New York recently aired a public service campaign featuring Jason from Friday the 13th, who is trying to explore New York City in his signature classic hockey mask (the plastic one that’s covered in holes). However, every time he gets close to a person (whether it be to flag down a cab, board the subway, or pet a dog), they run away. At the end of the spot, a young girl hands him a medical mask, which he puts on. The piece ends with the words, “Wearing a mask can be scary. Not wearing one can be deadly.” With Greenville’s cases on the rise (as well as the state’s as a whole), it might be time to explore options for our own campaign Here are the top five people we think might be able to persuade Greenville to wear a mask.
- Dabo Swinney and Will Muschamp: With the majority of South Carolina avidly supporting either USC or Clemson, an advertisement starring the head coaches of both teams might convince plenty of South Carolinians to put on their masks. Of course, the advertisement probably wouldn’t dull the rivalry between the two schools, but maybe the coaches agreeing on something like wearing a mask would make enough of a statement.
- Danielle Brooks: Former Greenville resident and South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities alumna Danielle Brooks is probably best known for her role as Taystee on Netflix original series Orange is the New Black. In the last few years, she was nominated for a Tony for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for her role in The Color Purple and won a Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Album” for her work in its album. She’s would be a great pick to get younger South Carolinians wanting to wear masks.
- Bill Murray: Bill Murray is best known worldwide for his roles in Lost in Translation, Groundhog Day, and more. However, South Carolina sees a different side of Murray. He is so well known for wandering around Charleston, frequenting the shops and restaurants in the city that there are multiple guides on where he might be found. One of South Carolina’s most prominent residents, Murray’s voice (or face behind a mask) would no doubt be influential in an advertisement.
- Chadwick Boseman: Anderson, South Carolina native Chadwick Boseman is best known for his role in Marvel’s Black Panther, in which he played the titular character, Black Panther (or T’Challa). While he does wear a full head mask in the movie, it is not a mask recommended by medical professionals. He could always layer masks, though.
- The Lizard Man: The Lizard Man is definitely not the same kind of celebrity as the others on this list, but maybe that’s what makes him such an ideal pick. Afterall, given his elusive nature, he’s probably better at social distancing than anyone else in the state. Maybe it’s time he puts on a mask, too, to convey its importance.
