In his In Defense of Masks, Kenneth Gergen considers that it is challenging, almost impossible, and even “poor psychology” to find and stick to a single identity in all social interactions. Therefore, he argues with Polonius’ advice to his son Laertes persuading the young man that it is vital to be always and with everybody true to one’s self. On the one hand, Gergen asserts that a healthy personality should develop “a firm and coherent sense of identity” to comply with moral and religious values. Nevertheless, one should also take into account the society, which imposes rather different masks on the individual. Hence, there is obviously a controversy in the need to develop a coherent sense of identity, which can force a person into emotional
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Thus, Gergen explored empirically the way individuals shifted masks of identity as well as the factors influencing their choice. Through various methods of research, including interviews and self-ratings, the researcher aimed at relationship between masks and motives based on approval-seeking. Gergen concludes from the findings of his experiments that people selves can change flexible, meaning that they are capable of shaping their identities depending on social circumstances. However, it does not mean that people consider all their different masks fake; they accept them and become what they masks are. Among all, it implies that in every relationship, an individual can learn something new about oneself (Gergen). Therefore, Gergen believes that different masks or “a multitude of interests, potentials, and selves” are helpful in adapting to various relationships while “a coherent sense of identity” can be dangerous and cause frustration. Last, the Gergen considers a mask a means of realizing one’s potential, demonstrating the greatness and magnitude of one’s …show more content…
Particularly, she is talking about the way men accept women and what influences their perceptions. It is hard to disagree that one has to choose, and if a woman wants to be beloved and have a better job, she has to care about her appearance along with inner beauty. Indeed, the character and inner world are most important aspects, but males are created in such a way that they are attracted to physically beautiful females. Moreover, it is vital to realize that if a woman has some demands for a man, she is supposed to meet his requirements as well. The woman is not attracted to a loser without a job, money, and a place to live in. Accordingly, a man does not want to deal with an ugly girlfriend without even a hint of make-up or clean clothes. Before a man understands that a woman is "beautiful on the inside" (Alkon), he has to get attracted to apparent beauty and sexuality. Thus, the feminist idea that inner beauty is the only thing and is another extreme, which is not a flexible self and is unable to provide the feeling of happiness. It is more important to make one be a beautiful person inwardly as well as outwardly. Such mask of a beautiful inwardly and outwardly person will force others approve of oneself and also produce a favorable impact on one’s inner sense of
Thus, Gergen explored empirically the way individuals shifted masks of identity as well as the factors influencing their choice. Through various methods of research, including interviews and self-ratings, the researcher aimed at relationship between masks and motives based on approval-seeking. Gergen concludes from the findings of his experiments that people selves can change flexible, meaning that they are capable of shaping their identities depending on social circumstances. However, it does not mean that people consider all their different masks fake; they accept them and become what they masks are. Among all, it implies that in every relationship, an individual can learn something new about oneself (Gergen). Therefore, Gergen believes that different masks or “a multitude of interests, potentials, and selves” are helpful in adapting to various relationships while “a coherent sense of identity” can be dangerous and cause frustration. Last, the Gergen considers a mask a means of realizing one’s potential, demonstrating the greatness and magnitude of one’s …show more content…
Particularly, she is talking about the way men accept women and what influences their perceptions. It is hard to disagree that one has to choose, and if a woman wants to be beloved and have a better job, she has to care about her appearance along with inner beauty. Indeed, the character and inner world are most important aspects, but males are created in such a way that they are attracted to physically beautiful females. Moreover, it is vital to realize that if a woman has some demands for a man, she is supposed to meet his requirements as well. The woman is not attracted to a loser without a job, money, and a place to live in. Accordingly, a man does not want to deal with an ugly girlfriend without even a hint of make-up or clean clothes. Before a man understands that a woman is "beautiful on the inside" (Alkon), he has to get attracted to apparent beauty and sexuality. Thus, the feminist idea that inner beauty is the only thing and is another extreme, which is not a flexible self and is unable to provide the feeling of happiness. It is more important to make one be a beautiful person inwardly as well as outwardly. Such mask of a beautiful inwardly and outwardly person will force others approve of oneself and also produce a favorable impact on one’s inner sense of