Written by Michelle Arnetta
Designed by Kiara Andressa
"Be yourself." We've heard that familiar phrase a thousand times, but have we ever stopped to think, 'Which self?' Throughout our lives, we're bound to interact with countless categories of people, whether it be our friends, our family, or even literal strangers. Acting the exact same way in all these different situations would be a death sentence to our reputation, and that's because society is incompatible with the concept of a single self. We'dsigned that unwritten contract since we set foot in society. Thus, we are forced to mask ourselves and become "fake." So why has this so-called fakeness amassed so much hate? This whole situation drips with irony, as does the concept of a single self.
Of course, fakeness is a concept far from foreign. It's a word commonly whispered behind backs and a label plastered onto the most prominent of names. But the same people who spread these rumors like wildfire proceed to don masks of their own. The very facade that wecriticize upholds the society that we inhabit. Despite its negative connotations, is being fake really that bad?
Let's pretend for a moment that we strive to be as authentic as possible in all that we do. As we shift through different environments and social circles, will our strict association of a single self with how we present ourselves withstand the test of time? If that's the way we choose to live, wouldn't we just be limiting ourselves from adapting, from evolving, from thriving? Could we really survive in numerous environments while being anchored to the comfort zones of a single self? In these cases, being fake is arguably a social survival skill.
Being fake isn't only necessary; it's also inevitable. You've probably heard of the saying that everyone has three faces: one that they show to the world, one that they show to those closest to them, and one that they never show anyone. In reality, we don't have three faces; we have so many more. If you're in denial, think about how you present yourself in front of different types of people. If you act the exact same way, you have numerous selves and have technically earned the label of "fake" despite acting the way favored by society. That's the thing about fakeness. It's necessary, but also subliminal.
Even so, being society's "fake" does not preclude being your "true." How you present yourself could affect how you perceive yourself, but it shouldn't to the extent that it destroys your sense of self amongst yourselves. Therefore, behind the unfortunately necessary facade,the masks, and our many, many selves, let's not cease being true.
But who is your true self, really? Among your many selves, that is for you to define.