“We come, of course, to the mask. The believer’s identity will be protected. Masking makes one an anonymous member of a very large group—all of whom are undergoing the same ceremony and enforcing it on others. Secret society.
Masking, traditionally, is for criminals as well. (The thrill of the outlaw.)
Masking also erases identity. The believer can find (imagine) a new persona.
Masking includes a sense of sacrifice. “I eliminate who I was, for the Cause.”
Masking introduces touches of humiliation, guilt, and pride. All standard elements of initiation.
Distancing provides “necessary isolation,” so the initiatory process for the individual can proceed unhampered. Distancing (like masking) separates the Clean from the Unclean.”