When No Mask is Required

I utilized this piece as a demonstration in my class on legibility. The larger text, done with a metal nib, is the same quote as the smaller black text done with a brush pen. I use smaller text to make people move closer, so the reader has to really work hard to read the text, and that usually gets a reaction. Sometimes the point of lettering is not to make it easy to read, sometimes it is more effective when the meaning of the words come to you at last. These are the powerful words within this piece from James Baldwin:

Love takes 
off masks 
that we fear
we cannot
live without 
and know 
we cannot 
live within. 

- James Baldwin 1987

We all have masks we put on and take off depending upon the relationship, the situation, and the trust level. Sometimes we actually create a new mask for certain people, as they win or lose our trust. We build or remove our masks over time. Some become more elaborate, more strong, more hard to remove. While other masks disappear without us even realizing they are gone – we trust and love and therefore lose our need for that mask. When we are honest with ourselves, we can see the masks people are wearing when they spend time with us. Not everyone lets us in all at once, it takes time. Sometimes the masks are never removed, which may be a good thing. Are we really willing to know everything about people AND still love them? Or is it easier to handle some people if we both keep our masks securely in place?

When I am honest with myself, I know the people and situation where I wear a mask. I keep that mask in full view on purpose. Not everyone has earned the right to know the real me, and vice versus I am sure. I also can tell the people in my life who wear their masks all the time. I can see their foibles and character, and their mask is fine with me. Sometimes what is underneath their mask is more than I want to know. Their mask somehow makes it easier to handle them. I know that sounds bad, and yet if you are honest with yourself, you too have these people in your world. We all do, and in some cases WE are the person they want wearing a mask at all times.

I’m sure someone reading this might think I am emotionally challenged, or relationship shy. I think I am wise. Having to deal with everyone’s mess all the time, all at once, with each interaction creates a codependency and frantic environment that few of us have the bandwidth to handle all the time. Being able to put on a brave face, bite your tongue, or even listen without reacting can be tough…so put on your best mask and keep things going. We all do it, those of us who have figured out we do it are wise enough to know what we can handle and what we need to just endure. The time will come when you willingly put away your mask and help the other person gently remove their own mask. These are the treasured moments in life when no mask is required, this is a sign of real love.