In Defense Of Masks By Kenneth Gergen Summary

Cherry Zheng

English Writing 4

Tim Ballard

February 6, 2023

“Masks” Are Needed

In his essay, “In Defense of Masks,” Kenneth Gergen argues that people cannot be one’s true self at all times due to the fact that we all carry multiple masks and multiple identities, and we change our masks depending on the social situations and pressures. Gergen believes that “masks” are quite common to today’s world and our personas are influenced based on the environment and others around us. More to add, Gergen also thinks that it is impossible to have “a coherent sense of identity”, and it is not a bad thing. On the other hand, it is quite healthy in a way that it helps to enhance human relationships. He also thinks that with multiple “masks”, we are able

For example, as a former gymnast, cheerleading was a sport that I had been passionate about for many years, but never put much thought into joining a cheerleading team, because I used to be a shy and introverted person and I was having a hard time to speak and present myself confidently in front of others. However, one of my best friends mentioned tryouts to me during my high school freshman year. Excited by the opportunity, I decided to go to the tryout. After a year on the team, I could not only confidently cheer in front of huge crowds, but was also able to interact with others without any self doubt. Being on the team has allowed me to be more open-up and also helps to boost my self-esteem. It is obvious that I act differently when I am on the Cheer floor and when I am with my teammates, by having multiple masks is how I was able to adapt, change, and finally get along with everyone on the team. Just as Gergen has mentioned, adjusting our personalities to the people around us can be quite healthy, just as how I was able to gain acceptance from the Cheer team and be more involved with the group of new

Interacting with others is an important part of our daily lives as it helps with a more developed sense of human mindsets. I have always seen networking as a self-serving activity that helps me to link with one another and create bonds between people who can help each other. For example, I am always called childish by my family and my mom always said that she is happy that I am growing every day and becoming more independent now. However, when I am with my two sisters, I become a bit childish again. When I am hanging out with them, I notice that I act childish and immature within the family. On the other hand, whenever I get to hang out with my friends I assume a kind of mature but fun personality that I always talk naturally and politely. Just as Gergen thinks that our personality changes as the social situations change and we put on different masks to fit into those specific circumstances. In the end, I have also found the connections that multiple masks have provided different personalities for many different situations. It is easier for me to interact with family and friends. However, when we are outside, we do want to put on masks to give off a good impression as well as giving the sense of