Blog Seven: Self and Identity

The idea of performative self really resonates with me as I often hide my true self from those I am not comfortable with and "put on a show" for others in an effort to maintain a certain image.  Duck/McMahan say, "...people have a sense of their own dignity and image- the person they want to be seen as.  That is part of what gets transacted in everyday communication." (pg 134)  This means that our identity is influenced by society and we strive to reflect whatever image we feel is acceptable to others.  This depends alot on context or setting as we act certain ways depending on where we are, who we are with, and our relationship or desired relationship with the people we are interacting with.  I know that when I speak to my friends, my identity is less constructed and more natural because I know that they already accept me, whereas I may be more likely to "perform" on an interview to create an image of professionalism.  I think that the idea of performative self ties in with the transactional nature of communication.  When we conform or play a part to coincide with society's expectations, it says something about what the "norms" of that particular society are.  Our identity is altered in different situations and can reveal our comfort level, desires and relationships with others.  In other words, performative self communicates an extra meaning and is therefore transactional.  It proves that identity is constructed by society and that individual behavior in different situations propagates certain standards.