Mask

                What is a mask? According to Dictionary.com, a mask is a covering for all or part of the face, worn to conceal ones identity. This definition does not apply to the simple concept of a physical mask, but to the idea that we do not show our true selves to the world around us. One must not take the concept of a mask lightly, for throughout the age of man, all people have utilized a mask. This is true even today. We all walk around wearing our masks. We all walk around deceiving people into believing that what they see is the truth. It is in all of us, and not just a few of us. I for one, do it all the time.

The question remains though, why on earth do we deceive people into believing that the people they see in front of them is the true person that they are viewing?

                I am no different than any one of you. I, too, have my underlying secrets that I hide. I, too, feel insecure around most people. Just like you, I fear people gazing into my mind and viewing me for all that I am. I do not gain comfort from the fact that someone knows me that well. It scares me even. My hypothesis for my phobia is that I do not want to feel open and vulnerable. In my experience and my observation, I have realized that when people know so much about a person, human nature takes control, provoking them to take advantage. When one knows so much about another person, manipulation becomes as simple as blinking. For fear of that manipulation and for that fear of that broken trust, I close myself to the rest of the world, hoping that people will not know the true me. But that is just me.

Just like me, people fear being manipulated. Being manipulated, in modern society, is a sign of weakness and frailty. Most people detest being manipulated as that is what it implies. Often times that feeling of weakness is complimented with the humiliating feeling of being used. Out of a sense of pride and self-respect, we prevent all from knowing who we truly are. Though people wear masks to shield themselves from being known and manipulated, most of the time, there are also several other reasons why such a phenomenon takes place.

Vanity, the nature of those consumed by the need to fit society's ideals, is one of the primary stigmas of wearing this so called mask. People want to be cool and fit in. In order to be that “popular kid,” people often change who they are. Even famous singers address it in their songs, such as Mike Posner, who criticizes the way people behave in his very popular song,” Cooler Than Me.” They alter themselves to adapt to the social trend; though, these people relatively content, they often are no longer themselves. From a psychological viewpoint, this often takes placeas a result of personal insecurities. These insecurities stem from the fear of not being accepted as they are. They feel safer in being a part of the mass, rather than being themselves.

We all put on masks to distort the perception of who we truly are. Some people do it more thoroughly than others, while others show almost all of themselves. For those people who feel no fear in expressing themselves completely, kudos. However, to those people who feel the need to hide, show some courage. Embrace who you truly are, and do not hold back. Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but my suggestion still stands – dare to be yourself. 

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