Masking and Unmasking

I don't (as yet) accept that masking a trait specific to autism. I'm not going to watch this video for this reason. Not yet, at any rate.  I don't think I've ever met anyone with or without autism who doesn't mask their natural personality to conform to social pressures, and/or avoid abuse or social conflict. 

I know it's a popular concept in autistic circles, which is why I avoid it. I wouldn't want anyone to think I was in any way diminishing their very real experiences. But, for me, I have seen no evidence in the articles I've read to suggest that it is in anyway unique to autistic people. That may be a result of how it is being described.

What I can accept is that it may be more pronounced or exaggerated in autistic people. Autistic people do seek to hide the fact that they are autistic. This is true for many minorities in society who have sought to conceal certain physical traits in order to blend in and be accepted by the cultural majority. 

So, perhaps I'd feel more receptive to the idea of autistic masking, or some other term that distinguishes the physical and psychological accommodations autistic people make from the ones that everyone else makes.

No human I've ever encountered, autistic or otherwise, has been entirely authentic in the company of other humans. Even heterosexual males who are considered as having more social privilege are constantly engaged social posturing with one another (usually psychological or physical plays for dominance). We all inherit and perform social roles. We all wear different masks for different situations and for different interactions: Father, Mother, Brother, Friend, Lover, Employee, Employer, Teacher, Student... the list is endless. My understanding is that it's the very foundation of all human interaction. 

In fact, wearing physical masks to change our appearance has been deeply engrained in every expression of human culture since the first humans danced around fires in caves wearing painted face-coverings. 

So, while it is possible that masking is more pronounced among autistic people for reasons of acceptance and conflict-avoidance, I don't believe it is unique to us.  All humans conform, to some degree, to the norms of the tribe and culture we are part of, whether we do it consciously or unconsciously. 

I've watched the video.  I think they did refer in parts to things that "every body does". I seem to remember from another Yo samdy sam video (or it might have been a study I read) where it mentioned that non autistic people mask to manage their reputation, whereas autistic people mask more to just be able to get by in socisl situations.

Yes, that sounds more accurate a description for me. I would imagine we do it more than others and more likely in order to be more acceptable. 

And all successful poker players. My argument is one of degree and the consequences of failing. If someone brokering a business deal ceases to conform to expectations, the deal might fall through - a limited consequence. Whereas, an autist letting the mask slip might be socially ostracised, lose friends, lose a partner or lose a job, with consequent mental and physical health problems - more drastic consequences.

loads of nonautistic do mask, especially in business during negotiations, then presenting, then entertaining.   some are trained in it.

I suspect that there is a continuum of behaviour ranging from adapting, through conforming to masking. Perhaps masking could be characterised by the existence of a wide divergence away from what would be the natural behaviour of a particular person, and where 'letting the mask slip' would have drastic effects on social acceptance and social success. I have no doubt that some neurotypicals mask, but that it is far more common in, and more advantageous for, autistic people. 

I suspect that there is a continuum of behaviour ranging from adapting, through conforming to masking. Perhaps masking could be characterised by the existence of a wide divergence away from what would be the natural behaviour of a particular person, and where 'letting the mask slip' would have drastic effects on social acceptance and social success. I have no doubt that some neurotypicals mask, but that it is far more common in, and more advantageous for, autistic people. 

And all successful poker players. My argument is one of degree and the consequences of failing. If someone brokering a business deal ceases to conform to expectations, the deal might fall through - a limited consequence. Whereas, an autist letting the mask slip might be socially ostracised, lose friends, lose a partner or lose a job, with consequent mental and physical health problems - more drastic consequences.

loads of nonautistic do mask, especially in business during negotiations, then presenting, then entertaining.   some are trained in it.