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EdsonSandovalFirstEssay 6 - 05 Jun 2024 - Main.EbenMoglen
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Authenticity in an Age of Lies and Deception | | | The Limits of Authenticity in Self-Portrayal
I am always playing roles. A man who is a judge by day and loving father by night is a representation of multiple personalities, painting a careful image of how he wishes to be portrayed through the most delicate brushstrokes. In most circumstances, the multiplicity of personality is not deception, rather it is a curation of beliefs, attitudes, and interactions used to paint a picture in the minds of others. While this specific picture may be guided with a social benefit in mind, it is limited as the image may only be completed through the other party's volition. After all, the same judge who comes home to his wife and kids after a long day just sentenced a man to life in prison. To his children, he resembles happiness and warmth. To the convicted, he represents hatred and poor judgment.
“Painting” myself in the eyes of others is an art form in and of itself. While I try to be perceived favorably by showing respect, I am only able to define myself in the eyes of others to a certain extent. Thus, authenticity is limited as the picture is completed by the inherent opinions and possible biases of others. In this way, my true thoughts and true feelings are inherently limited. While my definition of authenticity has shifted towards true thoughts that lie behind a wall of fear, this may not apply to others. Different upbringings, inherent privileges, or other factors may limit any efforts I make to paint my desired picture. Nonetheless, I see beauty in this social dynamic, as different forms of thought provide increased opportunities for growth and understanding. While my personal definition of authenticity may change once again, I look forward to growth, pushing forward my theory of social action to make a positive impact in the lives of others. | |
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Yes, this seems to me to have accomplished for you what I hoped such a draft would. Another edit to tighten and limit repetition would improve the essay further from a technical point of view, but the intellectual benefit, to you particularly, has already accrued. Patricia Highsmith's Tom Ripley has a conception of authenticity that is remarkably resonant with yours. That a sociopath could is not a mark against or a criticism of your position: an actor with a theory of social action can be both spooky and dangerous, as Judge Day understood. You have used this opportunity to enrich your grasp of both your powers and your limitations. That's a profound and valuable step. You can see already how it will help you go on.
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