Facemasks alter our interactions with other people to quite an extent. Currently, the world is going through a pandemic where thousands have lost their precious lives due to the novel coronavirus. To curb the virus, more than 50 countries have mandated to follow standard operating procedures strictly.

One of the primary directives mandated is to wear a facemask in public places. While many countries have still locked down major cities, few of them have finally started to go back to what was once called ‘normal’.

In some Asian countries, people already wear facemasks because of the pollution, while many other countries are newer to the practice. People are struggling with something covering their faces at all times.

“It’s hard to breathe with a mask on” and “I can’t have a proper conversation because my words sound muffled” are two common objections, according to BBC.

Humans are prone to process faces as a whole and connect words to facial expressions. Covering face with masks will hide most of the face hence making interactions with others difficult.

Psychologist Rebecca Brewer studies facial expression from the Royal Holloway University of London. She says, “When we cannot see the whole face, such holistic processing is disrupted.”

“But millions of women around the world wear face veils every day with few apparent problems with hindered communication,” points out Sandy Ong from BBC.

However, Aleix Martinez has a difference of opinion. He says, “The fact that you’re wearing a mask or that you have your face covered should not prevent others from understanding what you’re trying to express non-verbally.”

Al Zayer, a woman living in Saudi Arabia, says her colleagues and aunts covered their faces. The only way she understood what they were trying to communicate was when she paid more attention to the body language, eye contact, tone, and hand gestures. She says, “It wasn’t hard, but it was very different.”

Facemasks will likely become widespread and common. It is best to get the hang of it and learn to communicate while having it on.

Al Zayer’s experience demonstrates that the interaction with masks may have altered, but it is unlikely that you can’t communicate. Specific charities, however, are concerned about the deaf communities as communication for them will become a huge problem.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Shaan-e-Pakistan announces the second edition of the Shaan-e-Pakistan Music Achievements Awards (SEPMA) to go online due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

The digital event, led by Huma Nassr will be both national and international by bringing together musicians of all genres, providing them with opportunities to be heard on a global scale.

SEPMA 2020 is a culmination of various performances that will portray the essence of the Pakistani music scene from July to September 2020.

The 2020 SEPMA Digital Show will consist of:

• SEPMA Drum Circle Announcement
• SEPMA Digital Summit
• SEPMA Award Trophy Reveal and Tarana Digital Launch
• SEPMA 2020 Awards Ceremony

SEPMA 2020 aims to do the same as its previous year, bringing together the Pakistan music fraternity, while celebrating singers and musicians from part of the world.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will continue as planned but will be hosted digitally for the foreseeable future. On-ground events are put on hold, and the SEPMA team has re-strategize the award show to be an immersive, entertaining, accessible digital event.

SEPMA’s aim and purpose is to highlight South Asian ensembles as well as to bring together musicians, illustrators, and singers to bring to light the plethora of talent that Pakistan hosts; nationally and internationally.

Huma Nassr, the brainchild of SEPMA voiced her concerns with the current world situation in mind.  She stated, “A major concern for my team and I was the safety and responsibility that comes with initiating the process of the show in these COVID times; hence our decision to take it all online.”

The events, both online and on ground, would not be possible without the immense support of Irfan Pardesi, CEO Zee Foundation who has been the main promoter of the event in the previous editions and recognizes Nassr’s vision.

Among the main strategic partners supporting Shaan-e-Pakistan with gusto are Malka Foods and HEMANI, Poet Amir Qureshi, NOVA Color, Social Squad headed by CEO Fahd and Aisha, Koel Gallery by Noorjehan and Aqeel Bilgrami, Ahsan Khaliq – CEO of Saad Ahsan Immigration Law Firm and Umer Hussein – Owner of Sweet Tooth.

All suggestions and portfolios for possible nominations to be sent to info.shaanepakistan@gmail.com by 1st August 2020.

For commercial information and sponsorship packages please send emails to info@talkingpoint.pk.