We are in a state of war; in fact, we have been at war since the inception of the war on terror back in 2001. Since then, we have experienced what is war about: war brings out the worst and the best in people. A recent worst was seen soon after the Anarkali Bazaar blast on Thursday last when least bothered about the bloodbath around, some people (or most of the people) at the scene started collecting money, valuables, prize bonds, and everything other than humanity left strewn across the road. According to a moving story by our reporter, Fida Hussnain, published on Saturday, the impact of the blast scattered prize bonds from the nearby shop. Seeing the shopkeeper not around, those at the scene saw it as something of a lottery and snitched prize bonds. Shame!
The looters, however, did not know that besides Allah, they are being watched over by surveillance cameras. The video of the pilferage is now viral on social media. Now, this is left to security agencies to trace and track the heartless lot, which, instead of turning to those in a pool of blood, turned to the loot.
The incident brings out the best of the surveillance cameras too. There were times when the Safe City Authority-operated cameras were installed on city roads, I was skeptical about their effectiveness. My point of view was: these cameras breach our privacy. We cannot indulge in nose picking, no matter it is compulsive or compulsory; we cannot kick in the butt of a longtime buddy; we cannot make faces. We cannot do anything childish. My friends say the CCTV cameras were installed to make typical Lahorites civilized.
Is the effort successful?
Well, yes, and no.
Most of us try to be formal, stiff, and serious when outside.
A study by the researchers at Cardiff University finds that both men and women look more attractive in a face mask. This is one of the best things during the COVID pandemic. The findings should not trigger a spree for fashionable coverings as the study suggests that a disposable-type surgical mask, which is available for Rs5 per piece at convenience stores, will judge you better and more attractive. Much before the publication of this research, people in our part of the world, however, had discovered the fact, and for that reason, most of the people mindful of their looks had started wearing designer covering. The research also states that the research undertaken before the pandemic found that face masks “reduced attractiveness because they were associated with disease or illness”. Yes, whenever we used to see a doctor or a paramedic wearing a medical face covering, it would make the commodity a turn-off.
The pandemic, however, has changed people’s perceptions to face masks, which have now become as necessary for us to live as oxygen and water. Please, keep on tolerating the difficulty to breathe while in a mask, but it is a necessity to keep our breathing system running.
With time, I have discovered some other benefits of face masks too.
For example, the accessory can help you hide your facial expression when people make snarky comments, creating irritating situations. Face masks keep the situation under control. Similarly, people may save time and money as a face mask can relieve people of makeup and shaving. In a way, the face mask is a new-era burka for both men and women.
Welcome to the new era!
