THE MASK UNMASKED - By Shirley Philip

Written By: Shirley Philip

Category: ESSAY

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In Shirley Philip's essay "THE MASK UNMASKED," submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, the author delves into the profound transformation of masks from fictional symbols to everyday essentials. This thought-provoking essay explores the symbolic and practical roles masks have played during the pandemic, reflecting on their impact on human expression and societal norms. Shirley Philip invites readers to consider the metaphorical masks we all wear throughout life, creating a tapestry of insight and introspection.

About the Work

Shirley Philip's essay artfully examines the duality of masks as both physical and metaphorical entities. The piece reflects on the pandemic's societal impact, drawing parallels between fictional mask-wearing heroes and the everyday reality of mask mandates. Through vivid imagery and contemplative prose, Philip challenges readers to rethink the purpose and necessity of both literal and figurative masks, urging an exploration into the essence of human identity and expression.

THE MASK UNMASKED

Original Submission by Shirley Philip

The MASK unmasked

Who would have thought a year and a half ago that masks would become an integral part of everyday life ??

How did the mask become so indispensable ?

My vision of the mask was confined to all the mysterious, fictionary sci fi comic characters like Zorro, Batman, Spiderman, and movies like “The Mask”, “Friday the 13th”, “Silence of the Lambs” and “Star Wars”. The; masks worn by the health personnel were the only real world masks which were familiar to me. ‘We all wear masks and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin’. Masks convey a silent language which is universally understood and which defines the essence of human expressions and emotions. Each of us have a series of metaphorical masks that we don when we pass through various stages of our lives.

When the COVID lockdown commenced, it was almost like an apocalypse had descended upon the earth with human beings walking along by masked zombies. Aside from the rhetorical and symbolic roles of face covering in the anti-mask discourse, the pandemic has unleashed an inner churning about our existence as we all pressed a pause button. ‘Life has been unmasked as we masked ourselves to suevive’. The pandemic underlined the need to revisit and, if required, redefine the purpose and meaning of life.

The biggest TAKEAWAY from the MASK is to lesrn to discern that life is never in apple-pie order, life cannot be on the highway all the time and that each one of us is only a part of the larger design.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the creativity and insights of writers worldwide. This competition welcomes diverse voices, offering a stage for poets and writers to share their unique perspectives and stories. Participants are encouraged to submit works that resonate with contemporary themes, inviting global discourse and artistic expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shirley Philip for her insightful essay, "THE MASK UNMASKED," a notable entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her exploration of the evolving significance of masks is both timely and evocative, prompting reflection on our shared human experience. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to engaging with more of her thought-provoking work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.