Quote #1
Q: “This is the desire for the authenticity, our common human wish to express ourselves without being impeded by unreasoning demands for conformity.” pg 540
C: When I read this quote, I automatically think of the first amendment that gives me the freedom of speech. In America people are supposed to have their own opinions and be able to express them but, it seems like that is not the case. Unfortunately, being “your authentic self” in today’s world can get you into a lot of trouble.
Q: Do you feel like a lot of people in today’s society are too intimidated by the potential consequences of their opinions to express their true thoughts and feelings? What are some of the biggest unreasonable demands for conformity?
Quote #2
Q: ” The covering concept might assume too quickly that individuals behaving in “mainstream” ways are hiding some true identity, when in fact they might just be “being themselves”.” pg. 543
C: I agree with this statement because I think that people tend to stereotype and judge others without even trying. We have become a society that makes an assumption before even talking to the person they are judging. Stereotypes have become a big issue because they almost force someone to act a certain way even if they don’t want to.
Q: What are some assumptions that you yourself tend to make? Do you ever find yourself surprised by someones true self after actually talking to them?
Quote #3
Q: ” I suspect they were all bowing to an unjust reality that required them to tone down their stigmatized identities to get along in life.” pg 539
C: This quote brings up a good point. Some people have to cover in order to be successful in their professions or their day to day lives. It also made me wonder whether or not people could be successful without their “False Self’s”. I understand that it is important to act more polite in some situations or more respectful in others which in some cases requires our true self’s.
Q: Do you think it is possible for people to succeed as their True Self or do they always have to lean on their False Self to achieve their goals? Is our “False Self” an essential part of us?
