Life is a theatrical metaphor - by Godsgoodness Refe-Okeme

“The presentation of self in everyday life”It’s not a phrase I coined myself, but from a book written in 1956 by sociologist Erving Goffman.He was one of the many scholars who had a lot to say back then. however, he seemed to have a unique perception called the dramaturgical metaphor…Hear me out… this is not entirely a nerdy post.This guy did some studies here and there and discovered something, not much of a science experiment, but a perception, and that is:The world is a big stage, with humans as the grand performers. Sounds a bit interesting and a bit confusing, but this isn’t a farce.The roles we play as members of society are our “masks” It explains why our behaviour changes when the situation demands it.Formal at work, off-guard with the ones close to us and oftentimes vulnerable to a special someone.So, we could say it entirely depends on the genre.It could be a comedy, the class clown just did his big one and got the whole class laughing and you might have to play along or be the odd one out. Or romance, the guy of your dreams just proposed and the best friend is crying a little too loudly…It could also be a chaotic drama where “things fall apart”, and you just know your village people stayed up working overtime(I meannn, we’ve all had those moments).But it doesn’t mean these roles are fake, No, that’s not the case or the point of the piece.It’s about the importance of keeping one’s true identity, because when the doors are closed, you’re living with yourself, and you lose the plot if the main character doesn’t discover who they are.With every interaction, from the day we drew air, something evolves, and that is our sense of self, which makes up who we are and our ambitionsAnd amidst the performance, there’s only ONE you. But that unfortunately, can get lost with all the appearances we try to put up.It comes down to questioning what image are you building exactly, and is it one that you believe in?Because when people maintain performances they do not personally believe in, it can lead to “self-alienation,”meaning a complete state of disconnection from your inner self.Today, a lot of people seem to have lost their true identity and have just become a copy of others…others who may also be putting on a mask.There’s a lot of noise, to get easily carried away in someone else’s shadow.There are a lot of systems that impose expectations that can make one detach, not just emotionally or mentally, It also cuts off the soul and dangerously enough the creativity, leaving behind an empty shell.Authenticity is the way to greatness, so don’t be a copy, and do not hesitate to find your true self amidst all the theatrics.Your roots, your identity, your thoughts and emotions…embrace them Only then can you unlock your destiny and utmost potential which I believe is the secret to living…not just surviving.

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