My avatar just shows myself. No pretending or having a fictional character represent me. I don't need a "mask".
It is like the mark of honesty to me. The words, opinions and emotions I express aren't made up. I take pride in standing behind my ideals and actions. No matter how much you try to show yourself as someone else, in the end, you cannot remove your own personality, your own humanity, the flaws and strengths you possess or responsibility. I am me, nobody else... and no one has the power to force me to change or pretend.