Comic Corner: Behind the Mask (12/10)
Behind the Mask is a new comic series created by Anna Litofsky, ‘22, exclusively for the Comenian. Behind the Mask is a comic series that focuses on Anna’s experiences living through the historic Coronavirus pandemic and being a Moravian student at the same time.
Bob Brill • Feb 5, 2021 at 9:45 am
Well done Anna.
I think you hit on a theme that is a concerning epidemic of self perception being tied to traditional and external definitions of “productivity” which is a big theme and challenge in Industrial / Organizational Psychology. Many workers are experiencing mental health issues because they cannot keep up with the unrealistic achievement standards and “ideal worker” expectations being hung over them.
Some of the more progressive organizations in recognizing this have instituted Bans of time well the employee can break from their assigned work and do whatever inspires them or recharges their batteries, and another component is a dual performance plan – where the primary focus is how the worker is doing on their current job’s work productivity, but a secondary section of the appraisal has them thinking about their personal development and things they may be doing for their personal and sometimes long term development which they find often leads to a side effect of preparing them for their next position or promotion.
I sense your sentiment is much more for the individual but I thought you’d like to know that some organizations are recognizing the important dynamic that you so artistically and poignantly capture here. Well done & thanks.
Anna Litofsky • Dec 17, 2020 at 3:09 pm
Dr. McClelland, that sounds soo nice! I’m enjoying getting some much-needed sleep.
Also, thank you to everybody who has given feedback on these comics throughout the semester. It makes me incredibly happy to see you liking/relating with them in these times!
Joyce Hinnefeld • Dec 16, 2020 at 1:22 pm
Another powerful and moving “Behind the Mask,” Anna–thank you. I found this one particularly pertinent! So grateful for these comics, which have really cheered me throughout this challenging semester. Thank you.
Sara McClelland • Dec 10, 2020 at 5:52 pm
A great reminder as we head into the winter break. I hope we can all take this advice to heart and enjoy at least a couple of “lazy days” during the break to allow ourselves to unwind. I’m thinking about staying in my pajamas, making some hot cocoa, and snuggling up under a blanket with my dog and a fantasy novel!! How about you?
🙂