I can’t wait to see STS scholars, design philosophers, researchers at the margins, and activist scholars do social commentary about the mask.
For those that pay attention, the mask is a litmus test for the morality - and social consequence - of human experience.
For those that pay attention, the mask is a litmus test for the morality - and social consequence - of human experience.
When I’m outside, I feel like I’m walking in a completely alien world.
No one else distances themselves from me on the street.
Rarely anyone is wearing a mask outside.
I feel insane constantly.
No one else distances themselves from me on the street.
Rarely anyone is wearing a mask outside.
I feel insane constantly.
There’s so much to unpack.
The mask is cheap, easily adaptable, simple to buy and obtain, and has undoubtable history related to subaltern experience and communities.
Which also means it’s extremely simple to take advantage of.
The mask is cheap, easily adaptable, simple to buy and obtain, and has undoubtable history related to subaltern experience and communities.
Which also means it’s extremely simple to take advantage of.
The problem is, the utility of the mask reveals a communitarian politic. Unlike other designs developed by capitalist communities, it’s primary function in society is altruistic: it works for others, not for yourself.
I know how I feel when people don’t respect COVID-19 guidelines outside. It reveals to me, in no clearer language, how little the world outside cares for each other.
Even the smallest shifts experience the largest backlash.
Even the smallest shifts experience the largest backlash.
Of course, like anything else, society and it’s symbols is shaped by those in power.
The failure of leadership, on national and regional levels, represents the failure to protect humanity, and how caring about others whole experience (read:health) will harm everyone.
The failure of leadership, on national and regional levels, represents the failure to protect humanity, and how caring about others whole experience (read:health) will harm everyone.
But, it also reminds me of the power we all wield - especially when those with the weight behind them stop in their tracks.
It makes me think daily: what can I do to remain alive, and be a point of leverage to make sure others are the same?
It makes me think daily: what can I do to remain alive, and be a point of leverage to make sure others are the same?
What have y’all done? What safety hacks have you designed? What have people around you done?
Cause I feel like I’m the only one - around here - hungry for answers.
Cause I feel like I’m the only one - around here - hungry for answers.
btw this is the tweet that got me ranting
@threadreaderapp unroll me my homie
