Abstract

During the covid-19 pandemic, cloth and disposable masks were recommended to reduce virus transmission. As mask wearing became more common, whether by personal choice or regulation, and the variety of masks available increased, these masks acquired the status of key material-culture objects. This essay reflects on the symbolic nature of obtaining, wearing, and discarding masks during the pandemic within the context of Michigan in the United States. Using material-culture theories proposed by Anna Tsing, Arjun Appadurai, Christine Harold, and Andrei Guruianu and Natalia Andrievskikh, I consider the cultural value, power, and communicability of masks. Woven into this reflection are my personal experiences with masks as they relate to the three themes. I conclude by reflecting on the ephemeral nature of masks and the ever-changing meanings derived through an examination of material culture.

摘要

疫情期间-19 大流行，布和一次性口罩被推荐以减少病毒传播。随着面具佩戴变得越来越普遍，无论是个人选择还是法规，以及可用面具的种类增加，这些面具获得了关键物质文化对象的地位。这篇文章反映了在美国密歇根州大流行期间获得、佩戴和丢弃口罩的象征性。使用 Anna Tsing、Arjun Appadurai、Christine Harold、Andrei Guruianu 和 Natalia Andrievskikh 提出的物质文化理论，我考虑了面具的文化价值、力量和传播性。融入这种反思的是我个人对面具的体验，因为它们与三个主题相关。