Kenneth Gergen In Defense Of Masks Analysis

Identity is like a present, each one is special and different. Everyone has a different style or personality. One might be a sport fanatic individual while another can be artistic. Some people are cruel to others and some are very kind to them. Our appearance can dictate our identity. The way we show ourselves to certain individuals can influence the identity we have. The way we introduce ourselves to others is one way how we define who we are. First impressions are important even though a book should not be judged by its cover. However, many people are likely to not read it if the cover is not inviting. These idea of appearances are discussed on four readings that develops different insights about them.

In today’s world, our appearance greatly impacts us on a daily basis. In the reading, “In Defense of Masks” by Kenneth Gergen, he discusses the fact that we are not suited to find a single basic self to which we can be true. He designed studies that fought the claim of us having only one identity. Gergen states, “we are

The way we look is what people defines us as. Many people have the urge to be prejudice, that is why first impressions are key to portray who we are to other individuals. Nowadays, when we do job interviews, we do not wear casual clothes, instead we wear formal clothes to show that we are serious about getting the job. We presented ourselves as individuals who passionately care about receiving this job. The way we interpret appearance in society is correctly done, but it should not be a way to fully judge a person. It is hard to portray ourselves as who we are without changing our appearance. Someone who goes to an interview all dressed up will most likely receive the job compared to someone who goes in with a t-shirt and jeans. Even if both of them had the same personality and skills to receive the job. Appearance is heavily tied to people evaluating our