I am who I am for you... but really... for me..

            I think it’s interesting consider how rhetoric influences how we present ourselves and develop our ‘image’. We all know rhetoric is used to convince or sway people, but what portion of our persona could be considered rhetoric? In many ways, I personally believe most of what we do and how we present ourselves is done to show how we view ourselves and how we want others to view us. It seems almost cyclical to see that we do things because of other but ultimately, we do things for other for ourselves.

But how exactly can this apply to our grand image of ourselves and others..? It does in everyway. If you choose to be boisterous, loud, and noticeable, it’s because that’s how you want to be viewed, and maybe you saw that type of behavior work for someone else. Maybe you’re quiet and reserved. We all act the way we do because ultimately it’s how we like ourselves the best. It doesn’t matter what type of person you are because regardless, your public behavior, how you dress, how you speak, who you are friends with, and who you admire all create your image. All of these facets of a person that can be viewed by others at face value, will be used  to create an impression of who most will think you are.

Now this may all seem shallow and a one-dimension manner of looking at others, but it’s not far from reality. We’re told not to judge a book by its cover, but on the same token, that’s all we do. We instantly form opinions of anyone we take longer than a second to look at.

It’s why image consultants have a job. They understand that persons of interest are viewed no differently than different brands of cereal in the grocery store. We’ll buy into whatever brand we find most appealing.

In some ways we’re all trying to sell something about ourselves. What’s even more interesting is when someone doesn’t think they care about what others think. In that case, they’re selling indifference and a rejection of social norms. It’s just a different product.