Welcome to week 11.
After watching the lecture video and reading the textbook chapter on Michel Foucault, write your responses to the following topics:
1. Describe three aspects of Michel Foucault’s theory that you found particularly interesting. In this post practice explaining complex concepts in a way that is comprehensible even to a reader who has no prior knowledge of Foucault’s theory (2 quotes from lecture, two quotes from textbook, at least 300 words)
3. Reply to section #2 of a classmate’s post. Does their example correctly illustrate Goffman’s concepts? Is the example clear and does it contain sufficient details? Can you relate to that example or is it entirely different from your own experiences? (2. Provide a personal example of (a) impression management, (b) front, and (c) backstage that you have experienced in your own life. Provide details about each example)
Peer Response:
The dramaturgical theory was created by Goffman, which contains the main concepts; impression management, front, backstage, character, and performer. Dramaturgy is a theory that sees society as a large theatre stage where individuals are acting their roles.
Impression management is the creation of an image of himself that a person wants to show people. This image is created through verbal and nonverbal actions. The role front was the verbal and nonverbal content that a person presents to others to produce a desired image. There are two roles such as setting, and personal front. The setting is a place like our home, office, or a place where you are likely to meet someone. While the personal front is our verbal and nonverbal presentation. Backstage is the place where actors are known to take off their masks, makeup, and their costumes. This is a place where someone is not worried about what they are presenting. These would be places where someone would be alone, or even with their closest companions. A character is a person who is acting for the audience, trying to portray a specific image. This is when the audience also brings its assumptions and meanings to the construction. A performer is a person who steps out of the character and stops acting for the audience. This is also a person who behaves informally, spontaneously, individually, relaxed, and free. Notice how Goffman uses the terms performer and character differently than how they are normally used.
In my own life, I use impression management at work because I have to portray a certain professional image. I would also say that I use the front when I am meeting my friend for coffee because I would present a certain image to random people in the coffee shop. I would not want my friend or I to present ourselves in a poor light. Backstage would be when I am in my room at night, I can be completely myself and not have to worry about how I present myself.
