Impression Management (Dramaturgy) Essay Example

Impression Management (Dramaturgy) Essay Example Impression Management (Dramaturgy) Essay Impression Management (Dramaturgy) Essay Impression Management in Action Dramaturgy is a sociological perspective starting from symbolic interactionism, and commonly used in micro sociological accounts of social interaction in everyday life. In dramaturgical sociology it is argued that human actions are dependent upon time, place, and audience. In other words, to Erving Goffman, the pioneer of dramaturgal analysis, the self is a sense of who one is, a dramatic effect emerging from the immediate scene being presented. Goffman forms a theatrical metaphor in defining the method in which one human being presents itself to another based on cultural values, norms, and expectations. In this experiment, impression management awareness is what I’m striving for. By observing my own behavior in two different social situations and doing a comparative analysis, I will try to establish the importance of varied personalities. For my first social setting, I chose the amorous excursion with the girlfriend, Ana. It was a Sunday morning, one of those cool brisk autumn mornings. We began our day with the usual activity, food. Avidly, we made our to the nearest IHOP and indulged in a massive barrage of pancakes. While devouring our pancakes, I observed the character traits I exhibit while I’m with her. To begin, I noticed that flirting comes naturally, almost subconsciously, in our conversations. The occasional â€Å"How do you manage to stay so pretty? † or â€Å"Your beautiful just the way you are† is a particular happening that I notice the most. Also the antics we pull were together. Playful fighting, teasing each other, or basically trying to make each other laugh is something we both enact. I find myself playing the role of boyfriend and her of girlfriend; in the sense of the way we act. Our amative nature and affectionate body language, holding hands or caressing, is existent only when I’m with my girlfriend. For my second social setting, I chose the most homely, hearty and comfortable place imaginable, â€Å"La casa†. Being at home is truly, I believe, when you show your â€Å"true self† . Growing up with your siblings, cousins, or parents allows for the establishment of trust and security. Although not always the case, as dysfunctional families do exist, ideally we are raised and comforted in a household where being yourself instinctively arises. As for me, being raised by conservative Christian parents, I find myself acting more autonomously. Unrestrained, in a way I converse with my siblings or cousins. I would say things that I would never imagine saying to anybody else; a whole lot of profanity. Completely disregarding impressions, I find myself acting like the stereotypical man. Belching, belching from the other end and practicing unhygienic activities; one would say I‘m a typical guy. As for the conversations, its more of apathetic, jokingly, or blunt; depending on whom I’m taking to, parents or siblings. In all, there are substantial differences in our personalities in different social settings. When I’m with my girlfriend, I establish the role of boyfriend and act a certain way. Flirting, playful antics, and compassionate contact is something that would be considered taboo or deviance with anybody else. With the family, depending on whom I’m conversing with, apathy, bluntness, and crude humor is something that wouldn’t be appreciated on someone who does not know you that way. The paradox of what is your â€Å"true self† is something we ask ourselves daily, but in my opinion there is no true self, only the ability to adapt to social situations and maintain a consistent character traits.