Sociology

After studying and researching Goffmans dramaturgical theory, I found there is a direct correlation between the standards of society and between the societal pressures it has beneath the surface to hide their unacceptable backstage behavior. This creates the acceptance to embellish a dramatic role play for their frontstage character in society, leaving behind the responsibility to uphold any sense of moral character for ones true self. It is easier to face society with a masked appearance then it is for confronting the pressures standing alone.

The contradictory of behavior in my childhood friends profile picture of holding an alcoholic beverage up in acceptance at a party scene shows her desire to be accepted in the community. She also appears to be watching old favorite shows and popular stay at home movies, which convey the innocent, light hearted drama taken from the teenage years. Her books give the appearance of a smart, innocent and non experienced youth, while suggestive pictures of my friend, surrounded by her friends, gives the shady appearance that she is standing by in observance. The display of a make out session with her boyfriend gives a sweet and romantic impression. She is not as innocent as she portrays. She actually partied quite a bit and was caught in school with alcohol, which she stole from her parents cabinet. Party life was consistent to her lifestyle and she was quite easy with the boys.

My friend and I have been around each other since we were in the nursery. At one time we were close in friendship, but because our values on life and friends have slowly changed, we have slowly parted our ways. She has a cattier personality than most of my friends and I have seen her social behavior that lies behind the frontstage details on her Facebook profile. It disturbs me how her profile reflects a sincere individual in the community who shows willingness to support others in the nurturing groups she has joined. She does not actually do anything to promote the goodness of others. It is all about self-gratification and what she can achieve from their friendships.

The suggestive photos and poses, however, do portray a little bit about her backstage behavior and her inept decision making to cause her social problems. Most people would think it was a precious picture of the new freshman. Her learned behavior to befriend others successful in order to achieve a higher status carries a lack of respect for their feelings. There is no appreciation of a true friendship with my friend. The stomping on friendships whenever possible for a higher status causes a lack of trust with broken boundaries in any given relationship, especially to those who know her. Even her boyfriend will eventually find out the truth.

I am not a goody too shoes either. I enjoy my freshman college social life too but I try to be more discreet with my pictures. When others see my Facebook profile, I want them to see the same person backstage with the same character values in life as the frontstage driven individual with self respect.

The displaying of my friends frontstage as being this sweet, smart and loving person on Facebook page is not what she plays out on her backstage life. Her catty personality is not at all caring and loving like the field she has chosen for her college degree either. This false viewing of her backstage prevents her from having a true friendship and realizing her worth as an individual. Her safety net of her frontstage character has built a pattern of using others. 

Unfortunately, dramaturgical play in society occurs everyday. It is a form of survival in the community. Some people feel they have to falsely portray themselves in order to be successful. No one should have to compromise their values for the sake of achieving a higher status of success like my friend feels she must do. I understand that her backstage behavior would be a complete embarrassment for her new and upcoming field of study in college. She wants to portray a passionate and loving person but I know the truth and unfortunately, true colors must come out sometime.

Using Goffmans Dramaturgical Theory, I discovered this theory is a form of survival for coping with societal pressures. It is much easier to determine peoples frontstage from their backstage life through dramatic events. Profile pictures speak a lot of words and outward actions speak for itself. My friends Facebook behavior and attitude does not portray the person I know. In reality, her deceptive personality has not changed and her true colors will slowly come out whenever others get to befriend her on a personal level. Until she changes her backstage behavior, unfortunately, the false character will flourish and so will the rumors with her Facebook friends and eventually, people will drift away.  You can not judge a book by its cover