpected culture shock for me but also quite interesting to observe!
Why I like wearing “the mask”…
Well it was something that I didn’t quite pick up on right away until the masks were second nature and leaving my apartment during lockdown for groceries became more regular. I also think the thing that really light-bulbed this idea for me was seeing celebrities on social media really gunning their opinions on the matter. Mostly being in the U.S and having the choice as to whether or not they would like to wear it, I remember thinking to myself “well no wonder they love the masks, they can finally leave the house completely incognito”.
Now yes I do know that I am not a celebrity but I couldn’t help but notice my slight change in behaviour every time I left home. I stopped checking the mirror before I left because no one could see me anyway! I did however continued to sing along to whatever song was playing in my ear, only this time with the added entertainment of people’s quick glances, wondering who its coming from.
There is something so freeing about wearing a mask. No one knowing who you are or what you look like! I understand that’s not what they are enforced for but why not explore all the benefits of it! Especially if its compulsory where you live… You can go full out and add the sunglasses and hat (which I most certainly did from time to time but mind you, you sort of feel like you’re just a walking body without a head). Enjoy being inconspicuous while you can. Not worrying about what you look like or what other people will think when they see you. Hey, go all out and wear something ridiculous and cover up – I mean only if you’re like me and you’re thoroughly entertainment by the judgement and concern of complete stranger.
I am human and as much as I preach and try to practice not caring what others’s think, some things are just embedded in us and out of our control. So this is why I like wearing the masks and I recommend you to experiment it and see how it feels. Plus it has changed the game for me when using public restrooms. Like a little shield of protection from bacteria and bad odours entering my face holes!