You’ve probably seen the photos going around the Interent showing Mexicans wearing masks as a precaution against swine flu – right? Proof – if it is needed – that even in times of terror, people can still retain a zany sense of humour.
And if you’ve always wanted a droopy moustache, then why not go ahead and make your dream come true?
At first I thought that these humorous masks arose due to swine flu. But, apparently not. Back in 2003, when SARS was scaring the living daylights out of us, people were making fashion statements back then too.
After all, they didn’t want any monkey business out of SARS, did they?
I started wondering if these funny masks only made an appearance during times of pandemics and mass hysteria. But they don’t.
During the flu and allergy seasons in Japan, it is common to see people sporting masks, both to keep out other people’s germs and to keep in their own.
Although the Centre for Disease Control states that wearing a surgical mask is not likely to prevent you from getting a virus, if you want the comfort of wearing one, then you may as well do it with style.
Lady Fi 
when life gives you lemons, make lemonade….
when life gives you a chance of catching swine flu, make really cool masks!!!
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Leave it to the Japanese to come up with stuff like this! But hey, I have to say, it’s better then the plain blue or green masks hospitals hand out…I’d have one made with big lips..like Angelina Jolie…hahahaha….
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Those are cute! If the idea of wearing masks to prevent against swine flu wasn’t so ridiculous i’d go out and buy one! :p
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We had a picture in our newspaper the other day, showing many presidents wearing such masks. Then there was our president…..his mask was over his “private parts”. Why?
Now that he has been elected president, many women with illegitimate children are coming forward claiming he is the father of their children……. So far there are 3 confirmed and 16 claims!
So I guess you can use these masks for more than just one purpose…. 🙂
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Oh yeah, when were in Vietnam, we saw them at the markets being sold in all different shades and patterns. I thought they used them against pollution too?
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Yeah I want that tache!
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These are fantastic and show that people will always come up with creative ways to stimulate commerce. I don’t see why masks wouldn’t help, actually, as long as you wash your hands constantly. They do kind of filter what you inhale, which is a big vector.
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I’ve never seen those. I remember trying on a mask once and hated the feeling. It gets all hot inside the mask and muggy. I’m always impressed with how you find these interesting photos. Imagine is designers make them like Chanel, Dior, Luis Vuitton. The latter might be a good gimmick for the Japanese who flock to Paris to get their LV handbags.
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I don’t think I’d like to be behind a mask really – I’d probably get an overdose from my own germs
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THESE ARE GREAT!! I’m making one for my whole body. It’s gonna have a skinny runway model on it, face included, with the sharp-edged cheek bones. Course, I do realize I will have to wear TWO of them but I’ll just tell everyone I’m twins.
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I saw these a while ago. SOme of them are so funny!
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Wonderful! This is the kind of stuff that makes the world go round. x
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Just got back from the airport, and there were many people wearing the masks. Somehow that always makes me feel that they are the ones with the flu, not the other way around.
Jen
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Asians are big on wearing masks even though they only have a cold-it’s a sign of politeness. Many Westerners make fun of Asian people wearing masks during SARS.
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I love it! I would even wear one if I could have a creative one like these! Why not have fun with it and show some personality!
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These are so funny! Great idea.
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Love the mask! its already a tension-filled world out there, something like this can brighten up one’s day 🙂
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Hey Lady Fi…
Point taken… We are inviting the little boy because like I said… I think it is TOTALLY WRONG to exclude one or 2 children… like this mother always seems to do..& as far as calling her by name… she doesn’t read my blog anyway… I really REALLY would love to give her a piece of my mind one day… I think she is totally wrong fro trying to divide the class.. it is such a small class anyway, & this kids will be in the same class together for the next 4 years so why play these kinds of games?
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Hahahaha, I’ve always wanted a droopy moustache….now I can have one….YAY!!!!
C x
Ps. The Thai’s wear them all the time. I think it’s got something to do with all the traffic fumes!!
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I did not take offense at all, as a matter of face, I’m glad that someone is clearing up the stereotypical image of Asians wearing masks.
I recently encountered a cop who was making fun of Asian people wearing masks, right in front of me. He was quite ignorant but I didn’t say anything to him though.
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Too funny! A flu fashion statement.
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Hey, they are cool… I wouldn’t mind having Angelina’s *trout pout*, without the plastic surgery!!
If it can make a difference with spreading colds and flu’s… why not? Although the thought of MY germs building up behind the mask… well, it’s a little weird!
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I am loving these masks so much! Great find.
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The Japanese have it in the bag every time !!! Loved the pics, thank you.
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This is great! If you need to wear a mask you might as well do it in style!
I would totally go for the droopy mustache one 🙂
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Love this! Thanks for sharing!
Saw this via Best Posts of the Week. Mine was featured too!
John
http://johnandstevearehavingababy.blogspot.com
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