Ive been wondering about RlSH who patrol in costume but with out mask. What are the affects on your personal life and is the threat of retaliation as real as it seems.Your ansewrs would be well appericiated.

Nightghoul,

I don't wear a costume. Costumes are worn on Halloween. I'm sorry to sound like a broken record but to be fair you all keep asking for it.

Wearing a mask has too many tactical disadvantages. Nobody is going to really care as much about finding out your name unless you show that you're trying to hide who you are. It's like hiding in plain sight. But by wearing a mask, people will try that much harder to try to find out who you are. Walking around in a mask makes you an easy target like a sitting duck; one that can be spotted from a mile away. People will bother you and sure you could always be secretive and ignore them and let your actions speak louder than your words, but a lot of you are likely to stop and talk to them and listen to and answer the same questions over and over again that you'll get tired of hearing, and it'll take away from the time you need to spend focusing on your patrol. Cops will stop you to find out who you are. I mean if you think about it, how do they know you're not a wanted criminal, hiding behind the disguise of what you intend to portray as some heroic image.

And that's another thing. I must've had like 5 friend requests in the past 5 days from newcomers calling themselves heroes or super-heroes or RLSH's and they don't understand that you can't call yourself a hero because it makes you sound like an egocentric ass who is all about yourself and puts yourself on this pedestal over others. Heroes don't do that. And that's why true heroes don't call themselves heroes. It's up to those you help, protect, or save to define you as such, if they feel you deem worthy of it. But if not then so the fuck what.

I don't call myself a hero, super-hero, or RLSH. But not because I am. Because I'm really not. I'm just a person with a mission, like all of you.

Anyway, Nightghoul, to answer your question, most of the time I patrol in plain clothes, as not to draw attention. I've had no problems with retaliation yet. I mean whatever I do on patrol or anywhere else, I'm still the same person.

Sorry to get off topic here and to sound like a dick, but lose the comic book logic.

Wow...I fit almost in the middle of this. For those that keep tabs on how my developing outfit is coming along, I have a half-mask that covers one side of my face. In cold weather, I wear a ski mask under that, b ut in warmer weather, I just have the mask. If somebody wanted to find out who I was, they totally could.

Plus, I, like Silver Sentinel, am graced with the awesomeness of facial hair.

I have sworn an oath of modesty, but it is so hard for one to not speak of its power...

If I were you I would have gone with a mask like the one you are wearing hence The Phantom of the Opera but I would have looked for one that covers both sides of the face as that mask you have also makes you look like Cyborg from the Teen Titains

nightghoul: It really depends on a number of factors that are unique for each hero.

I've had a few folks recognize me while in gear, but I've never had any real negative effects from that. On the other hand, I don't really do much to earn enemies, in both my civilian and hero lives. So, for me there has yet to be any fallout, but that doesn't mean it's the same for everyone in their own situations.

I dissagree with tothian. If you are doing the dangerous part of this "job" (crimefighting, etc.) and you have loved ones that live in the area, you should do what it takes to protect them even if that includes wearing a mask. Just make sure the mask allows you to do the job you are doing and doesnt hinder important things like vision. It may not be "tactical" to wear a mask while walking around but it wouldnt hurt to have one to put on quickly (ski mask mayby) if there is something going on. Seriously, say you happen across a drug deal and you do something to break it up and it just so happens that the guy doing drugs is a gang memeber and you just pissed him off. Well, now he has seen your face and it will be pretty easy to find you now and therefor your loved ones. Now this is just an example and things like this probably dont happen too often but all it takes is one time. I look at a mask like I do a condom: Its better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it. A little protection goes a long way. ALso, its not really "comic book logic" tothian, its just logic. If you havnt noticed, swat members and the DEA both wear balaclavas that are not only tactical in the sence that they are cut, chemical, and flame resistant, but also becuase they hide thier faces from the very bad men that they are pissing off.

Visitor,

I don't think SWAT Team Officers wear masks to hide their identities, but for armor. But by that logic, then all Law Enforcement Officers should have a mask to wear. Because the cop giving someone a ticket while that person is running late for his job or for a date, is really going to piss that person off.

I did mention in another thread about this in the poll section (I think it was made by Zetaman) discussing masks, and (I think I had a few drinks while posting some stuff in there) I mentioned that for those who do wear masks, it's not tactical to walk around in, but instead to use when needed. Because see, that's the thing. Walking around in a mask is what's gonna get people to want to find out who you are, more likely than it should have. It's like sending the open message that you got something to hide, which will get people to try to that much harder to figure out who you are, instead of being just another face to blend into the crowd.

Knowing someone's face isn't the part that will get people to figure out where you live. It's the name. Assuming one doesn't actually live in or too close to the area they patrol. Sure your face is what could get them to find out the name, assuming you live & patrol in the same area so that the people who live in the area you patrol, know who you are.

The idea is that if you piss someone off while wearing a mask, or not wearing a mask, they're still going to be pissed. If you're wearing a mask you better be trained and know what the hell you're doing because masks are not a fool-proof method of "protecting" one's identity, it's only a layer of hiding it, and anyone you piss off can rip it off, the chances of that becoming higher if you continue to piss off more people and get outnumbered.

End results being the same. If you really got loved ones to lose, why even fight crime at all in the first place, when there's always that possibility to your identity being exposed, and them suffering the consequences of it?

I'm not trying to convince all mask-wearers to not wear a mask if they honestly know it's for them. For those that do choose to wear a mask, I want them to know all the disadvantages of it. If they still choose to wear one, then more power to them.

Do you or have you ever used or field-tested a mask before?

I've rolled in on a few drug deals with no backlash. My name is out there and I've never had a personal confirtation. Granted I live in a city and not a town.

in Superhero's case lucky he never hid his identity in the first place and that works for him.as for me, i need the mask.sometimes i wish i didn't but as for my part in my missions and Team Justice it is for the best.so will all see why soon.

I wish there was a way to get Team Justice up here Maybe some members can come up here and do some fundraising for the team durring the meet up next year

Wearing the mask is the same as getting your warface on. I have friends in special forces (mostly SEALs) and I've seen gentle fathers, and loving sons, go from totally cuddly to complete effing badass in a moment of terrifying transformation. These men, whom you would smile at in the grocery store, or sit next to in church, become hardened tactical operators. Whether they put on camo-paint, or just "get their game on", you can see them mentally steel themselves to face things you and I should pray we never have to see.

I doubt anyone here can deny the powerful feeling of confidence and exhilaration that comes with pulling on their uniform. It's addicting.. it's primordial.. The lizard brain deep inside of us stirs to life and we are no longer one amongst millions of civilized men and women. We become more in that moment. The mask doesn't even have to be a physical thing, just the "attitude" of the mask is often all you really need.

If the mask gives you confidence, then great. Over-confidence, then not so great. That is why you have to have good training you know you can rely upon. That is why you have to be prepared before hand. That way when you pull on the "mask" (or the gimmick in general) you are ready for battle.

And yes, you will do battle when you go outside in your uniform. You might not throw down with a local drug lord, or save a mother and child from a burning car, but you will face challenges that you need to mentally armor yourself for. Snide remarks, giggles, gawking strangers, taunts, odd questions.. You will come across many things that will wear away at your confidence, but the mask, your warface, will allow you to weather these erosive forces easier.

A mask isn't a crutch. It's a tool. A ceremony. When you put your other face on you know you're going out to stand for something. You mentally prepare yourself to step up. You accept who and what you are, what you will be, and who others will see you as. You set your mind to the beginning and start a journey, a new mission. Your mind settled and clear.. undivided. No mortgage.. no boss.. no deadlines.. no outside controls whatsoever. It's just you and the mission at hand.

So go ahead.. get your warface on.

It's time to show the world you're serious about what you do.

I'll see you in the streets.

Every time someone reminds me that its not Halloween I always respond by asking that person why the hell is he wearing a costume

Polarman, responding to an insult with an insult won't make anyone change their minds except for the worse. Ignore them and others will see you for better then the insulter. Respond with an insult and in the minds of others you will be considered no better than those who insulted you.

Children look up to you, so you need to set an example of how a good man behaves. The kids might not cheer you, but they will come to understand your wisdom.

You have a lot of heart inside of you. Let it show.

Tothian, I agree a mask isnt for everyone and that the indavidual person needs to make the choice that is right for them. I guess you will be the person that gives the down sides of mask wearing while I will be the one to give the up sides of it. LOL. As for 2 of your questions, 1: why do crimefighting if you have loved ones? To make the world safer for said loved ones, why else? 2: have I ever field tested a mask before? As I have stated in the past, I am not one of you (though I am thinking of changing that due to recent events in the news). I get on here because I support what you all do and I have a freind that IS one of you but feels it best not to be involved with the online community. He DOES wear a mask every time he goes out and he hasnt really had a problem yet. However, he doesnt really patroll in the sence of walking right down th street. Nobody really knows that hes out there exept for those he has confronted. I mean, people have seen him but he doesnt get too close and they probably figure its some guy fooling around. So I guess it also depends on how public you want to be. Also, I have field tested a "mask" before. While playing paintball. We tend to play a lot at night as it adds to the exitement and I allwasy wear a full paintball helmet/mask and goggles. I havnt really had a problem exept for vision but Im willing to bet that those hinder vision more than a kevlar or nomex balaclava or "ski-mask" would.

I think a mask has it's time and place just as the outfit that a RLSH wears has (notice I did not call it a costume). I will admit though that I strongly disagree with any RLSH patrol consisting of members carrying guns. That's a little too over the line for me. I don't mind stun guns, pepper spray, retractable metal batons, wooden batons, wooden swords or stuff like that but I get VERY uneasy when it comes to guns. Still, if the person has a permit for one and has a reputation of responsible use of a firearm then it does lessen my reluctance. All it takes is one wrong move with a firearm and every RLSH detractor and their mother will pour out of the wood works like bees to honey.

I've been laughed at and made fun of while in my outfit. I even had one lady on a Metrorail train in Washington DC after we marched in the Fourth of July Independance Day parade offer me her "spiritual assistance" by giving me a website to get information about how to save myself from my supposed damnation. The website turned out to be filled with hardcore religious content, IMHO to the point to rabid zealotry. But on that same Metrorail ride I also had several people ask about my costume, what we were about, and commend us for striving to better the world around us. They encouraged us to keep up the good work. I really think what it boils down to is encouraging people to see past the mask or outfit and listen to the good deeds / actions that you are promoting. They might think you are a bit odd but my experience has shown me that people react very favorably to you if you explain what drives a RLSH or costumed activist to to what they do.

And Silver Sentinel you are absolutely right. There is something spiritually empowering about putting on the outfit or mask. Guys like you, Team Justice, Zetaman, and so many others really put forth some amazing work.

Police tactical units need to wear masks for many different reasons. Think about this one: many times, forces like the DEA will have agents go undercover. If an agent on the raid is one such undercover officer (there for purposes of quickly identifying targets and hidden drug stashes) that agent must be covered so that they can keep their cover in tact. As far as other types of crime, not too many people are going to hunt down an officer's family as revenge for a parking ticket, and serious criminals who commit individual violent offenses are not likely to seek revenge in any case. Likewise, the wearing or not wearing of a mask will not make a person more or less likely to try to identify you, but their individual drive will determine whether they will make an effort. Most criminals do not have that kind of motivation. They will just toss you onto the pile of people and societal institutions to blame for why they can't get ahead in life, so they can have an excuse to keep doing crimes. Wear a mask or do not, it really makes no difference. It's not highly likely you will be recognized out of costume. I do agree with Tothian's view that you could easily keep the mask for use when needed.