This Sunday Scribblings prompt immediately brought to mind one of my favorite comedies, The Mask with Jim Carrey.
Imagine if we could put on a magic mask and become who we truly are. Funny guy Jim became a cartoon character brought to life. The villain became.... yea a villain.
Who would YOU really be? Couldn't we assume that we are already wearing a mask. This magic mask called a face which hides who we truly are. Our true emotions and thoughts. A face which Hides our anger when we don't think it's appropriate to show it. Hides our criticism of others, hides desires and disappointments, hides contempt. Everyone is guilty of it. We smile and shake hands and are gracious. Our true feelings turning our insides upside down, but We MUST be socially acceptable.
Imagine if we put on Jim's mask and just "told it like it is". No holds barred. I imagine a lot of emotional pain and people falling apart. Lies are a necessary part of society. Humanity is essential for our existence, whether it's bullshit or not. So make sure you put on your happy face, take a pepcid ac if you must and keep our world turning with dishonesty, evasion and mucho crap.
( totally off subject: Is anyone else having a problem using the preview feature on blogger? I can't preview my posts as I am writing anymore, If anyone out there can offer help, I would really appreciate it)
2 weeks ago
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14 comments:
The "Mask" was an incredible vehicle for the physical comedy talents of Mr. Carrey.
There is a grey area between being kind and being disingenuous -- but civility enables you to keep the individual you are encounter open to what you have to offer.
If you shut down the person you've met with harsh pointed confrontation -- you won't be very effective with your communications. Some kindness is simply that and motivated by nothing -- save compassion, which is a great thing, and much needed in this world.
I enjoyed reading your post.
I agree with this completely. BS is a necessary oil in the mechanics of life. Doesn't mean we have to like it though!
I think the masks we put on in certain social situations are more about good manners than telling lies. Without civility and simple acts of human kindness, where would any of us be? I am not a Jim Carrey fan, but I did like The Mask and its premise.
I had enjoyed that movie immensely.
Maybe we do need that mask called face to "face" the world, so as to speak!
Lucy,
I loved Jim Carey in "The Mask".
Masks are for our protection but also to protect those around us from us. Kindness, civility are what breed acceptance. No matter what mask we are wearing we can always be cordial, as it says in Desiderada (http://sageplace.com/desiderada.htm)
"listen to others, even the dull and ignorant;
They too have their story."
rel
At first, I want to disagree that "lies are a necessary part of society," but I'm afraid I really can't. Very interesting post.
Gee Lucy, I think you won't be surprised when I tell you my mask looks decidedly like a little, hairy Terrier.
Good post Lucy! Funny how we all wear the mask for different reasons! My motto is “don’t ask me if you don’t want to know”! I pride myself on that honesty, although at times not always a popular thing to say. I have discretion and don’t divulge secrets. I use diplomacy where ever possible. I’m not blatant, I’m cautious, but I respect the truth however distasteful, as long as it comes from a place of good intention! I crave connection with authentic people! Good job.
Hugs Sherrie
I'd love to have a mask that actually revealed my character. I'm an introvert and I too often hold back who I really am.
Civility and good manners are very important. I draw the line however at agreeing with people when they say things I really disagree with.
thanks so much for all the comments everybody. I think I came off sounding like I am a phony in this post. Not at all, i DO like to tell it like it is, However, Especially with clients you Can't always say what you are actually feeling. I agree with you Crafty, I think it's okay to disagree as long as you are respectful. Lately, I have had a few new clients who I thought were absolutely horrible. I had to smile and be polite and do a fine job. Someone actually told me she hates kids even her own, and she was being serious! errrrrrrrrrr
and gee Remi, I hope you don't think I am dull and ignorant :(
I'd forgotten all about that movie. What a smart way to talk about masks. I used to tend to say things more directly like Carrey's character, but that just got me into trouble. Now I'm much more mellower and tend to wear a "whatever" mask.
Sometimes, when the daily challenges feel intimidating, I'd love to have a few masks with me like: strength and courage. I'd like to at least "fake it until I make it". Happy Tuesday!!
interesting and yes its so true, the masks of societal convention keep the days running smoothly most days though sometimes its nice to cut through the bs and just 'tell it like it is' in a way that avoids causing pain to others ... tough one i think ...
i really liked that movie :)
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