Hunter-gatherers used decorative clay masks to define their territories and identify members of their family. They designed masks to honor ancestors and deceased relatives. They incorporated them into ritual processions, as well, and within every tribe, specific cultural codes were developed depending on their particular needs or duties.
In today’s time, we won’t be dancing around any fires or seeing an uptick in kiln sales. However, in the same way clay masks created boundaries, and cell phones developed their own set of manners, protective face masks will do the same.
Here are a few of our key codes of conduct that we like to keep in mind while we’re out and about.
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Don’t forget about hand washing and social distancing. Wearing a mask is a part of this crucial trifecta. Covering your face is only the first step in protecting yourself and others.
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Ask whomever you’re with about their comfort and safety. Personalize how you interact with others and set rules. If you’re going to occupy a small space together, decide on a protocol: when should you wear your masks? How much distance should you keep between each other whether you wear them or not? This can be as casual as a ten second conversation, or a much longer, more friendship-building discussion.
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Before you hug somebody or stick out your hand, ask what they feel most comfortable doing. A handshake, which was initially meant to signal that you weren’t carrying a weapon, was obsolete way before the pandemic. Head nods are a great alternative! They demonstrate consideration and respect without any physical contact.
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If you sneeze or cough while wearing a mask, still use your elbow! Sneezes come with force. Masks don’t replace sanitary practices, they enhance them. Doing this also signals that you wear a mask to practice cleanliness at all times, not just because you need one to get into the market.
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If you have an impressively large beard, you should consider trimming it. If your beard is too long, it could prevent the mask from effectively sealing your face.
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Keep your mask on while jogging in a busy area. We know it gets sweaty and hot, but it’s better than not wearing one at all -- or worse: constantly removing it and strapping it back on every time you pass someone. This increases your chances of contaminating your own mask.
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Don’t complain about your mask. We’re all victims of this virus. Let’s enjoy the minimal interactions we’re having as positively as possible! Unless you have constructive criticism. In that case, fire away, and preferably here. We’d love to hear your thoughts and grow.
- It’s good manners, plain and simple. Manners are about respecting other people and putting them first, whether they’re loved ones or strangers on the street. Since masks prevent you from spreading infection, wearing a mask is another way of saying, “I care.”