What your mask says about you
Whether you like it or not, 2020 is the era of the face mask. At the Faculty of Law, instead of seeing everyone’s face full of joy and happiness (or misery if you didn’t finish your readings and cold calls await you), we see nothing but a sea of masks. Yet, we are resilient and always find ways to express ourselves. So, what does your mask choice say about you?
Simple is best: Black
There is no debate that black masks are one of the simplest yet coolest designs out there. This mask goes well with any outfit: black suits or hoodies alike. Many heads of state regularly wear them; need we say more?
White
While not as common as black masks, white masks communicate a similar message and complement any fashion choice with a vibe of elegance that resides in simplicity.
Colours
Another variation of this theme consists of masks of a single colour. These masks are slightly more distinguished from black or white masks as the wearer must put more thought into how the specific colour works with what they are wearing that day. A rather subjective recommendation is to avoid these colourful masks if you don’t have a matching outfit.
Subtly unique
There is a niche of students who, while appreciating the beauty of simplicity, are not entirely satisfied with the way average simple masks look. These students opt for masks with small accent designs at the corner or along the edge to convey a subtle individuality that people will notice only when they are close enough (but still two metres apart).
Intricately unique
Now, this is the category where individuality is front and centre. With abstract or floral patterns, these fashionable masks are a great way to differentiate yourself from others. The chance of someone else wearing the same mask on the same day is close to zero. If that ever happens, a long-lasting friendship may ensue.
Proud to be a student
There could be several reasons why you wear the standard U of T mask. Maybe you just love this specific hue of blue, or maybe you are proud to be here. Or, perhaps because they were free ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. And who doesn’t love free stuff when the tuition is so high?
“I was here in August”
There will never be enough free masks. For 1L students (myself included) who had to endure two weeks of Legal Methods before the official start of the academic year, we definitely deserved another free mask, courtesy of the SLS.
Health is the priority
Lastly, let’s not forget why we are wearing masks: for health and safety. In achieving this particular purpose, certified surgical masks may have the edge over cloth masks and some students may choose to wear them instead. These surgical masks are also readily available and come in a pack of 30 or 50 that will last for quite some time.
As the school year goes on, we will likely see the emergence of more distinct face masks. Just like any other fashion trend, we may witness the rise of an entirely different design followed by the return to the traditional. Perhaps we will each be designing our own mask by the end of all this. Only time will tell. But one thing we know for sure in the meantime: please wear your masks inside the law school buildings.
