Self-Presentation and the Ability for US, Essay Example

Self-presentation and the ability for us, as consumers, to partake in self-preservation have infused itself into almost every aspect of the culture in which we live.  Why is it that we drink Starbucks or wear name brand shoes?  The reason is that we want to be something that we think someone thinks we are.  The reason for this is because deep down there is a human instinct to attract other humans.  This is no less the exact reason we dress the way we do.  I have a friend that recently graduated and was moving on to corporate workforce.  While this is an entry level position, the more senior members of the team were clean shaven and work neckties with pressed shirts.  The reason I bring this up is because my friend has had a full beard and more casual appearance since the first day I met him.  His qualifications were sound and he is very intelligent but for some reason he felt that before the interview he had to change his personal dress and appearance to fit the situation even though the situation was self-imposed by those in this specific area of the organization.

This is critical to self-presentation because, although his mental aptitude and qualifications had not waivered, his presentation needed to be altered to make him look suitable for the position.  He had to construct himself in such a way as to attract the position and ensure he had an opportunity to become part of the team.  In what was deemed “a professional image”, the change in his dress ultimately changed how he acted and perceived himself.  This could be seen over time as maturing or acclimating into the fabric of society but in reality it was not only the self-presentation of the clothing but also the actions that he was exuding that became incremental self-presentations.