Erving Goffman had a very interesting perspective of the world, making me think he must have been an artist. The way he perceived people around him to be putting on a performance makes me think that he was a creative man. He was able to see that people hold a lot of power with just words and actions, material and non-material things. Power and authority is given to an individual when they realize they are able to paint a picture of anything they want, and it's up to them to make it a reality. Looking at life as a stage makes a lot of sense. We all wear so many "hats", ever throughout a 24 hour period. You may be a boss in the morning, a friend in the afternoon, a cook and maid in the evening and a mother in the wee hours of the night. I think it is important for people to feel the "freedom" of changing who they are to others. Realizing your past does not have to define you can be very empowering. Goffman said through self-labeling we are able to create an identity that one may present to others in an attempt to manage an impression. I personally think it is great to live in a world where change is not only accepted, but encouraged.
http://womenssuccesscoaching.com/2009/03/how-many-hats-can-a-woman-wear-in-one-day/
I choose to use this link because I think it is a great visual to how many "hats" are worn in a day. This link just talks about women, but of course everyone must fill these roles. Goffman had so many great theories when it came to people in general. My favorite point he made was that there are multiple "plays" and "dramas" going on at the same time. We have all learned to adapt to these roles and somehow figured out what goes where, even when it comes to personality and authority, we all seem to find our place without needing direction from others.
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