I have no filter and I mask heavily (as all humans mask) but my masking starts as a survival tactic and because of the way I see the world (always fresh and responding to everything because I have no filter) the mask doesn’t have a basic structure like the mask of the PNT.
PNT have a mask and Autistics too. It’s just our mask is made up of complex layers, each one a micro response to every element of past interactions that caused a ‘sting’ that triggered the creation of that layer.
The PNT mask is not as complex or intense because their mask is applied more generally because their response to that environment is not multifaceted for their experience is not as intense because of their filter and their responses becomes automated and generalised. Let’s call it an auto structure. This allows for errors because of the generalising and applying past events but ultimately it saves time and energy.
Masking is not always a trauma response it’s a necessary reaction to the environment so that people can live together in harmony. The socially inappropriate things are covered up (well, almost because I can see them). PNT Humans are divorced form the brutality of nature, Autistcs not so. We are still married to nature with a side order of humanity.
Our filterless brains are not redundant because of this. Our observations and responses are just as important because we can right the wrongs that the PNT make. Team work makes the dream work.
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"We are still married to nature with a side order of humanity".
Absolutely love this Rachel ❤ this is just how I feel. Beautifully put.