Box 2: ‘Superheroes’ wear face coverings
This picture (Figure 2) was an entry into the #UnmaskStigma world TB
day challenge where members of the public submitted photos of themselves
wearing a face covering. The aim was to change medical masks from being
symbols of illness and Tuberculosis disease and make them fun. Entries
showed people doing exciting activities like surfing and sky-diving, and
the mundane activities like ironing and walking to work, while wearing a
face covering. Celebrities that also supported the campaign were
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Katie Holmes and it was co-launched between
the NGO TB Proof and the then WHO Director of the Global TB Programme.
Recent mandating of face coverings in the context of COVID-19 has
probably reduced stigma around this practice in some countries. However,
universal use does not mitigate all negative symbolism. Face coverings
are a physical barrier and can still symbolise a form of separation even
when venturing out in public. Communicating with someone while your
mouth is covered dampens the sound, does not allow them to lip read and
removes non-verbal communication such as smiling.