Humans still are scratching the surface of what inner understanding means

BY GLORIA O’KOYE

Another year is about to pass with the mandatory masks being placed in the majority of spaces. Even though it was mentioned that there were some medical exemptions, it seemed that some places would rather lose what they deem as minor setbacks (customers) and refuse entry to folks who didn’t comply, even after individuals share their much valid reasoning. Everyone has their personal opinions and feelings about wearing masks, which can be seen as a nuisance, or is there something deeper than ‘I don’t feel like it’.

Society has been pushing the progressive mind-set for some time now, drilling it into education, board meetings, media, and much more on how to be empathic and not be so quick to judge. Countless training on how to be trauma-informed and anti-oppression frameworks became mandatory in work and academic spaces to tackle issues that had been long set in stone.

Special units and teams were formed to address the concerns of the BIPOC and other community issues that were once overlooked and dismissed. It was either emails, or public announcements on how we must unlearn the old way to see a brighter future. Everything seemed to be all talk with no actions when it came down to it, especially when things turned for the worse during these past two years. This pandemic had people making remarks and both sides were judging the other for the decisions they made. From lockdowns, masks to vaccines with the back and forth verbal debates that continue to separate loved ones. Though historical context and science are thrown against one another, what about the trauma and mental health that had been impacting the population?

Masks are seen as a form of protection from bacteria and viruses. We saw it in the media, in hospitals, and in times when there had been outbreaks. Some professions require the use of masks to protect themselves and others that they serve. For artists, some forms of art require the individuals to work chemicals and risk of toxic fumes (spray paint, etc.) so the mask serves a purpose in protecting one’s health. Masks are worn for short to long periods with frequent rest to get fresh air. So for some individuals, it wasn’t too much of a hassle when mandatory masks were put in place.

What about those who saw masks in a different light? To some it is viewed that the mandatory masks represent being silenced, freedom being taken away when it is enforced. Wearing a mask especially in the summer can feel like suffocating, because of the constant hot breath a body gives out and then breathing it back in. For those who may be pregnant and lying on their back for various reasons such as ultrasounds, wearing the mask for some time could intensify the pressure on their lungs making it difficult to breathe. Maybe the constant use of masks in crowded places heightened anxiety. Fresh air is often overlooked and the feeling of being constrained could trigger individuals.

To some, the masks could remind them of hands covering their mouth and nose, which could translate to multilayers of unresolved issues. Not knowing one’s history could lead others to quickly scold the need to pull the mask down.

It is already difficult for individuals to express what are the root causes that play a role in the choices they make, the side they pick to fight for. Something, which is seen as simple as putting on a mask, could create repressed emotions in others.

Society has a long way to go, even though decades have passed and more knowledge has been gained than in the past. It is moments like this that remind us that we as humans still are scratching the surface of what inner understanding means.