Confessions of a Masked Minority

Is it safe to say that people are tired of COVID-19 and want life to return to normal?  It seems that way!  I find it interesting -- maybe even intriguing -- as I've watched people's reactions when State or County restrictions or guidelines have changed or eased over these many months:  moments of confusion, misunderstanding, anger or acceptance.

I understand, on one level, the disruption and isolation caused by the inconvenience of this pandemic.  Not knowing what is expected or appropriate in different situations can be unnerving.  We want to know how to fit in... and be safe.

I wonder:  what have we learned and where are we, as a society, headed?  Why do we continue to struggle when someone looks or acts different than the majority?

Do you mask your thoughts and feelings?

Several weeks ago, the majority of people were wearing masks and social distancing.  Today, mask wearing is done by fewer people... at least we are seeing fewer physical masks!  (It was amazing how quickly people were ready to ditch those masks at their first opportunity!)

But, are we ready to remove the Masks Hidden by our beliefs and conclusions of others?

Change is not easy when we stay caged in the labels we place on others... or the labels that identify us.  These self-created definitions oftentimes thrive on whether we are a member of the majority or minority, the boundaries that limit and separate us.

What happens when you feel caged in?

 I don't think we can escape the affects of this past year:

• Political tensions and dysfunction
• Safety guidelines adapted to what is known or feared about the virus
• Inequities and injustices surfacing

The pandemics of power, wealth, and justice create imbalances when not shared, not earned fairly, or not allowed equal access.  Our masks and cages keep us from achieving the true human potential we all desire.

Where do you find comfort?

Comfort may come when it is okay to wear a mask -- or take it off -- without being judged.  Comfort may come when we join with others -- masked or unmasked, willingly or imposed -- to understand The Why behind the realities of being a minority, the feelings of isolation, and the chains that bind.  Comfort may come when we sit in human solidarity. 

 

Comfort also comes when we realize the independence that this holiday celebrates: the ability to live in freedom balanced with the responsibility to protect each other's independence.  After all, how important is the mask if it doesn't protect... followed by the freedom when the mask is removed because we are all safe... together?

May we have a safe and healthy Day of Independence.  May those who have a majority status learn to protect those identified as a minority.  May our definitions and labels become unmasked as we understand the reality that we are one.

 

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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