Iowa: 38Wisconsin: 16

Presentation of SelfImpression Management

Presentation of Self

• We have multiple selves• We choose the self that is going to elicit the

most positive/desired outcome– Example: Job interview

Managing Impressions

• We are highly motivated to “sell” a particular image of ourselves

• Will strategically hide or highlight various aspects of our selves to gain desired outcome– Text example: Illusion of youth– Politicians: Appeal to middle class• Joe Six Pack• Hockey Mom• “My neighborhood”

Erving Goffman—Dramaturgy

• Front stage: area where people maintain appropriate impressions during interactions

• Back stage: area where people allow themselves to violate their appropriate impression management performances– Example: Professors

Spoiled Identities

• Embarrassment: when our identity is suddenly discredited in front of others

Remedies for Spoiled Identities

• Account: attempt to explain away embarrassing behavior– “Refs were unfair”– “Player X was injured”

• Disclaimer: statement made prior to behavior to prevent complaints– “I’m not racist, but…”

• Cooling out: persuading someone who has lost face to accept a lesser identity– “You’re still #1 in Wisconsin!”