Charles Explorer logo
🇬🇧

DIY face masks - Practicing solidarity and care in the time of global pandemic

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2020

Abstract

These days, we can observe how a pandemic changes an individual's behaviour and how it affects society as a whole. People approached the information about the pandemic differently - depending on the widespread scenarios of behavior and regulations in crises.

The face with mask became a universal symbol of struggle against pandemic in Slovakia. A gesture of solidarity and collective respect to others.

Moreover, it symbolizes the hereditary crafting potential of Slovak DIY skills, which can solve "any situation of shortage". In the light of the situation, Slovak government imposed regulation of mandatory face covering, though without taking steps to provide masks.

The government has relied on the initiative of ordinary Slovaks. In other words, the state exploited of the civic potential of solidarity and self-sacrifice.

Face masks are mandatory, but at the same time, state failed its most important function: to protect of its citizens and particularly the most vulnerable. However, the efficiency of face masks has been questioned abroad, people in Slovakia took on the responsibility of the government and switched on their sewing machines.

Wearing a (DIY) face mask symbolizes an individual act of solidarity and care, showing people around you that you care about protecting them. These prepositions will be further detailed in the presentation.