Get Over My Imposter Syndrome Analysis

Imposter syndrome, a state in which you feel inadequate, like your achievements were just a lucky break or a case of mistaken identity. It is possible you already know what imposter syndrome is and you feel this does not describe you at all. Perhaps you really think you are just inept? In “I Dressed Like Cookie for a Week to Get Over My Imposter Syndrome,” author Jazmine Hughes will tell you this is not some “enhanced imposter syndrome,” this is just regular imposter syndrome. She also shares her experience in stepping into the heels of a relevant and strong, female character, in order to nix her feelings of inadequacy over her new job at the New York Times. Hughes is effective at communicating and connecting with her audience, as well

The author states that although the show is unrealistic, sappy and sometimes self-righteous, she still ate up every episode like it was a self-indulgent treat. The majority of the intended audience, can relate to binge-watching a show, whether it was Empire like Hughes or another show. What she really found at the center of the show was a “pretty tough Cookie.” Like Hughes the audience can find a character relatable to them or that they aspire to be like. Cookie is described as ostentatious and remarkable all while maintaining an “around the corner” familiarity, for Hughes. Cookie just wants to take back her life and get what is hers, carving out a space for herself. This motto creates a point of relatability for the author to the character, which in turn opens up a field of reliability between audience, author and character. Although the show gave her the vision to see this experiment through, Cosmopolitan gave her the means to do it, providing her all the clothes and jewelry and the platform to write about the

From day one in her new attire, she relates her respect for the women who get through a day in heels. By showing she understands how someone in the audience feels she is relating to her audience on an emotional level, while also showing her respect for them. Even though the author gets approval for the new look she feels compelled to admit that it was for an article, that she did not own the clothes and that yes, the shoes hurt. This emphasizes her need to be honest with herself and others who know her. The central theme of questions she receives are, “Do you feel any different?” Her honest response was that she was still feeling all the insecurities she was feeling prior to this assignment, when it came time to be herself she had regressed even further in the road to self-improvement. Walking into her workplace she felt the looks given to her seemed to be asking “Who are you to be here?” reflecting her inner thoughts. The author continuously shows vulnerability and honesty in her feelings, as well as relating her inner thoughts to the audience. All of these things allow the audience to connect with the author on an honest and emotional plane. Hughes makes a point to mention this experience was not a cure all for her anxieties but that she still learned something from