Erving Goffman The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life Essay

Erving Goffman has completed a wonderful presentation of human behaviour and face-to-face interactions, of a first meeting between two people, who may or may not have an audience. The use of a theatrical performance to explain the interaction was indeed an ingenious idea that kept me intrigued until the very end. This book was written in 1959 but its referencing to human behaviour is still very much relevant to today’s life style. Human behaviour patterns have been written about by many individuals over the years, why we do the things we do or how long we have been undertaking these behaviours. Is there any relevance to the patterns in our behaviour? It would seem there definitely appears to be. As a society, to influence how another person perceives who we are. We give appearances and refinements of someone we want people to see, yet not particularly who we truly are. Goffman describes this as a performance, a play that we put on to give a good first impression. This play could become a nightmare, if we do not keep it under control. It can be difficult to play the part of someone you are not, for the reason that it can rebound on you. It is better to persist with who you are, and not reveal all of yourself in the beginning, like a good story. To present who we are, we should start at the foundation, begin with presenting an opening act. This act should be near to true life, the person you would like to be known as. Currently a person of importance gives the impression that they know what they are doing, example your doctor. If they were a person who, on first meeting gave the impression that they were unsure, confused and unconfident, would you go back to them? No, perhaps not. Even when they are having a bad day your doctor will always appear to be in control, so that we feel more at ease. When we first meet new people we try to acquire information about them, it is then how the person delivers this information, that we base our assumptions. People give information verbally and non-verbally by expressions, movements, gestures and other presumably unintentional communications, like a slight smile. Our brain takes all this information into consideration then makes a personal judgment based on the material it collects. There is so much information for us to collect and make our decision on, that we sometimes need a second meeting to be able to make a correct judgement on a particular person we have meet. Goffman concludes that his own assumptions are made upon a face-to-face interaction and the result of an encounter, the performance that is given to each particular participant and their performance as a basic point of reference. In conclusion, Goffmans writings clearly represent how we present ourselves in everyday life today, and possibly well into the future. References Erving, Goffman (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, New York, Anchor Books, pp. 1-16.

To Close for Comfort essays

To Close for Comfort essays According to the article, Too Close for Comfort, personal space can be defined as, an invisible boundary surrounding each individual, a territory into which others may trespass. Numerous studies have been conducted measuring gender differences in dyadic intervention. Past results have shown that females do not require as much personal space in conversation than males. James Baxter also conducted a study involving interpersonal spacing in natural settings. Baxter observed similar gender differences, however he also concluded that role relationships were a determining factor in all three scenarios. The level of comfort and relationship status while engaging in conversation also becomes a determining factor. The more comfortable one is with the person and there environment, the more likely they will allow the personal to enter into close conversation. When choosing to further these studies, it is my intention to observe the personal spaces amongst college students. Since topics of conversation are different amongst age groups, whereas college student may have more friendly social discussions over those who are older, it may be that personal space will decrease. In terms of gender difference, it is my intention to reaffirm past results that females will engage in much closer conversation in both female-to-female dyadic intervention as well as male to female relations. Based on my observations, as well as my fellow observers, results will show that females will engage in much closer, proximal conversation than men. In instances of female/male conversation, it is likely that the distance between the two people who are involved in conversation will increase when it is the male instigating conversation. In performing this experiment, natural observations were made on campus, from an unobtrusive view within an everyday college social environment. S ...

The Sepoy Mutiny Of 1857 Essays - British East India Company

The Sepoy Mutiny Of 1857 Essays - British East India Company The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 As with any conflict or controversy there are always two sides to the debate, and the events in India during 1857 are certainly no exception. Given the situation in India during the nineteenth century it is hardly surprising that such a polarisation of opinion exists regarding the context of the rebellious events during that year. The British being in control of the subcontinent and their sense of superiority over their Indian subjects, would naturally seek to downplay any acts of rebellion. While the Indian subjects on the other hand would arguably wish to exaggerate and over emphasise the importance of these events, as a means of promoting the nationalist cause for self determination. The truth of the events themselves, does it lie towards the British account or the Indian pro nationalistic side, or could there be a certain amount of truth in both sides of the debate. Metcalf in his account cites three indisputable factors behind the outbreak of rebellion in 1857. Primarily he sees `accumulating grievances of the Sepoy Army of Bengal' as the most important factor. The reasons behind this `deterioration of morale' amongst the army lay with several reasons. Much of the Sepoy army was comprised of `Brahmins and other high caste Hindus' who assisted in promoting a `focus of sedition'. The `generally poor ezdard of British officers', plus the lack of improvement to the overall position of those men serving in the army also increased the level of tension. At this point it should be remembered that the `Bengal Army differed from those of Bengal and Madras', as the Bombay and Madras armies took no part in the rebellion of 1857. But the more pronounced military factor was the lack of British troops in the `Gangetic plain' meant that many areas were `virtually denuded of British troops'. These military grievances which although significant were not themselves enough to incite rebellion, as it took a perceived attack on the Sepoy religious institutions to trigger of the rebellion. The first of these perceived threats was that the British government was preparing to dismantle the caste system and `convert them forcibly to Christianity'. Although not based on fact the actions of some `pious British officers did nothing to dispel' the rumours to the contrary. Added to this British lethargy was the Brahmins who tended to be `peculiarly watchful for potential threats to their religion and caste'. Secondly, the introduction in 1857 of the `new Enfield rifle' with its distinct ammunition, which required the bullet to be `bitten before loading'. Rumours that the grease used on the bullets was either from the fat of cattle or pigs, which either proved `sacred to Hindus' or `pollution to Muslims', was interpreted as attacking at the core of the Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs. These rumours unlike those regarding the conversion to Christianity and dismantling of the caste system, did prove to have a factual basis, as the British government `withdrew the objectionable grease'. This belated action proved futile as the damage had already been done. However this only accounts for the military aspects of the uprising which display the version of events `accepted in official circles [as] basically army mutinies'. This version preferred by the British fails to acknowledge the level of `widespread unrest among the civilian population', who saw much of the British government's actions as amounting to interference and contempt for the `long established rules and customs'. Disraeli saw the causes of the uprising as not being the `conduct of men who were ... the exponents of general discontent' amongst the Bengal army. For Disraeli the root cause was the overall administration by the government, which he regarded as having `alienated or alarmed almost every influential class in the country'. Yet other British saw the overall social situation and government administration as having no effect in causing the uprising. For officials like Sir John Lawrence the `immediate cause of the revolt' was the concerns held by Sepoys over the new ammunition for the Enfield rifles. However, he sees this as just the trigger incident, with the root cause being the long term reduction in discipline in the army and the poor ezdard of officers in command. The British ezdpoint is to regard

Sad Plays - Tragedies and Tear-jerkers

Sad Plays - Tragedies and Tear-jerkers Have you ever noticed how some plays are such a downer? Even some plays that are supposed to be comedies, such as Anton Chekovs masterpieces, are dour and cynical and downright depressing. Of course, the theater like life isnt all about comedy and happy endings. To be reflective of human nature, playwrights often delve into the tears-soaked corners of their souls, producing literary works that are timeless tragedies that evoke both terror and pity, just how Aristotle likes it! Here is a list of theaters most hauntingly sad plays: #10 - Night Mother There are many plays that explore the topic of suicide, but few are as direct and, dare I say, as persuasive as Marsha Normans play, night Mother. During the course of a single evening, an adult daughter has a sincere conversation with her mother, clearly explaining how she plans to take her own life before dawn. The daughters miserable life has been plagued with tragedy and mental illness. However, now that she has made her decision, she has gained clarity. No matter how her mother argues and begs, the daughter will not change her mind. New York theater critic John Simon praise the playwright stating that Marsha Norman conveys the simultaneous monstrousness and ordinariness of this event: that Jessie both solicitously provides for her mothers future and abandons her, coolly matter-of-fact about what strikes most of us as the ultimate irrational act. As with many sad, tragic and controversial plays, Night Mother ends with much to contemplate and discuss. #9 - Romeo and Juliet Millions of people think of Shakespeares classic Romeo and Juliet as the ultimate love story. Romantics view the two star-crossed lovers as the quintessential young couple, forgoing the wishes of their parents, throwing caution to the proverbial wind and settling for nothing less than true love, even if it comes at the cost of death. However, theres a more cynical way of looking at this story: Two hormone-driven teenagers kill themselves because of the stubborn hatred of ignorant adults. The tragedy may be overrated and overdone, but consider the ending of the play: Juliet lies asleep but Romeo believes that she is dead so he prepares to drink poison in order to join her. The situation remains one of the most devastating examples of dramatic irony in the history of the stage. #8 - Oedipus the King Also known as Oedipus Rex, this tragedy is the most famous work of Sophocles, a Greek playwright who lived over two thousand years ago. In case you have never heard the plot of this famous myth, you may want to skip to the next play on the list. Spoiler Alert: Oedipus discovers that years ago he murdered his biological father and unknowingly married his biological mother. The circumstances are grotesque, but the real tragedy stems from the bloody reactions of the characters as each participant learns the unbearable truth. The citizens are filled with shock and pity. Jocasta hangs herself. And Oedipus uses the pins from her dress to gauge out his eyes. Well, we all cope in different ways I guess. Creon, Jocastas brother, takes over the throne. Oedipus will wander around Greece as a wretched example of mans folly. (And I assume Zeus and his fellow Olympians enjoy a mean-spirited chuckle.) Read the complete plot summary of Oedipus the King. #7 - Death of a Salesman Playwright Arthur Miller doesnt just kill off his protagonist, Willy Loman, by the end of the play. He also does his best to euthanize the American Dream. The aging salesman once believed that charisma, obedience, and persistence would lead to prosperity. Now that his sanity is wearing thin, and his sons have failed to live up to his expectations, Loman determines that he is worth more dead than alive. In my review of the play, I explain how this drama may not be my favorite of Millers work, but the play clearly accomplishes its goal: To make us understand the painfulness of mediocrity. And we learn a valuable, common sense lesson: Things dont always go the way we want them to go. #6 - Wit: There is a lot of humorous, heartwarming dialogue to be found in Margaret Edsons Wit. Yet, despite the plays many life affirming moments, Wit is filled with clinical studies, chemotherapy, and long stretches of painful, introspective loneliness. Its the story of Dr. Vivian Bearing, a hard-as-nails English professor. Her callousness is most evident during the plays flashbacks. While she narrates directly to the audience, Dr. Bearing recalls several encounters with her former students. As the pupils struggle with the material, often embarrassed by their intellectual inadequacy, Dr. Bearing responds by saying intimidating and insulting them. Yet, as Dr. Bearing revisits her past, she realizes she should have offered more human kindness to her students. Kindness is something Dr. Bearing will come to desperately crave as the play continues. If you have already experienced Wit then you know you will never look at John Donnes poetry the same way. The main character uses the cryptic sonnets to keep her intellect sharp, but by the end of the play she learns that academic excellence is no match for human compassion, and perhaps a bedtime story. Continue reading the Top Ten List of the Worlds Saddest Plays.

The Description of an Application Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Description of an Application Letter - Essay Example I also have experience in excelling in use of new technologies in the field of medicine. I have enclosed my certification credentials, resume and two references to enhance your access to additional information about my qualifications. I will be very grateful if considered and promise to deliver my best if granted an opportunity to serve your organization. â€Å"The Community Cancer Center (CCC) is one of the private, bountiful, non-profit, community-owned and operated cancer treatment facilities† (Community Cancer Center) that was formed in early 1980.CCC is very unique. This is evidenced by its lack of affiliation with governmental, political, or religious organizations. It is also independent of any support from any hospital or medical organization. Additionally, it performs its roles without any support from tax dollars. All these contribute to it working entirely towards enhancing the success of the community. â€Å"The CCC is governed by a voluntary, 30-member Board of Trustees† (Community Cancer Center). Its administrative duties are carried out by an executive director who supervises a staff of 22 as well as part-time employees. Physician services are offered by 2 independently employed oncologists. CCC offers support to those who lack the potential to purchase needed medicines. It also offers nutritional as well as psychosocial counseling to those in need of the service. A van owned by the center as well as the driver employed by the center take part in transporting patients who lack the ability to access medical centers. According to Bruce Hanna who was the former president of the Community Cancer Foundation, the philosophy of the CCC is to â€Å"To give hope, when life is challenged by cancer and to care for all who need it in Douglas County† (Community Cancer Center). The job I am applying for is  located in Normal, IL 61761. It is offered by all industries, and it requires a full-time employee. The reference code for the job is 20645485.  

Staffing Technologies in Chern's Company Case Study

Staffing Technologies in Chern's Company - Case Study Example This paper will give recommendations on how to improve Chern’s staffing systems and later give some reflections on the entire Chern’s case study. Chern should employ additional technologies in order to ensure that human resource management personnel concentrate on the essential and critical tasks only. The organization should consider utilizing such technologies in the entire human resources management process (Philips & Gully, 2009). Chern can use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), automated employee training system and a human resource information system. The three above will basically automated various human resource management functions and bring in efficiency and save time. The ATS is a system mainly used for recruiting purposes and it can handle the entire hiring process depending on its level of sophistication. An ATS will be used to post online vacancy advertisements, screen candidates for the required qualifications and perform online interviews with shortlisted candidates. The different scores for the different candidates can then be put on a dashboard for easier and quicker decision making (Philips & Gully, 2009). An ATS will make hiring easier and will make it possible for Chern to interview as many candidates as possible and increase chances of hiring the best and talented candidate for any position (Philips & Gully, 2009). The employee training system is application or system that is used to induct new employees into their roles as well as monitor their performance. This system is commonly referred to as learning management system can be used to develop employees’ skills and competencies by facilitating training. This system can be a great asset to Chern as it will determine the training needs of individual candidates, recommend training materials and generate a training schedule for the new staffs (Schuler &Jackson, 2008). Chern should also adopt a human resource information system that will assist  the human resource manager in performance evaluation as well as carrying out some tasks such as payroll production and determining hours worked daily. This system can be used as a decision-making tool in planning for promotions and successions.

Compair Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Compair - Essay Example Khafre also refers to a block cipher. The name Khafre also refers to  kefren  (a pharaoh of Egypt of the fourth dynasty). This pharaoh had his  capital  based at Memphis. The statue of Khafre is made of  stone  that is exceptionally  stylish  or  smooth. Several lines that penetrate deep into the stone  depict  the  texture  of his skirt and headdress. The forms of both bird and  man  faces are remarkably  exact  in  proportion  and their carvings are of a true nature as compared to the Guedea’s  statue (Pickering 43). A closer look at the khafre  statue  reveals more muscle definition and the firmly fixed feet. The statue of Gudea and that of Khafre are different in  purpose  or there functionality. The statue of Gudea represents a  ruler  in the temple while that of Khafre represents the pharaohs. The two statues are also different in terms of the  period  they were created. The statue of Gudea represents a  leader  who ruled in the temple. The statue of Khafre represents pharaohs who were political leaders and not proponents of any faith. The statues are similar in the  period  of their  creation  that is 2900-2600 BCE (Pickering 54). The statues were also created by the Sumerians, which makes another similarity. The statues also represented rulers of two  different  territories. Parthenon is the allegory of Greece and Athens. Parthenon is regarded to be the perfect temple ever built. It also happens to be one of the highly known and recognized memorials in the universe. The temple is outstanding because of its impressive position in appearance on the Acropolis. Secondly, Parthenon’s architectural civilizations and its reflection of the Greek culture over hundreds of years contribute to its recognition as a symbol of western civilization by historians and philosophers. The term Parthenon is derived from a Greek word (Parthenon’s) which means virgin. In the Greek culture of the building, there were two main styles namely, the