Debra Marshall did a great job explaining Goffman's Dramaturgical approach. She really focused on the front stage and back stage ideas that Goffman had. I very much agree with the front stage idea and how people dress and act a particular way in front of others. This is because first impressions are very important. Over the summer, in my communications class we learned that it takes someone 3 seconds to make a first impression about someone. With knowing this fact who doesn't want to dress up and look nice so people won't judge them harshly in the first three seconds they see someone. The part I don't really agree with them on is the back stage. Debra talks about maybe a parent, sibling, spouse, or close friend seeing the back stage side of you but it is very unlikely. I myself and I'm sure many others do share their back stage sides with others. My parents, sister, and very close friends know me just as well as I know myself. They have all seen my back stage life because I know no matter what they love me and won't hold it against me. I think that everyone shows their back stage life to others, but only the select others who can handle it and will still love them for who they truly are and not who they are trying to act like. RDH012
I completely agree, with you the back stage part of Goffmans theory is hard to completely agree with. I think more people see our backstage then he says. I know no matter who I am talking to they are getting the full extent to who I am. I don’t hold anything back once I know a person because it is harder to keep up an act then to just let it all hang out there. It gives you a feeling of freedom. Techie_012
I also agree with what you said above about the back stage, I believe some of my close friends and family see that side of me. If no one ever saw that side of us, then wouldn’t we constantly be in the front stage unless we were completely alone? GoGreen012
I can agree for the most part, but I do think there are times when not everyone may know exactly who we are or what we can be like. I say this because I like watching crime shows, the real life ones where people have killed. In listening to people who knew those who have killed, many times they say I never knew them to be this way or I never saw this side of them. They may have thought they were weird or a little strange, but nothing more than that. This has come from those that are close to them as well like wives, mothers, etc. Those people that live a "double life." I'm sure there are many other situations, but this is one that came to mind. DaBearsandBulls012
I personally think the backstage is a grey area. I do believe we allow very close friends and some family members into our backstage. Some people are different than others so some allow people to see more of their backstage and others have a more private backstage. My close friends see alot of my backstage but I don't think I let them see it all. I do believe when you are alone you learn things about yourself or catch yourself doing things you normally wouldn't do around anybody. If you truly don't know yourself it's hard to say close people know your backstage. You have to really know yourself for you to open up to others and in my opinion not everyone truly knows who they are. You can only really know who you are when you are alone in the backstage.Stayup012
I enjoyed Debra Marshall's explanation of Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory. By accurately explaining both stages of our personality's life/exposure to the social setting and the private sector, it helps understand how some societies function with this. I agree with this theory but only in certain cases. If I were to apply this to my own life, I would say that in my social circles, I am more apt to be playing both stages at once. As a person that is a survivor of domestic violence, I sometimes have to recount the mental process and physical process to complete strangers (women's shelter) to help them see that it is completely possible to come thru the stage of life they are at. While this is a rewind of a part of my life that I would choose normally to keep walled up and only think about it alone, in my "back stage", it is also imperative to me to teach others how to come through it. I have to let my guard or walls down to show vulnerability during these women's vulnerable times. Yet, in front of my parents I am more front stage. Putting on a show, speaking the lines I have worked on to say to them. So, I think it actually depends on the person and what made them who they now are. The circumstances they have learned to "deal with". The people for whom their audience is. However, with that being said, during a job interview I would say I am front stage. Showing only what I perceive they want to see or hear. So it depends perhaps on the venue of the audience on who will see what. Firecracker012
I couldn't agree more the video was a great display of goffmans theory. yes and the fact that she like you said accurately explained both stages is was clear to understand. I was also interested in the idea of venue. (Aphi012)
I agree. I think the way she explained front stage and backstage it was very good. It’s always good to decompress. I think the people need to decompress more then maybe we won’t have so many suicides and health issues. I think people worry so much about what other people think and staying on the front stage for so long they bring it with them to the backstage and they don’t decompress.bfd6866012
I agree, we all need to let off steam and let our freak flag fly once in a while, it's the healthy thing to do. We do live in a society where first impressions are very important, and the majority of our days are spent in "front stage". Just being yourself isn't as easy as it sounds. jam012
I think the video was good it explaining Goffman’s Dramaturgy theory. I don’t really agree with his theory though. I do think everyone puts on a show for most people. From a young age especially in today’s society because everyone is out to be better than the next person or show you have more than them. So we all show off when we are around other people. I do but I don’t agree with the back stage part of Goffman’s Theory, I do think we keep most people at arm’s length but I think more people are let into the back stage area then he says. I know once I meet someone and I get a feel for them I feel I let down the Curtin and put it all out there. I have always been a straight forward person and if people didn’t like me then who cares. I am who I am and that’s all that I am. Granted this is just how I am but I’m sure there are more people out there than just me. Anyone else not care what people think of them and put it all out there for everyone to see? Techie_012
I agree with you on the fact about just putting it out there for everyone to see, however I don't do put my life out there because I don't care. I put my life and it's history out there so that those that choose to see and hear about it can take the lessons and knowledge I have learned to better their own lives. I do not agree with Goffman's front stage/back stage theory on each individual of a society. firecracker012
I thought that Debra Marshall does a good job explaining Goffman's Dramaturgy theory. I don't agree with his theory. I think most people put on a show for most people.From a young age in today society everyone is out to be good than the other person and has more to show. So we show off when we are around other people. i don't agree with the other side Goffman makes. I think people keep other people at arms length.I know once I meet someone I get a feel for what they are like.Bears 012
I felt that this video was informative it gave me deeper insight to what you were explaining in class about your friend who decided renting fro hertz to impress was a good idea. but what makes me question is that if your friend was willing to lie to you what else has he lied about. or even what did you do to your friend to make him feel slightly uncomfortable with displaying his true self. goffmans theory makes perfect sense but I mean no one is going to do certain things in from of anyone because simply undressing yourself in our culture in front of someone else can be looked at as inappropriate. we are all created to think that having more money or anything of that nature is more appealing. people in my generation call this flexing but little did we know its a part of a sociologist view of thinking. (Aphi012)
First and foremost I think this is by far one of the most impressive functions that individuals have in society. To continually move from the front stage to the back stage takes somewhat of a conscious awareness to do. I believe that in social settings people are aware, in their own mind, of how they look to others even if they don’t think about how they control their own behavior. While on front stage people are very manipulative and want to be liked by others. This is where friendship derives from. Sometimes by acting a certain way in a social setting, or pretending, can draw friends that you don’t necessarily have a lot in common with, but are acting out the same way and like each other in that regard. While taking the backstage approach individuals can rest and relax from social settings as it can be very stressful and hard to be continually acting. I believe some factions in society just don’t care period and that I believe leaves them with anti-social tendencies. Lawpro012
I agree completely. I just I wonder why we are in "front stage" when meeting new people as being friends. Then after a while when they get to know your "back stage" why they liked your front stage in the first place? Most people, I feel, are not who they really are in comparison for front and back stage. lilred012
I believe your article is very insightful. I agree with your idea about the individual who rented a nice vehicle just to show off a certain status. I feel that individuals think its very important to be successful. They know that their friend is successful and with a little bad luck, think that they can’t compare. Sometimes individuals are friends with others for the wrong reason. Whether it be for networking needs or the like. In this mindset individuals are wanting some sort of stake in the friendship for some sort of possible gain. This is only one way to look at the big picture. Good post. Lawpro012
Deborah Marshall does a good job explaining Goffman’s dramaturgical approach. I agree a lot with what Kaufman is saying about front stage but I think some people put too much emphasis on the front stage or live too much in the front stage. Don’t you want people to know the real you? Or just family and friends. Yes you should act accordingly in today’s society. Then you have a different classes of society to and to be a part of the class you have to dress and act a certain way if you can afford it or not. We have a very rich neighborhood in our city. One day we were walking through one of these houses in the neighborhood and they had no pictures on the wall, no furniture or TVs just a couple dressers and a mattress on the floor. The owners explained that they could not afford the stuff to furnish the new house and had to sell a lot of their old furnishings to be able to put the down payment on the castle of the house that they lived in now. Bfd6866012
It all comes down to having integrity. I am an honest person but most importantly I am honest with myself. I don't base my life on "keeping up with the Jones's", I live my life living up to my own standards. My philosophy is if people don't accept me for who I really am then I don't want those people being a part of my life. I get greater satisfaction in kicking back relaxing with my kids and talking to them than I would busting my chops working 80 hours a week so I could afford to live in a castle to put an image out there of someone that I truly am not. I feel sorry for the people living in this castle, there priorities are really backwards, unfortunately society has influenced us in portraying this image that you are not good enough if you don't make a ton of money and have expensive things to show for it. Our society needs to go back to root, the riches are with our children, family and our health, being thankful for the everyday freedoms we have, that is rich living to me. Hbaby31012
I think some people do love to 'act' in a sense and are always on the front stage. I have heard stories too about people who buy these huge houses to look good on the outside but once you go in there is no furniture because they could only afford the house. But those people who get to go into their nice house are they the close people who get to see the back stage side of those people? RDH012
I do like that Goffmans theory is very easy to understand and that he makes it clear on how he views people. But, yes we do act as our normal self when we are alone. I do feel like MY friends and family know me as the person I would be if I acted alone. Expectly my friends, who wants a fake friend? For a job, to get that job you are going to put on what ever act it is that you feel that person interviewing you wants to hear or see. Then, once you got that job you will still have a professional act, but some people you learn to trust will get to see some of the real you as well. lilred012
I think Erving Goffman has one of my favorite theories. It’s an easy concept to grasp and I enjoy that it can be applied to almost everyone and situation. Seeing the world as a stage, and we are acting and using props is very interesting to me. We put on a “show” for other people; we use a tool called “impression management”. We want others to like us and accept us, so we “act”. I think the idea of us using a back stage to practice how to be social and how to put on a show is an idea that isn’t thought of much. A nurse may have a stethoscope and scrubs as their props, while a construction worker may have a hardhat and steel toed boots. Each of these props will help one create a setting for their audience, the other people around them. One wouldn’t put on a really nice suit and have a briefcase to go work in the kitchen at a fast food restaurant. GoGreen012
I really liked how Debra Marshall explained Goffman's Dramaturgy. We all have been guilty at one time or another of putting on the act. The world is our stage, and we are putting ourselves on display for all to see. I really liked his approach of front stage and back stage. We all go to work everyday dressed in some sort of prop, whether it be a suit and tie, or scrubs, etc. These props help paint a picture to other people. Front stage reminds me of a job interview. When you go for a job interview you're going to dress the part and say whatever you think the employer wants to hear because you are selling yourself. Of course most of us act differently when we are home alone or with really close family or friends. In my opinion there's a time and a place for certain things and when you are "backstage" you're going to let your freak flag fly. jam012
Erving Goffman's Dramaturgy has an interesting spin on who we are as a person. Ofcourse, we all have a private life which is our back stage from his perspective and our social life which is our front stage. I have a hard time understanding that NO ONE really knows who we are as a person. Sure we let our guard down when no one is around and we may be more comfortable doing certain things in front of our family than in front of society or people that we are unfamiliar with but I do still feel that siblings we have grown up with and our children are the people that really do know who we are as a person so I do think that this is possible. I do agree with the perspective of "life is a stage". People do put on a front and may not act like who they really are when they leave their house. Certain jobs require us to act in a constant professional manner, in a manner of making critical decisions, or in a manner of literally acting on a stage to perform and entertain. I think that "life is a stage" is in relation to our personal life verses our social life. Hbaby31012
I disagree with you about people knowing us. They may know our ego or super ego but do you tell your kids when they drew a picture what you really thought? People fake around everyone so no ones feelings get hurt. Do your siblings know every dirty secret of yours and every dirty secret desire you have. I feel no one can truly know another because we fear not being accepted to much. Zipping012
Erving Goffman was completely right about human beings being con artists. We do put fourth our best face and we try our best at impressing others. People portray what they want others to see and not what others want to see. We are like actors and we try to make other people like us. People do this for acceptance and when we are no longer required to be that way we are alone and ourselves. We only act for others he says but I feel he is wrong. We do act for ourselves based on morals. Id is who we are I feel and super ego is what puts that to a halt. If we do not keep up the act when alone we may get out of practice from this. A problem with the acting is if you have one personality in front of one person then another the other person may blow your act. Zipping012
I agree and feel they hit the nail on the head in this video. I think we all do have a front and back stage to some degree. I think the front stage has many "shows" depending on who the audience is whether it be family, friends, job interviews, other first impressions, etc. Definitely when it comes to first impressions because this is when we really get a feel for that person and sets the tone for future meetings. We lead on what we want others to perceive about us. I also think we try and lead ourselves on at times on what we want our own self to believe. I would say it's important not to have too many acts in case we are with others, at the same time, that have seen us differently raising questions on who they believe we really are. DaBearsandBulls012
I found Doctor Marshall’s video on Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgy to be quite interesting and relatable. For instance, looking at humans and how Goffman saw that we try to “guide” and “control” each other’s perceptions of ourselves… it is incredibly accurate. I always feel as if, no matter what the situation is, I always try to manipulate my actions in a way that they see that I am a person of interest, as if the person I really am is dull. It isn’t like I’m a fake person; this factor of Dramaturgy basically molds me into a better person without me even noticing. His next observation was very spot on, about being different in social settings than when alone. Sometimes I come to school calm and relaxed, but when I’m at home, I’m bouncing off the walls. Also, I always refrain from showing any anger when I’m around anyone, but when I’m alone and something frustrates me I might just let loose on a tantrum of yelling and slamming doors. I guess it’s just typical of humans to be this way, and has been for years.
Good summery I really enjoyed reading it. I completely agree with what you said about persons of interest. I have also tried to change and get on that certain persons level to where maybe I could fit in. I always thought of myself as a dull person. Social settings put a lot of people out of their comfort zone well it does to me sometimes. (Hound89) 012
I couldn't agree more. Maybe that's a concept that I should try to put in place more, however. I'm a bit more intro than extroverted, so manipulating situations to have people see me as someone to be interested in are a little more difficult. Just an observation. haha YellowUmbrella
I agree with Erving Goffman humans are very devious and out of control at time. People are always worried about what other people think of them. A lot of people will do anything to fit in. The video states that humans are con artist, well they are. In this world it could be very hard to fit in with society and that’s the main problem these days, is not accepting people for who they are. There are so many views on society through sociology and there are many things that make it all come together as a whole. The explanation of this theory could not be any clearer. People think that impressing one another in life is going to get you somewhere but I disagree and I am not saying all people but in this life time I have ran across a few. I am not saying that I am not guilty by no means but this video and Erving Goffman’s theory was very well put together I think. (Hound89) 012
I don't know if I completely agree with what you are saying here, yes a lot of people are always worried about how others see them, but then their are others who are not really worried. We may act differently in public than in our own private setting, but I wouldn't say that people are out of control or devious, just in order for people to like them. We act differently in public just cause it is human nature, it is just how we are and how we are programmed, some people act more than others. starburst012
This was a very good video and explained Erving Goffmans Interaction theory of Dramaturgical Approach a little better and went into more detail. It talks about how humans are all actors and the world is our stage. The video also stated how humans are active and knowledgable, devise their own conduct, guide and control how others see the, different in social settings than alone, and social con artists. I find all these interesting and I think it makes sense. I just never really thought about it to that extent. I knew people act differently with others than alone but not so much as "actors". The video then goes on to talk about dramaturgy, which is the theatrical representation of life, with a front and backstage, and we use impression management as a tool to look more appealing to our peers and society. One very interesting thing this video said was can anyone else truly know who you are besides yourself? What do you think? She says that their may be very few people in your life who know pretty close to who you really are but still they will NEVER see you in your backstage, and who you are alone. starburst012
I like what you said. But, yes, I believe that the very few people who TRULY know me. But still, they only know what I want them to know. There might be some aspects of my life that I have granted people access to, but my thoughts are my own, and I keep them very guarded. But, there are some parts of me, that if you truly know me, are quite predictable. People know that if I say I want something, I will get it. People know that I am family oriented. People know my goals and what drives me. But the thoughts and plans that I make to get to where I am trying to go, are limited to a close net. Do I think that people truly know me? I think that they know what I want them to know. gogetit012
Actors create illusions for others entertainment as well as their own so I agree with you. Because no is an actor or acts if they don't enjoy it. To answer your question about people seeing you in your backstage all depends on the person. If you live with someone long enough I think it is impossible not to see them in their backstage. But maybe some people never really do show it. I think it is healthy to be able to let your guard down and be your backstage self with at least one person. I think it's healthy to have that level of trust and comfort in someone ScientistSalarian012
I've heard the phrase the life is a stage before, but never really sat and thought too much about it, or theorized longer about it. But thinking about it in the terms presented, it makes perfect sense. However, I would like to take it even a step further. It really depends on who the audience is. The way that I behave in a family setting is entirely different than the way I behave in an employment setting. I am more relaxed and free when I am around family and even friends. However, at work, I am on a different stage and therefore act differently. With my military background, I am more of an observer in the audience of the play, than an actor of the play. I don't interact with people as much. I suppose that maybe I am an actor in the play, the "extra" that they throw on stage to fill space. I don't interact, and I don't I don't speak much, just enough to make my presence known. At other times, I am the actor thrown in for comedic relief. I am quick with one liners that can break an awkward silence. Like a fart. But who I am alone, is not the person that you see in front of you. Even the play in my head is for an audience of one. But it is interesting, at times, to just sit back and see just how many different stages can be in one room. gogetit012
Debra Marshall hit it right on the spot. She explained that she understood Goffmans Dramaturgical theory. Then when she put it in her own words she explained it perfect. Like it is so true when she pointed out the back stage is are private life and front stage is are life most people get to see and he share . We do act so different when we are around certain people . Like when we answer the phone most of the time we act really proper but as soon as we hang up we act and talk all different and improper. When are parents come in the room we most of the make sure we aren't doing any thing wrong or any thing to make them question us . Then once they leave we go straight back to acting kinda fake . So life is like a box of chocolate u never know what u will get in till u bit in to one. Emo012
Dramaturgy is an interesting concept to me in general. This video does an excellent job of explaining what it is and everything that goes along with it, so it makes it a little easier to understand. Especially once these videos get so vocabulary heavy. When that happens, I tend to get a little lost in sociological jargon more than the actual concepts. So this video is extremely helpful. YellowUmbrella012
I think this video was very good and very educational. I personally think it explained front stage and back stage to a T. I believe everyone has a "front" or an act when we are out in public. Like the lady in the video explained we all want to be liked. The is one of the main goals when we are out in society. No one wants to be the outcast or the weird one. So until we get to know people better and become closer we act a certain way. Personally I don't sit at home and script out my interactions with strangers or practice what I will do. The backstage I have mixed feelings about. I feel with very close friends I allow them to see my backstage but how much I let them see I am not to sure.Stayup012
I agree with what she says. I haven't heard the front stage and back stage theories before. We all experience both of these in our everyday lives. We spend hours trying to prepare to impress someone or a crowd. Like the first day of high school, you think about how to act the entire summer before that. Now back stage is more complicated to grasp to me. Is this just a pre phase of front stage? It says this is where you practice being social and that would be the same as a buildup for a first impression. I also agree that someone can know someone else. I have friends that I am positive I know exactly who they are, and there are friends that know me. RRFBall012
I love Goffman's Dramaturgy view. We all play a role when we are out and about and when we are by ourselves we are so different. Most people want to be viewed a certain way, no one really wants to be different or viewed badly. We dress and talk to appear how we want to have people view us how we would like to be viewed. One thing I find interesting is what is the funniest things that we see on television or movies? It's usually backstage behavior done on the front stage. Ways that you wouldn't just act in front of people we find so funny to see. We enjoy to see that behavior on the front stage. I wonder though if someone can become more comfortable as a person the more they let the front stage and backstage sides of themselves blend. ScientistSalarian012
Debra Marshall did a great job explaining Goffman's Dramaturgical approach. She really focused on the front stage and back stage ideas that Goffman had. I very much agree with the front stage idea and how people dress and act a particular way in front of others. This is because first impressions are very important. Over the summer, in my communications class we learned that it takes someone 3 seconds to make a first impression about someone. With knowing this fact who doesn't want to dress up and look nice so people won't judge them harshly in the first three seconds they see someone. The part I don't really agree with them on is the back stage. Debra talks about maybe a parent, sibling, spouse, or close friend seeing the back stage side of you but it is very unlikely. I myself and I'm sure many others do share their back stage sides with others. My parents, sister, and very close friends know me just as well as I know myself. They have all seen my back stage life because I know no matter what they love me and won't hold it against me. I think that everyone shows their back stage life to others, but only the select others who can handle it and will still love them for who they truly are and not who they are trying to act like. RDH012
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, with you the back stage part of Goffmans theory is hard to completely agree with. I think more people see our backstage then he says. I know no matter who I am talking to they are getting the full extent to who I am. I don’t hold anything back once I know a person because it is harder to keep up an act then to just let it all hang out there. It gives you a feeling of freedom.
DeleteTechie_012
I also agree with what you said above about the back stage, I believe some of my close friends and family see that side of me. If no one ever saw that side of us, then wouldn’t we constantly be in the front stage unless we were completely alone? GoGreen012
DeleteI can agree for the most part, but I do think there are times when not everyone may know exactly who we are or what we can be like. I say this because I like watching crime shows, the real life ones where people have killed. In listening to people who knew those who have killed, many times they say I never knew them to be this way or I never saw this side of them. They may have thought they were weird or a little strange, but nothing more than that. This has come from those that are close to them as well like wives, mothers, etc. Those people that live a "double life." I'm sure there are many other situations, but this is one that came to mind. DaBearsandBulls012
DeleteI personally think the backstage is a grey area. I do believe we allow very close friends and some family members into our backstage. Some people are different than others so some allow people to see more of their backstage and others have a more private backstage. My close friends see alot of my backstage but I don't think I let them see it all. I do believe when you are alone you learn things about yourself or catch yourself doing things you normally wouldn't do around anybody. If you truly don't know yourself it's hard to say close people know your backstage. You have to really know yourself for you to open up to others and in my opinion not everyone truly knows who they are. You can only really know who you are when you are alone in the backstage.Stayup012
DeleteI enjoyed Debra Marshall's explanation of Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory. By accurately explaining both stages of our personality's life/exposure to the social setting and the private sector, it helps understand how some societies function with this. I agree with this theory but only in certain cases. If I were to apply this to my own life, I would say that in my social circles, I am more apt to be playing both stages at once. As a person that is a survivor of domestic violence, I sometimes have to recount the mental process and physical process to complete strangers (women's shelter) to help them see that it is completely possible to come thru the stage of life they are at. While this is a rewind of a part of my life that I would choose normally to keep walled up and only think about it alone, in my "back stage", it is also imperative to me to teach others how to come through it. I have to let my guard or walls down to show vulnerability during these women's vulnerable times. Yet, in front of my parents I am more front stage. Putting on a show, speaking the lines I have worked on to say to them. So, I think it actually depends on the person and what made them who they now are. The circumstances they have learned to "deal with". The people for whom their audience is. However, with that being said, during a job interview I would say I am front stage. Showing only what I perceive they want to see or hear. So it depends perhaps on the venue of the audience on who will see what. Firecracker012
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more the video was a great display of goffmans theory. yes and the fact that she like you said accurately explained both stages is was clear to understand. I was also interested in the idea of venue. (Aphi012)
DeleteI agree. I think the way she explained front stage and backstage it was very good. It’s always good to decompress. I think the people need to decompress more then maybe we won’t have so many suicides and health issues. I think people worry so much about what other people think and staying on the front stage for so long they bring it with them to the backstage and they don’t decompress.bfd6866012
DeleteI agree, we all need to let off steam and let our freak flag fly once in a while, it's the healthy thing to do. We do live in a society where first impressions are very important, and the majority of our days are spent in "front stage". Just being yourself isn't as easy as it sounds. jam012
DeleteI think the video was good it explaining Goffman’s Dramaturgy theory. I don’t really agree with his theory though. I do think everyone puts on a show for most people. From a young age especially in today’s society because everyone is out to be better than the next person or show you have more than them. So we all show off when we are around other people. I do but I don’t agree with the back stage part of Goffman’s Theory, I do think we keep most people at arm’s length but I think more people are let into the back stage area then he says. I know once I meet someone and I get a feel for them I feel I let down the Curtin and put it all out there. I have always been a straight forward person and if people didn’t like me then who cares. I am who I am and that’s all that I am. Granted this is just how I am but I’m sure there are more people out there than just me. Anyone else not care what people think of them and put it all out there for everyone to see?
ReplyDeleteTechie_012
I agree with you on the fact about just putting it out there for everyone to see, however I don't do put my life out there because I don't care. I put my life and it's history out there so that those that choose to see and hear about it can take the lessons and knowledge I have learned to better their own lives. I do not agree with Goffman's front stage/back stage theory on each individual of a society. firecracker012
DeleteI thought that Debra Marshall does a good job explaining Goffman's Dramaturgy theory. I don't agree with his theory. I think most people put on a show for most people.From a young age in today society everyone is out to be good than the other person and has more to show. So we show off when we are around other people. i don't agree with the other side Goffman makes. I think people keep other people at arms length.I know once I meet someone I get a feel for what they are like.Bears 012
ReplyDeleteI agree that we shouldn't allow peer pressure from other people determine who we are as a person bears 012
ReplyDeleteI felt that this video was informative it gave me deeper insight to what you were explaining in class about your friend who decided renting fro hertz to impress was a good idea. but what makes me question is that if your friend was willing to lie to you what else has he lied about. or even what did you do to your friend to make him feel slightly uncomfortable with displaying his true self. goffmans theory makes perfect sense but I mean no one is going to do certain things in from of anyone because simply undressing yourself in our culture in front of someone else can be looked at as inappropriate. we are all created to think that having more money or anything of that nature is more appealing. people in my generation call this flexing but little did we know its a part of a sociologist view of thinking. (Aphi012)
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost I think this is by far one of the most impressive functions that individuals have in society. To continually move from the front stage to the back stage takes somewhat of a conscious awareness to do. I believe that in social settings people are aware, in their own mind, of how they look to others even if they don’t think about how they control their own behavior. While on front stage people are very manipulative and want to be liked by others. This is where friendship derives from. Sometimes by acting a certain way in a social setting, or pretending, can draw friends that you don’t necessarily have a lot in common with, but are acting out the same way and like each other in that regard. While taking the backstage approach individuals can rest and relax from social settings as it can be very stressful and hard to be continually acting. I believe some factions in society just don’t care period and that I believe leaves them with anti-social tendencies. Lawpro012
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. I just I wonder why we are in "front stage" when meeting new people as being friends. Then after a while when they get to know your "back stage" why they liked your front stage in the first place? Most people, I feel, are not who they really are in comparison for front and back stage. lilred012
DeleteI believe your article is very insightful. I agree with your idea about the individual who rented a nice vehicle just to show off a certain status. I feel that individuals think its very important to be successful. They know that their friend is successful and with a little bad luck, think that they can’t compare. Sometimes individuals are friends with others for the wrong reason. Whether it be for networking needs or the like. In this mindset individuals are wanting some sort of stake in the friendship for some sort of possible gain. This is only one way to look at the big picture. Good post. Lawpro012
ReplyDeleteDeborah Marshall does a good job explaining Goffman’s dramaturgical approach. I agree a lot with what Kaufman is saying about front stage but I think some people put too much emphasis on the front stage or live too much in the front stage. Don’t you want people to know the real you? Or just family and friends. Yes you should act accordingly in today’s society. Then you have a different classes of society to and to be a part of the class you have to dress and act a certain way if you can afford it or not. We have a very rich neighborhood in our city. One day we were walking through one of these houses in the neighborhood and they had no pictures on the wall, no furniture or TVs just a couple dressers and a mattress on the floor. The owners explained that they could not afford the stuff to furnish the new house and had to sell a lot of their old furnishings to be able to put the down payment on the castle of the house that they lived in now. Bfd6866012
ReplyDeleteIt all comes down to having integrity. I am an honest person but most importantly I am honest with myself. I don't base my life on "keeping up with the Jones's", I live my life living up to my own standards. My philosophy is if people don't accept me for who I really am then I don't want those people being a part of my life. I get greater satisfaction in kicking back relaxing with my kids and talking to them than I would busting my chops working 80 hours a week so I could afford to live in a castle to put an image out there of someone that I truly am not. I feel sorry for the people living in this castle, there priorities are really backwards, unfortunately society has influenced us in portraying this image that you are not good enough if you don't make a ton of money and have expensive things to show for it. Our society needs to go back to root, the riches are with our children, family and our health, being thankful for the everyday freedoms we have, that is rich living to me. Hbaby31012
DeleteI think some people do love to 'act' in a sense and are always on the front stage. I have heard stories too about people who buy these huge houses to look good on the outside but once you go in there is no furniture because they could only afford the house. But those people who get to go into their nice house are they the close people who get to see the back stage side of those people? RDH012
DeleteI do like that Goffmans theory is very easy to understand and that he makes it clear on how he views people. But, yes we do act as our normal self when we are alone. I do feel like MY friends and family know me as the person I would be if I acted alone. Expectly my friends, who wants a fake friend? For a job, to get that job you are going to put on what ever act it is that you feel that person interviewing you wants to hear or see. Then, once you got that job you will still have a professional act, but some people you learn to trust will get to see some of the real you as well. lilred012
ReplyDeleteI think Erving Goffman has one of my favorite theories. It’s an easy concept to grasp and I enjoy that it can be applied to almost everyone and situation. Seeing the world as a stage, and we are acting and using props is very interesting to me. We put on a “show” for other people; we use a tool called “impression management”. We want others to like us and accept us, so we “act”. I think the idea of us using a back stage to practice how to be social and how to put on a show is an idea that isn’t thought of much. A nurse may have a stethoscope and scrubs as their props, while a construction worker may have a hardhat and steel toed boots. Each of these props will help one create a setting for their audience, the other people around them. One wouldn’t put on a really nice suit and have a briefcase to go work in the kitchen at a fast food restaurant. GoGreen012
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with your comment. I find his concept very easy to level with, and that it is easy to see in everyone.
Delete-JrMac95012
I really liked how Debra Marshall explained Goffman's Dramaturgy. We all have been guilty at one time or another of putting on the act. The world is our stage, and we are putting ourselves on display for all to see. I really liked his approach of front stage and back stage. We all go to work everyday dressed in some sort of prop, whether it be a suit and tie, or scrubs, etc. These props help paint a picture to other people. Front stage reminds me of a job interview. When you go for a job interview you're going to dress the part and say whatever you think the employer wants to hear because you are selling yourself. Of course most of us act differently when we are home alone or with really close family or friends. In my opinion there's a time and a place for certain things and when you are "backstage" you're going to let your freak flag fly. jam012
ReplyDeleteErving Goffman's Dramaturgy has an interesting spin on who we are as a person. Ofcourse, we all have a private life which is our back stage from his perspective and our social life which is our front stage. I have a hard time understanding that NO ONE really knows who we are as a person. Sure we let our guard down when no one is around and we may be more comfortable doing certain things in front of our family than in front of society or people that we are unfamiliar with but I do still feel that siblings we have grown up with and our children are the people that really do know who we are as a person so I do think that this is possible. I do agree with the perspective of "life is a stage". People do put on a front and may not act like who they really are when they leave their house. Certain jobs require us to act in a constant professional manner, in a manner of making critical decisions, or in a manner of literally acting on a stage to perform and entertain. I think that "life is a stage" is in relation to our personal life verses our social life. Hbaby31012
ReplyDeleteI disagree with you about people knowing us. They may know our ego or super ego but do you tell your kids when they drew a picture what you really thought? People fake around everyone so no ones feelings get hurt. Do your siblings know every dirty secret of yours and every dirty secret desire you have. I feel no one can truly know another because we fear not being accepted to much. Zipping012
DeleteErving Goffman was completely right about human beings being con artists. We do put fourth our best face and we try our best at impressing others. People portray what they want others to see and not what others want to see. We are like actors and we try to make other people like us. People do this for acceptance and when we are no longer required to be that way we are alone and ourselves. We only act for others he says but I feel he is wrong. We do act for ourselves based on morals. Id is who we are I feel and super ego is what puts that to a halt. If we do not keep up the act when alone we may get out of practice from this. A problem with the acting is if you have one personality in front of one person then another the other person may blow your act. Zipping012
ReplyDeleteI agree and feel they hit the nail on the head in this video. I think we all do have a front and back stage to some degree. I think the front stage has many "shows" depending on who the audience is whether it be family, friends, job interviews, other first impressions, etc. Definitely when it comes to first impressions because this is when we really get a feel for that person and sets the tone for future meetings. We lead on what we want others to perceive about us. I also think we try and lead ourselves on at times on what we want our own self to believe. I would say it's important not to have too many acts in case we are with others, at the same time, that have seen us differently raising questions on who they believe we really are. DaBearsandBulls012
ReplyDeleteI found Doctor Marshall’s video on Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgy to be quite interesting and relatable.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, looking at humans and how Goffman saw that we try to “guide” and “control” each other’s perceptions of ourselves… it is incredibly accurate. I always feel as if, no matter what the situation is, I always try to manipulate my actions in a way that they see that I am a person of interest, as if the person I really am is dull. It isn’t like I’m a fake person; this factor of Dramaturgy basically molds me into a better person without me even noticing.
His next observation was very spot on, about being different in social settings than when alone. Sometimes I come to school calm and relaxed, but when I’m at home, I’m bouncing off the walls. Also, I always refrain from showing any anger when I’m around anyone, but when I’m alone and something frustrates me I might just let loose on a tantrum of yelling and slamming doors.
I guess it’s just typical of humans to be this way, and has been for years.
-JrMac95012
Good summery I really enjoyed reading it. I completely agree with what you said about persons of interest. I have also tried to change and get on that certain persons level to where maybe I could fit in. I always thought of myself as a dull person. Social settings put a lot of people out of their comfort zone well it does to me sometimes. (Hound89) 012
DeleteI couldn't agree more. Maybe that's a concept that I should try to put in place more, however. I'm a bit more intro than extroverted, so manipulating situations to have people see me as someone to be interested in are a little more difficult. Just an observation. haha
DeleteYellowUmbrella
I agree with Erving Goffman humans are very devious and out of control at time. People are always worried about what other people think of them. A lot of people will do anything to fit in. The video states that humans are con artist, well they are. In this world it could be very hard to fit in with society and that’s the main problem these days, is not accepting people for who they are. There are so many views on society through sociology and there are many things that make it all come together as a whole. The explanation of this theory could not be any clearer. People think that impressing one another in life is going to get you somewhere but I disagree and I am not saying all people but in this life time I have ran across a few. I am not saying that I am not guilty by no means but this video and Erving Goffman’s theory was very well put together I think. (Hound89) 012
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I completely agree with what you are saying here, yes a lot of people are always worried about how others see them, but then their are others who are not really worried. We may act differently in public than in our own private setting, but I wouldn't say that people are out of control or devious, just in order for people to like them. We act differently in public just cause it is human nature, it is just how we are and how we are programmed, some people act more than others.
Deletestarburst012
This was a very good video and explained Erving Goffmans Interaction theory of Dramaturgical Approach a little better and went into more detail. It talks about how humans are all actors and the world is our stage. The video also stated how humans are active and knowledgable, devise their own conduct, guide and control how others see the, different in social settings than alone, and social con artists. I find all these interesting and I think it makes sense. I just never really thought about it to that extent. I knew people act differently with others than alone but not so much as "actors". The video then goes on to talk about dramaturgy, which is the theatrical representation of life, with a front and backstage, and we use impression management as a tool to look more appealing to our peers and society. One very interesting thing this video said was can anyone else truly know who you are besides yourself? What do you think? She says that their may be very few people in your life who know pretty close to who you really are but still they will NEVER see you in your backstage, and who you are alone.
ReplyDeletestarburst012
I like what you said. But, yes, I believe that the very few people who TRULY know me. But still, they only know what I want them to know. There might be some aspects of my life that I have granted people access to, but my thoughts are my own, and I keep them very guarded. But, there are some parts of me, that if you truly know me, are quite predictable. People know that if I say I want something, I will get it. People know that I am family oriented. People know my goals and what drives me. But the thoughts and plans that I make to get to where I am trying to go, are limited to a close net. Do I think that people truly know me? I think that they know what I want them to know. gogetit012
DeleteActors create illusions for others entertainment as well as their own so I agree with you. Because no is an actor or acts if they don't enjoy it. To answer your question about people seeing you in your backstage all depends on the person. If you live with someone long enough I think it is impossible not to see them in their backstage. But maybe some people never really do show it. I think it is healthy to be able to let your guard down and be your backstage self with at least one person. I think it's healthy to have that level of trust and comfort in someone
DeleteScientistSalarian012
I've heard the phrase the life is a stage before, but never really sat and thought too much about it, or theorized longer about it. But thinking about it in the terms presented, it makes perfect sense.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I would like to take it even a step further. It really depends on who the audience is. The way that I behave in a family setting is entirely different than the way I behave in an employment setting. I am more relaxed and free when I am around family and even friends. However, at work, I am on a different stage and therefore act differently. With my military background, I am more of an observer in the audience of the play, than an actor of the play. I don't interact with people as much. I suppose that maybe I am an actor in the play, the "extra" that they throw on stage to fill space. I don't interact, and I don't I don't speak much, just enough to make my presence known.
At other times, I am the actor thrown in for comedic relief. I am quick with one liners that can break an awkward silence. Like a fart.
But who I am alone, is not the person that you see in front of you. Even the play in my head is for an audience of one. But it is interesting, at times, to just sit back and see just how many different stages can be in one room.
gogetit012
Debra Marshall hit it right on the spot. She explained that she understood Goffmans Dramaturgical theory. Then when she put it in her own words she explained it perfect. Like it is so true when she pointed out the back stage is are private life and front stage is are life most people get to see and he share . We do act so different when we are around certain people . Like when we answer the phone most of the time we act really proper but as soon as we hang up we act and talk all different and improper. When are parents come in the room we most of the make sure we aren't doing any thing wrong or any thing to make them question us . Then once they leave we go straight back to acting kinda fake . So life is like a box of chocolate u never know what u will get in till u bit in to one.
ReplyDeleteEmo012
Dramaturgy is an interesting concept to me in general. This video does an excellent job of explaining what it is and everything that goes along with it, so it makes it a little easier to understand. Especially once these videos get so vocabulary heavy. When that happens, I tend to get a little lost in sociological jargon more than the actual concepts. So this video is extremely helpful.
ReplyDeleteYellowUmbrella012
I think this video was very good and very educational. I personally think it explained front stage and back stage to a T. I believe everyone has a "front" or an act when we are out in public. Like the lady in the video explained we all want to be liked. The is one of the main goals when we are out in society. No one wants to be the outcast or the weird one. So until we get to know people better and become closer we act a certain way. Personally I don't sit at home and script out my interactions with strangers or practice what I will do. The backstage I have mixed feelings about. I feel with very close friends I allow them to see my backstage but how much I let them see I am not to sure.Stayup012
ReplyDeleteI agree with what she says. I haven't heard the front stage and back stage theories before. We all experience both of these in our everyday lives. We spend hours trying to prepare to impress someone or a crowd. Like the first day of high school, you think about how to act the entire summer before that. Now back stage is more complicated to grasp to me. Is this just a pre phase of front stage? It says this is where you practice being social and that would be the same as a buildup for a first impression. I also agree that someone can know someone else. I have friends that I am positive I know exactly who they are, and there are friends that know me. RRFBall012
ReplyDeleteI love Goffman's Dramaturgy view. We all play a role when we are out and about and when we are by ourselves we are so different. Most people want to be viewed a certain way, no one really wants to be different or viewed badly. We dress and talk to appear how we want to have people view us how we would like to be viewed. One thing I find interesting is what is the funniest things that we see on television or movies? It's usually backstage behavior done on the front stage. Ways that you wouldn't just act in front of people we find so funny to see. We enjoy to see that behavior on the front stage. I wonder though if someone can become more comfortable as a person the more they let the front stage and backstage sides of themselves blend.
ReplyDeleteScientistSalarian012