When I was a kid, one of my favorite movies was The Mask, starring Jim Carrey. Through a series of mysterious events, Jim finds a green mask that possesses this palpable and audible presence. The first time Jim puts the mask on, he is shocked and hates how it feels. It completely takes him over and morphs him into something that he doesn't want to be: a crazy maniac with no self-control. He immediately chucks it out the window, but his dog fetches it and brings it back. The farther the story progresses, the mask literally takes over. He can't wait for the next opportunity to slap the mask on his face. I assume that it makes him feel powerful... safe... desired. One line is very revealing about the power of the mask and how much it controls every aspect of his life. Once its on, Carrey dons a bright yellow pinstriped suit and declares to himself:
"Its time to P-A-R-T-Why? 'Cause I gotta."
Why do we wear masks? Why do I wear masks? What do we have to hide?
We hide the fact that we're "different," by putting on the mask. We try to dull ourselves down and make ourselves more powerful, safe, and desirable.
All throughout my school career, I've been the subject of some sort of bullying. In primary school I did gymnastics instead of flag football. In middle school I did quiz bowl and cross country instead of football. In high school I did choir and forensics instead of football, basketball, or baseball. Because I wasn't like the crowd, I was picked on. I put masks on to fit in.
And starting college, I tried JUST as hard to fit in, but in a different way. I listened to music I didn't really like, participated in events I really didn't want to go to, and ran around with guys I really didn't get along with. I settled for a lesser version of the real me. I settled for shallow friendships and stereotypes.
In Mancave last week, we talked about what it takes to break the male stereotyped "shallow friendship," AKA, the guys who talk solely about girls, cars, and sports and play poker once a week.
It requires taking off the mask. That's the expectation.
Its so hard to take the mask off when it is so comfortable and "natural" on our faces, but we can do it... You can do it... even I can do it.
Let's break the stereotypes of shallow friendships, take the masks off, and walk in real community together.
