'Image is Everything' or Is It?
By: Christine Hammond, LMHC
Back in the 1990’s, tennis pro Andre Agassi said “Image is
everything,” for a TV camera commercial. While Agassi was merely reciting a
line, the phrase stuck a cord with audiences and soon it was integrated into
American culture. Coaches, marketing experts, media relations, and politicians
all adhere religiously to this standard. And there is no clearer demonstration
of this impact then the proliferation of social media.
The
Problem. But just because something is accepted in a culture, does
not mean it is right or even useful. The problem is that a projected image
allows a person to disassociate their true self from the exterior. The result
is a generation who hides their inner thoughts and feelings from others,
subsequently concealing their true being. This eventually becomes habitual as a
person assumes new roles in society further alienating their true identity even
from themselves.
Think of the image that most people project on Facebook,
LinkedIn, Google, Pinterest, Twitter, or any one of the dating sites. This
false self is frequently a projection of how a person wishes to appear to the
outside world. It embodies the “Image is everything,” attitude while the true
self remains hidden. When a person hides something away long enough, they tend
to forget it until one day it implodes.
The Current
Result. Eventually the house of card’s image falls apart because it
lacked the substance of a true self. There are several other names used for a
true self: ego, soul, inner child, identity, true being, psyche, or real self.
Whatever the name utilized, it can be defined as who a person is. This includes
their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, fears, insecurities, personality, and values
which when combined define a unique being. When these things are separated from
the true image, the false image becomes a façade.
Sometimes this implosion results in a mid-life crisis in
middle age or it can manifest in immobility in younger years. After all, what
is the point in getting a job and living up to indifferent and unrealistic
standards just to be able to post about it on social media? This is especially true
when a person can post and present an image without the effort of any real
work.
The
Ideal Outcome. Ideally, the goal is for a person is for their
true self to be the same persona as their public image. When the two are
consistent, there is harmony within a person. There is no need for pretending,
hiding, or falsifying an image because it is the same. The synchronized self or
rather a transparent self can reduce anxiety, apprehension, depression,
frustration, feelings of guilt, exhaustion, and even confusion.
So in actuality, ‘image’ is not everything. Rather, ‘image’
is an illusion. It is a mask of what a person wants to be which may or may not
have anything to do with who a person really is. Masks are disposable,
removable, and able to be discarded. A person cannot do this with their true
self no matter how hard they try. Instead, cohesion is everything. It is only
through a untied self that a person can be honest with themselves which
translates into sincere relationships at home and work.
To schedule an
appointment with Christine Hammond, please call our office at 407-647-7005.
