Some people are disturbed by Goffman's work, because it seems to suggest that no one is ever being honest about who they are. What would Goffman say to this?
A) He would argue that, while people are always trying to deceive, they are rarely successful, and that deception isn't worth worrying about.
B) He would say that regardless of who an individual feels herself to "really" be, she must still present that self; it is never self-evident.
C) He would largely agree with this conclusion, suggesting that people are constantly seeking to deceive others in order to gain some advantage.
D) He would argue that there are actually many circumstances when a person does not have to worry about presentation of self, and when others can tell what sort of person he is.
E) He would suggest that people are almost never dishonest in their presentation of self.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Goffman's work does suggest that individuals are always presenting themselves in a particular way or "performing" a role for others, but he does not necessarily argue that this means they are never being honest about who they are. Goffman would argue that regardless of who an individual feels herself to "really" be, she must still present that self, and it is never self-evident. So, the presentation of self is always a part of social interaction, but it does not necessarily override an individual's essential self.

Some People Are Disturbed by Goffman's Work, Because It Seems