The smile
behind the mask
We long for the time of seeing the beaming smiles of parents and children.
As our faces are partially disguised with protective gear, we ponder upon facial expressions behind masks. Children in particular, are the happiness of society, their smiles are a power force of infectious positivity, and their now masked expressions bring light to a new direction in which our society is understanding each other, and evolving.
Human communication includes a complex array of components, including body language, intonations, eye contact, lip reading, distance between the physical bodies, smell, even air temperature! Yet, as we are advised to physically socially distance, and cover our mouths and noses, so does the chemistry of communication components change. We must exercise other muscles to understand each other, there are new puzzle pieces, and it may well be that our comprehension of each other will take on a different spin.
Psychologists present a spectrum of light in the missing smile behind the mask, and its socio-emotional impact on society. For one, the human brain seeks positivity. A face in disguise is a puzzle for us to decipher whether our counterpart is “Kosher”, and for the most part, we assume that it is. As a disguised bride with a veil is seen as a symbol of beauty, so does the healthy human brain endeavor to translate what we cannot see, as beauty. For the most part, we see positivity and attraction. Our brains, infact, make decisions about how attractive another person's face is within around 13 thousanths of a second.
This article describes the processing as so fast that it occurs below conscious awareness.
On the other hand, and more so with adults, is the discomfort, unacceptance, and anger, with the mask, as the instigator of the COVID-19 emotions. England’s
Boris Johnson
for example, initially only lightly enforced the protective gear. At a time when the prime minister reflected leniency, British citizens felt estranged towards those who were wearing masks. The acceptance that there is peril, and being advised to do something different to our pre COVID-19 days outside our comfort zone, created tension. When there was little endorsement from the administration for protective gear, so did the countrymen resent shielding apparels and those who utilized it.
The COVID-19 dynamic curve is a reflection of an emotional pandemic, with highs and lows. Really, we cannot decide if to laugh or cry, or if those we are communicating with identify with the same emotions. We are hurt by the senior fatalities and lack of hospital beds, yet at the same time grateful for new family routines. We question when
this too shall pass, and in parallel look for trending chalk drawn rainbows reflecting children’s colorful lights. As we cannot see what is behind the mask, we will be left with unopened questions. However, we can and should assume that there or will be an emerging smile, behind that mask!
Shabbat Shalom,
-
Gal Kessler Rohs
, Education Director
