Wear a Damn Mask, New York City

A lesson in social responsibility from a guy who doesn’t give a f***

A few weeks ago, before the protests started, three New York City rock & roll misfits walked dozens of blocks to a deserted Times Square. One held a video camera. The other two, carrying guitars, wore plush unicorn costumes — one tie dye, the other pink — and flaunted conspicuous cloth masks depicting, respectively, Salvador Dali’s mouth & mustache, and the perversely sensual maw of a blow-up doll.

Upon reaching the Crossroads of the World, the unicorns broke out their axes and launched into the sort of arena-rock preening that grunge supposedly murdered, but which survives to this day thanks to the knowing wink that serves as its surprisingly sturdy pacemaker. Three mounted police officers stopped to observe, but did not intervene, possibly deeming this cure for their boredom essential.

The third man shot footage of the freakout, then, upon returning home, psychedelicized the visuals and added graphic advertising overlays featuring dozens of rock-themed face coverings and a string of catchphrases (“Cling to your self expression!” “Stay safe! Stay sane! Stay Stylish!”). Then he set the :54-second final edit to a tune recorded by a musician who, among other characters, inhabits the persona of “Matthias Backwards” in the faux black metal band Witch Taint: “Put on the…