Wow, this chapter was great and there were so many terms I wanted to write about but I will focus on one, and that is authenticity (page 200). The textbook defines authenticity as "being real and honest in how we live and work with others." And that, "...contemporary ideas of authenticity focus much more on the ethics and consistency of one's behaviors."
I'll admit that one of my guiltiest pleasures is watching reality television. What makes reality shows a hit, earning top viewer ratings, is behavior that is obnoxious, shocking or dramatic. Take the show Bridezillas, for example. Cameras follow brides-to-be as they embark on their journey of planning for their big day. The brides are shown attacking their family members, their fiance, their maids-of honor, and basically anyone who gets in the way of what she wants, no matter how ridiculous her demands are. Having not been married yet, I can only imagine how stressful it is to plan one's wedding, especially on a budget. I can only hope that when my big day arrives, that I will be able to respect others for their hard work and not completely flip my lid. I'm sure that outside of the show, these brides are pleasant human beings (to an extent perhaps) but it seems that when the cameras are rolling, their behavior becomes outrageous. Is it for show? Or does the pressure to have a perfect day equate to a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde syndrome?
If the brides are putting on a show for "show's sake", are they being inathentic? Or are cameras merely capturing the worst part of their personality and editing makes these women look like monsters? Some of the brides may argue that since it is their big day, everyone should cater to them and their requests. And that their behavior is justified for x, y and z reasons. Since these brides are "being real and honest" with their emotions, but being inconsistent with their ethics and behavior, what does that say about the authenticity of their true selves and their tv selves?
4 days ago
I would say that it is authentic to the extent that they really acted that way. In most circumstances people filter their actions and words to project the self they want people to see. In shows like that I do think producers work to make the conditions such so that a person reacts that way. In such a case the action is still authentic even if the environment is fabricated. I don't necessarily think its realistic to think that we are 100% authentic in our work lives. I can't count the times I've had to just grin and bear it when people are irritating and rude and it was initially very inauthentic but now has become something that is much more natural to a point where I could say that it is authentic. So yes there is a degree of inauthentic behavior that is necessary and is a skill that you actually have to work at to get along with employees, supervisors, and customers alike.
ReplyDeleteI watch my share of reality shows as well, though I don't really like them, I get sucked into watching them because the majority of shows on TV these days are reality shows! I have come to the conclusion that people will do almost anything to get their 15 seconds of fame, even if it means making a complete fool of themselves on national television, which most of the time is the case. I definitely think most of these people put on an act for the show, just to get higher ratings and be possibly the picked. By saying picked I mean the winner since most reality shows have some sort of competition involved. I find it almost impossible that these people that are on reality shows are actually being themselves because these are the types of people that will act and do whatever it takes to be on the television screen.
ReplyDeleteThe company I work for has four "Be's" that all of the employees are expected to follow with the first one being "Be Real." Working in retail, it is sometimes hard to do this because you want so much to make the sell that I often find myself making up things like "oh ya I bought that shirt for my little cousin and she absolutely loooves it" even though it is a total fabricated lie! I've also been in Esther's situation where I have had to keep my mouth shut and smile even though a customer is being totally rude... however, there are times when being real has payed off for me at work. I find when I turn off my salesperson personality I am more able to connect with my customers on more personal level which in turn has lead at least one customer to specifically ask for me next time they were in the store.
ReplyDeleteSince your post is about authenticity and reality television, I must share what I know from family members who are in television production. I've been told that reality shows are not authentic, they are all scripted. They are scripted in to create such drama & stir our emotions to make us addicted to them.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I personally believe that maintaining character authenticity in professional life is very hard. The professional environment is so competitive and there are no real rewards for being authentic so people always have a different identity for their professional life. However, if there are certain industries and careers that allows a person to maintain high degree of authenticity in their work life, such as non-profit organizations, religious organizations, and creative professions.