Masks | Fumitoshi Kato, Dean of the Graduate School of Media and Governance
2020.09.29
Fortunately, I haven't caught a cold in over 10 years. I feel bad for those who suffer every year when the season comes, but I don't have hay fever either. So, I never imagined that a "daily life" of wearing masks would arrive. Visually speaking, a mask is an item that covers part of your face and erases your individuality. Above all, since it hides your mouth, clues to your expression suddenly become scarce. Add a baseball cap and sunglasses, and you can instantly become a "suspicious person" (though you'd probably stand out).
When the state of emergency was declared, it was difficult to get masks. As I mentioned, I didn't usually wear masks, so I didn't have any stocked at home. In the end, I searched online and reluctantly bought expensive masks. Living with a mask is tough when you're not used to it. Even the walks I took to get some exercise became difficult on hot days while wearing a mask.
And now, in what I believe is a testament to our adaptability, masks have become part of "daily life." Many of what used to be "suspicious people" are now walking around. I recently saw news that a specialty mask store had opened. When I actually go out and look around, I notice that masks are becoming an integral part of people's attire. It's a huge difference from when they were in short supply. Function is of course important, but the colors, patterns, and materials are also incredibly diverse. Personally, I wasn't a big fan of black masks, but that feeling has softened. It's strange that when I see someone wearing a mask that matches the color of their clothes or belongings, I sometimes even think they look "stylish" rather than suspicious. It seems my own view of masks has changed in just six months. Masks can be understood not as something that erases individuality, but as a medium for self-expression.
The "daily life" of wearing masks is filled with pressure to conform. As we prepare to gradually reopen the campus for the fall semester, we will be asking people to wear masks to prevent the spread of infection. Wearing a mask is becoming the norm, not just on campus, but also when using public transportation, various facilities, and even when walking around town.
But sometimes you might forget your mask. At times like that, you might feel guilty or perceive people's gazes as cold. On the other hand, there are also scenes where people's reactions to seeing someone without a mask appear cruel (albeit somewhat exaggerated). In reality, they might just be taking it off for a moment because they're having trouble breathing. Some people may have sensitive skin and be unable to wear a mask due to the friction. There's no doubt that everyone has their own circumstances.
The opportunity to meet with students and colleagues is returning. As I look forward to reuniting after about six months, I find myself pondering various things about this "daily life" of wearing masks. You can tell immediately just by looking whether someone is wearing a mask. I wonder if this obviousness might dull our sensibilities. Do we react emotionally just by seeing someone without a mask? At times like that, it's important to try to imagine the circumstances behind it. Having a little bit of leeway is crucial.
I am reminded that, in fact, there are many situations that are far less obvious than wearing a mask. Some people look healthy but are actually suffering from an illness. There are limits to understanding each other's situations based on visual cues alone. Even in close relationships (or rather, precisely because they are close), there are things we cannot understand about each other.
In our social lives, we sometimes have to accept a certain degree of constraint. But each person's thoughts and attitudes are diverse, and everyone is different. And yet, it's not as if everyone is isolated. Imagination for others is something that is cultivated in the midst of such complex days, through our interactions with others.