The Masks We Wear
Who are we really actually? Everyday, we wake up and perform tasks like our jobs, go home, eat dinner, watch TV, and go to sleep. Then tomorrow, we repeat everything again. We say we are different, that we are our own individuals having different personalities. Yet, we run our everyday life with little or no difference from others. Personality is just an illusion. Probably, humans just made it up so that they can use it to blame their shortcomings. We say things like “no it just no in me to do it”, but seriously, who are we kidding?
In reality, what we really do is wear mask, think of it like role playing. When we go to work, we put on a “job” mask. Think of it like stamping the word “accountant” in red big bold letter on your forehead. Then when you go home, you wear the “dad” mask, becoming the great guy that your kids love. You also alternately wear the “loving husband” mask while you spouse rotates mask that are labelled, “mom” and “loving wife”. There are sometimes you also put on the “me” mask when spending time alone (your so-called personality, that when you think about who you are). The thing is that we act differently with every different mask we put on. A person can be really agressive at work, be the “fun guy” while hanging out with friends, and yet be the caring and loving husband and father at the same time. Who we are changes with the different mask we put on. We often say that our personality changes when time goes by, but in fact it changes so many times in just one day!
There’s no such thing as a personality, being that you are what you are, a rigid thinking that this is who you are and cannot change it. It’s funny how some people are afraid to change as they are afraid they might lose themselves. Then, if you look at the countless times you change masks in a single day, it’s suprisingly liberating to know, that your so called personality is more fluid and flexible than ever. We are constantly changing, so used to it that we don’t really feel the difference when we are at work or play.
When it comes down to the crunch, what’s important is not the mask you wear but how well you can change mask. Ever seen that China circus act of a guy that can change his mask really quick? Yes, that’s a great example of adaptability. Like this, once you come back from work and open the door to your house, you must already be wearing your “family” mask. Imagine what will happen if you still have your agressive “job” mask on….ohhh….disastrous! =)
June 25th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Lolz..kayz true 2 the point for some n not for some but sometimes i wont put it as masks as sometimes i feel tat all those emotions you mention comes naturally.I’d prefer 2 call them proffesionalism,n respondsibility for some.N i only half agree that personality is an illusion as if you say it is den how come some ppl are more charismatic n popular den others?Why some are geek or nerd personified?Im sure most of there ppl im mentionsing would love or at least have the feeling of being as popular as the handsome wants right?Den why cant they just put on a mask n just change thier style n imej?Cuz it doesnt work tat way.Well wat i can say is true is that personality is ever changing but not character n thats what counts.Its the only one thing ppl dont shed like a skin n its the ‘mask’ that one puts on when their alone.Tis much i can say.Its your verdict,im just an opinion. =P
So build up ur character!not ur personality.
To YUENZ:
Good point there, but not quite. Actually, masks are used as a metaphor in the sense of emotions and behaviours. The point is that in everything you do, your behaviour is totally different, contrary to what personality is suggesting, which is a consistent trait of behaviour. If you free your mind from the thought that personality makes you who you are, you can actually control your characteristics, just like wearing a mask. The key is again how good you are at changing it, it is adaptability, in a way. People like you are locked in this thinking that nerd will forever be nerds, that personality is constant. Ever watch those makeover shows? Well think about it, in just mere week a person’s way they talk communicate and even perhaps think can be changed, what more personality. (From nerd to total stud!) Masks also represents a set of behaviours adapted to different roles in life. So, if you want to be popular, you must mold a mask suiting that task, resting assured that you will never lose you personality as there is none. So if you really want to be popular, you need to conciously make the change in your set of behaviours (a new mask) that is tailored to make you popular. Don’t worry about becoming a different person as I have pointed out that unconciously you change your behaviour so much just in a day (using the metaphor of changing mask). Build character you say, that’s so cliche! =P