Face Masks: Their History and the Values They Communicate.
J Health Commun
; 25(12): 990-995, 2020 12 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1066120
ABSTRACT
Masks, now recommended and worn by a growing proportion of the world's population, have reflected various perceived meaning across time. This paper provides a brief history of the socio-cultural perceptions attached to wearing a mask by surveying how masks were perceived in ancient Greece and Rome, the origins of medical masks, and the ascribed socio-cultural meaning of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of a mask has historically diverse perceived meanings; currently, wearing a mask communicates a bipolar socio-cultural meaning and a nuanced, divisive symbology. To some, masks communicate a belief in medical science and a desire to protect one's neighbor from contagion. To others, a mask communicates oppression, government overreach, and a skepticism toward established scientific principles. It is the mask's ability to signal a deception, or extrapolated more broadly, a value system, that is highly relevant to current public health guidelines encouraging mask use to decrease the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health officials and providers should utilize evidence-based health communication strategies when findings warrant a reversed recommendation of a symbol (such as masks) with a legacy of socio-cultural underpinnings that are deep-seated, complex, and emotional.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Social Values
/
Communication
/
Masks
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Health Commun
Journal subject:
Public Health
/
Health Services
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
10810730.2020.1867257
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