In class we have discussed the presentation of self in everyday life. In this video we have a visionary interpretation of Erving Goffman’s theory of presentation of self. Everyday we choose how we will look like, how we will be acting to fit our inner social circle, and how we will be presenting ourself at school, work, family, friends and etc. Everyday when we socialize with people – we act. We act to be a lover, we act to fit the role of a daughter/son/wife/husband/sister/brother.
The image of self is created in our minds to fit the societal norms. The norms that are acceptable in the society. For example, if the man is not dressed in fancy clothes and didn’t get a proper haircut at the important event, most likely people will avoid to have a conversation with him, although he might be a very intelligent person. People expect others to look the same way they do. People expect others to speak the same way, and act the same way. If a person is completely different in clothing, interaction and not good looking, people will avoid at all cost.
For example, several weeks ago, me and my friend wanted to go to the Jonas Beach at Long Island. While we were driving in to the certain beach area. My friend asked the patrol, if we could drive in and go to the beach. The patrol said, it is only for surfers and didn’t let us go. Me and my friend decided to drive through the other beach entrances and realized there were crowded. We decided to drive to the same place where we wanted to go initially, but at this time, there were another patrol man. My friend just handed in the ticket, without asking if we could go or not. My friend acted cool and confident, the patrol man didn’t say anything and let us in. I believe this is a social acting. How we act plays a huge role in our everyday lives. It may cause us uplifting or down lifting effects.
