Using Goffman's dramaturgical theory described in the chapter, analyze the social interactions in either a first date or a job interview.

T MINIMUM, you are to submit an initial post by the end of the day Thursday and respond to at least TWO classmates/instructor on TWO separate days. Please see the Guide to Our Online Discussions for more detail on discussion posting.

 

This chapter explores how we form impressions of others and manage the impressions we give of ourselves in various social settings. You may choose which question to respond to for your initial post, just make sure to indicate which question you're answering in your response.

 

1. Using Goffman's dramaturgical theory described in the chapter, analyze the social interactions in either a first date or a job interview. What types of things would you emphasize about yourself in this setting? In other words, what would you bring out to the "front stage"? What types of things would you NOT bring up about yourself in this setting? In other words, what would you keep in the "back stage"? How would you dress or behave differently in this setting than you typically do? NOTE: If you respond to this prompt, be sure you have already listened to the Life is But a Stage: Goffman and Dramaturgy podcast

 

2. Describe a situation when you experienced a spoiled identity. That is, describe a situation when the identity you were presenting was suddenly and unexpectedly discredited in front of others. What type of aligning strategy did you utilize to overcome the spoiled identity? How did you feel? What were the responses of others?