Impression management is the process by which we try to show a positive public image. We are constantly judging others or being judged ourselves. There is rarely a time when we are being ourselves since we have different roles in life, we must always be making the most positive impression at each role we have just like actors. Roles such as parents, worker, student etc. at each role we have we are always acting the way that is most favorable to us
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This is Goffman’s theory that people are like actors on stage in the everyday life, dramaturgy- the study of social interaction as theater. His theory is that we go through life as if we were acting on a stage we have the following.
Audiences: people observing our behaviors
Roles: the images we want to show of ourselves or project
Scripts: the communications we use with others to show this role or image
Props: the objects used to portray the image we want to achieve
Just like in the theater we have front and back stage, the front stage is where we play our role and maintain the appropriate image to succeed. The back stage is the only time we can disregard impression management where we are ourselves. In the video we can see how Elsa the girl studying tries to portray the image of a very studious girl to her classmate when she is clearly not accordint to the video.
As stated in the video her stage is the library
Costume: hoodie sweater
Props: calculator, books, notes
Script: using language such as philanthropy trying to seem very serious about her knowledge
Audience: Classmate
Front stage she seems like a very studios person or at least that the image she is trying to show
Back stage Elsa parties all the time.
So life seems like it really a theater we are always trying to show different public images to achieve or get to where we want to get. Sometimes we must be vulnerable and other times tough to get to where we want to get. So life is like all about having the best impression management at each stage or role have in ordrer to obtain positive results.
