What's up with the masks?

[Inky_Quill]

Okay, this is something that's been puzzling me since the beginning - why do all the Wellies wear those creepy face-masks while none of the Wastrels do? I can understand the police and those trenchcoat freaks wearing them as some part of their uniform but not why that would extend to every ordinary citizen.
Is it some sort of requirement for citizenship? If so, how is the main character able to blend in after moving in from the Gardens when I'm assuming he doesn't have his mask anymore (since the character menu shows him as not wearing one)?
Maybe it will be explained in the campaign proper, but at the moment it's one of those things that just buzzes in the back of my mind every time I play.

[Zekh]

I think it's less a mask and more a makeup, maybe it spontaneously pops on your face when you are on Joy..

[Commander Fluffles]

Originally posted by Zekh:

I think it's less a mask and more a makeup, maybe it spontaneously pops on your face when you are on Joy..

Its a mask. Watch the gamescom trailer it shows at one point the first island where a bunch of discarded masks are they wear it to look like they are always smiling

[Yuyuko Saigyouji]

The masks are a statement about society and the masks we wear in Real Life to conform with the people around us. The game makers are making the argument that the pains in our life define us as actual people; the masks are a physical representation of not coaping with the troubles of our lives leaving the people shallow and without identity.

oh man, this is getting to deep . . . <pops a Joy>

What was I talking about?

[Commander Fluffles]

Originally posted by Shikieiki Yamaxanadu:

The masks are a statement about society and the masks we wear in Real Life to conform with the people around us. The game makers are making the argument that the pains in our life define us as actual people; the masks are a physical representation of not coaping with the troubles of our lives leaving the people shallow and without identity.

oh man, this is getting to deep . . . <pops a Joy>

What was I talking about?

Man. Thats deep.

[Dais]

Originally posted by Captain Scarlett:

They are wearing masks not face paint. The mask is flexible and has little hooks to pry open the mouth.

Originally posted by Captain Scarlett:

Originally posted by Unferð:

Well, I've heard that smiling makes you happier. If that's the reason for the hooks, it's a wonderful idea to help people feel better in addition to taking Joy.

You... did take your Joy, didn't you?

That's exactly right :)

So the mask basically makes them smile permanently, so they don't forget to be happy and take their Joy. I just guess that a modified version of the mask (probably without hooks) is part of the Proper Suit even if it's not shown in the menu or maybe a mask is not necessary and is just a choice and sign of dedication.

[alki]

yeah it doesnt make much sense how everyone else wears a mask yet you dont and its fine.

[A.M.]

Originally posted by Matt:

yeah it doesnt make much sense how everyone else wears a mask yet you dont and its fine.

I actually looked up "We are Happy Few Masks" and found this SPECIFICALLY because I was worried about wellies getting concerned about my maskless-ness.

I mean, I'm planning on heading into the Village from the Garden District and I'm very concerned about them freaking out on me!

[Borobby]

Masks are mostly for cosmetic purpose, making you look as you are smiling - sadness if forbidden in the city, because there's a darker purpose behind the appearance of happyness and the figure of Uncle Jack (SPOILER ALERT HERE!).

[Zimbabwe Salt Co.]

One thing I always wonder is if masks are optional. Some of the concept art does Arthur wearing one and it's likely he would of worn one before his exile. Though surely to fit in, in the Garden District he wouldn't wear one, would he?

Maybe in the future it's possible to wear one, where it increases suspicion in the Garden District massively but lowers suspicion when off Joy in the village/Parade?

[Virgil]

The masks aren't optional. They're part of conforming to society, like wearing proper (or any) clothes and taking your Joy pills. There are several scenes in the game where you see someone remove their mask (or your character removes their own), but these are always scenes in which the character is showing vulnerability and/or humanity, and has little likelihood of being rebuffed; note that it NEVER occurs in public. Removal of identity plays a major role in cultivating things like mob mentality and blind allegiance.

I may be projecting a bit based on similar works, but the function of the mask in WW society would be twofold. First, as people have mentioned above, these masks are designed to force your face into a smiling position and act as a constant reminder to take their Joy and be happy. Second, and I would argue more importantly to the psychological control of a population, they inhibit expression between individuals. If a facial expression might belie that your coworker shares your distaste for the WW council, you might then think to approach them as an ally against the council and good citizens of WW. Much better then, that you always be forced to assume that everyone else is 100% loyal, and you're the only dissident.

[Commander Fluffles]

Originally posted by Virgil:

The masks aren't optional. They're part of conforming to society, like wearing proper (or any) clothes and taking your Joy pills. There are several scenes in the game where you see someone remove their mask (or your character removes their own), but these are always scenes in which the character is showing vulnerability and/or humanity, and has little likelihood of being rebuffed; note that it NEVER occurs in public. Removal of identity plays a major role in cultivating things like mob mentality and blind allegiance.

I may be projecting a bit based on similar works, but the function of the mask in WW society would be twofold. First, as people have mentioned above, these masks are designed to force your face into a smiling position and act as a constant reminder to take their Joy and be happy. Second, and I would argue more importantly to the psychological control of a population, they inhibit expression between individuals. If a facial expression might belie that your coworker shares your distaste for the WW council, you might then think to approach them as an ally against the council and good citizens of WW. Much better then, that you always be forced to assume that everyone else is 100% loyal, and you're the only dissident.

This thread is almost 3 years old.

[Tybur35]

Look around you, everywhere you go. People are wearing masks.

[Virgil]

Originally posted by Commander Fluffles:

Originally posted by Virgil:

The masks aren't optional. They're part of conforming to society, like wearing proper (or any) clothes and taking your Joy pills. There are several scenes in the game where you see someone remove their mask (or your character removes their own), but these are always scenes in which the character is showing vulnerability and/or humanity, and has little likelihood of being rebuffed; note that it NEVER occurs in public. Removal of identity plays a major role in cultivating things like mob mentality and blind allegiance.

I may be projecting a bit based on similar works, but the function of the mask in WW society would be twofold. First, as people have mentioned above, these masks are designed to force your face into a smiling position and act as a constant reminder to take their Joy and be happy. Second, and I would argue more importantly to the psychological control of a population, they inhibit expression between individuals. If a facial expression might belie that your coworker shares your distaste for the WW council, you might then think to approach them as an ally against the council and good citizens of WW. Much better then, that you always be forced to assume that everyone else is 100% loyal, and you're the only dissident.

This thread is almost 3 years old.

K.

[maldorf]

Originally posted by Tybur35:

Look around you, everywhere you go. People are wearing masks.

So true, now even in the real world. Less so now than in 2020 when he made this post.