Masks as Part of Our Novel Identity

Creation of Meaning Within a Time of Global Pandemic

Abstract

Since the time COVID19 made its appearance on an international level (March 2020), masks have become a personal and social identity tool. Nowadays (June 2021), we cannot still leave our house without wearing a mask. It really feels like the mask is now part of our face, covering its lower part, hiding our facial expressions. In this paper, we examine the place and use of masks as markers of personal and social identities, as well as social responsibility. More particularly, we observe the following three issues: a) the symbolic meaning of masks as an anthropological artifact, b) the dilemma of individual liberty balanced by social responsibility, produced through mask wearing, and c) the way we can create meaning through adaptation to a new “masked reality”. In this article, based on personal experiences, observation and bibliographical research, we explore and reveal the symbolic meaning of masks. We make use of the social identity theory (SIT) that assumes that one part of the self-concept is defined by our belonging to social groups (Trepte, 2006). More particularly we are examining our identity’s, personal and social, need to respond to the ‘obligation’ of mask wearing. We believe that finding or inventing meaning to the use of mask, can help us evolve and accept our new reality.