In his 1977 essay, “In Defense of Masks”, Kenneth Gergen introduces the concept of multiple personas and personalities as being ‘masks’. In his psychological and sociological research, Gergen concludes that people do not have a coherent sense of identity and need masks to be happy, healthy, and successful in society. I agree with Gergen because different situations call for different personalities; such as acting professional for a job interview, being lively with friends, or maintaining a perfect image of yourself for other. Most jobs call for a certain degree of professionalism. People put on masks while at work to give off an impression of uniformity. The average employee doesn’t scream, dance, or wear a cocktail dress to work. While all
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He states, “I believe we must abandon the assumption that normal development equips the individual with a coherent sense of identity” (Gergen 198). This supports Adnan in the instance of having multiple identities, as well as many other. Adnan most likely lived his secret life of partying to be happy, and lived his conservative lifestyle to keep his parents happy. Everyone is guilty of having multiple identities, which ultimately please more people, other than themselves. A rocket scientist likes to get crazy once in a while, a club owner likes peace every now and then, and a football player can knit. One person can do multiple things and act multiple ways in order to be happy, to fit in, and to succeed. There is no need and no place for having a single identity. Kenneth Gergen’s 1977 essay, “In Defense of Masks”, it is stated that multiple identities are needed to live happily. Gergen elaborates and says that having a coherent identity is not possible. I agree with Gergen’s argument because different situations call for different personalities. People act in a unique way in a job interview for a career, rather than a part time job. And they act differently with friends, and differently with family members. The use of these masks enables social success and happiness for the wielder of the
He states, “I believe we must abandon the assumption that normal development equips the individual with a coherent sense of identity” (Gergen 198). This supports Adnan in the instance of having multiple identities, as well as many other. Adnan most likely lived his secret life of partying to be happy, and lived his conservative lifestyle to keep his parents happy. Everyone is guilty of having multiple identities, which ultimately please more people, other than themselves. A rocket scientist likes to get crazy once in a while, a club owner likes peace every now and then, and a football player can knit. One person can do multiple things and act multiple ways in order to be happy, to fit in, and to succeed. There is no need and no place for having a single identity. Kenneth Gergen’s 1977 essay, “In Defense of Masks”, it is stated that multiple identities are needed to live happily. Gergen elaborates and says that having a coherent identity is not possible. I agree with Gergen’s argument because different situations call for different personalities. People act in a unique way in a job interview for a career, rather than a part time job. And they act differently with friends, and differently with family members. The use of these masks enables social success and happiness for the wielder of the