Storytime:
Masks are the social fabric of reality.
But why do we often feel the need to put on a "mask" in social situations?
Imagine you're heading to a high school reunion. You’re not just picking out an outfit; you’re selecting a version of yourself to present.
That's your mask:
a persona you don,
often subconsciously,
shaped by a cocktail of expectations, fears, and desires.
The concept of social masks isn't new. It's a survival mechanism, deeply rooted in our nature.
But... why do we do this?
In 1902, in the bustling New York City filled with ambitious souls, there lived a young professional named Sonny Sotherland.
Sonny, like many of us, had dreams that stretched to the skies but also had a deep fear of rejection and failure. Each morning, Sonny would stand in front of the mirror, not just to comb hair or adjust a tie, but to put on an invisible mask of confidence and invulnerability.
This mask wasn't for Sonny’s sake but for the World's:
a shield against judgment,
a beacon of competence,
a hope for acceptance.
But this story isn't unique to Sonny.
It's a tale as old as humanity itself.
From the fearless warriors of Sparta in the Greek Dark Ages of 900 BCE, who masked their pain and fear to present a facade of invincibility—to the modern-day social media (often degenerate) influencers who curate personas of perfect lives, the social masks have remained a constant companion.
We wear them to protect ourselves, to belong, and sometimes, to project who we aspire to be—Our "social armor".
But why is this important?
Understanding the masks we and others wear can lead to deeper, more genuine connections. By recognizing these facades, we can strive to see people as they truly are, not just as they appear to be.
It encourages empathy, allowing us to understand the fears and desires driving those around us.
It's not about unmasking in an invasive way but in fostering an environment where masks can be safely lowered, revealing the authentic person beneath.
Bringing it home
In short, our social masks are a complex dance of identity, protection, and aspiration. Recognizing this can transform how we interact with the world and each other, leading to more authentic relationships.
Masks are not just shields against judgment but ladders to our aspirations; in recognizing them, we uncover our truest connections.
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I remember when I was angry because I didn't get result I wanted.
I used to be naive - believed all people are honest and good - that how I was raised.
I was given painful direct lesson - I felt betrayed - I took it - with sour taste - learned from it.
When I'm ' honest ' and ' myself ' - I push away a lot of people who are - lets say unable to think for themselves - connected and spoon-fed by ' system ' .
Time passes, You grow and understand there is such thing as social calibration, understanding of female nature, certain situation and places require certain calibration to scan, feel and understand what is seen as decent and what is appalling.
Knowing that - You learn to control Your emotions - and be honest with selected few - You know how to present Yourself to get result You want - I decided to be honest - many will think my actions are brutal, because I speak honestly.
Funny think is I do not need to touch You or insult You - but many will be shaken because what they feel inside of them.
Have You ever tried to tell someone - they've been lied to ? - in good faith caring bout them - You gonna get insults / threats etc thrown at You..
So You stop and wait - grow - improve - and wait for moment when they will be ready to face truth - if ever..
That was good read Sol
The word 'person' itself comes from 'persona' you mention, literally meaning a mask.
This reminds me of the Shakespeare's "Life is a theatre and we are all actors".
Now, the question is, what all characters do we play in this theatre? Can a name or an identity ever define a human being? Are we just a name, a noun, or a verb, ever reverberating in the endless possibilities of existence?