Exploring Perspectives on the Self: A Comprehensive Analysis

George Herbert Mead, a sociologist, introduced the concept that our sense of self is developed through interactions with others. He distinguished between 'I' and 'me,' where 'I' represents the spontaneous, active part of ourselves that makes decisions, and 'me' represents the reflective part that considers societal expectations and shapes behavior accordingly. Mead's idea highlights how our self develops through social interactions, constantly switching between these two aspects depending on how we interact with others.

An illustration using Deadpool as 'I' and Wolverine as 'me' can help clarify the concept. Deadpool, like 'I,' acts on impulse and in the moment, while Wolverine, like 'me,' reflects on how his actions are perceived by others and adjusts his behavior accordingly.

Erving Goffman, a sociologist, explored how individuals present themselves to others in everyday life through the concept of dramaturgy. Goffman likened social interactions to a theatrical performance, where individuals present different aspects of themselves depending on the social situation. This involves managing behavior and appearance to fit the social context, similar to actors adjusting their performance for different roles on stage.

Carl Rogers, an American psychologist and founder of humanistic psychology, introduced the concept of self-concept, which includes the real self (who we are) and the ideal self (who we want to be). He emphasized that a person's well-being depends on the congruence between these two selves.

Rogers distinguished between the real self (traits, behaviors, feelings) and the ideal self (goals, dreams, aspirations). He highlighted that when there is a significant gap between the real self and the ideal self, it can lead to problems.

Rogers believed that a person's well-being is influenced by how closely their real self aligns with their ideal self. High congruence leads to greater satisfaction and health, as progress towards the ideal self brings happiness and fulfillment.

Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, introduced the concept of collective unconsciousness, a shared repository of human experiences and archetypes. He emphasized the self's striving for individuation, integrating different personality aspects into a cohesive whole.

Jung proposed that everyone possesses a collective unconscious layer filled with universal experiences and archetypes like the hero, mother, and shadow. These archetypes are common themes in various cultures, appearing in myths, stories, and dreams.

Jung believed that individuation involves integrating conscious and unconscious aspects of the personality into a unified whole. This process helps individuals become their true selves by reconciling different parts of their psyche.

Individuation, as seen in MCU characters like Tony Stark (Iron Man), involves acknowledging and integrating different aspects of one's personality. Initially, Tony Stark is portrayed as wealthy, brilliant, innovative, bold, and self-centered. However, through personal and global challenges, he evolves into a selfless hero committed to protecting others, showcasing a journey from ego-driven to selfless behavior. Similarly, characters like Deadpool and Wolverine undergo individuation processes, leading to self-sacrifice for the greater good.

Loki's character evolution in the MCU series demonstrates individuation. Initially depicted as the god of lies, Loki seeks redemption and transforms into the god of stories, symbolizing a shift from deceit to truth. Through his journey, Loki transitions from a self-serving deity to a figure striving to save the Multiverse, showcasing personal growth and integration of different personality aspects.

Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory emphasizes individuals' beliefs in their ability to succeed in specific situations. Self-efficacy influences behavior, with confidence in one's capabilities leading to taking on challenges and persisting in the face of difficulties. Bandura's work highlights the role of observational learning, where individuals acquire new skills and attitudes by observing others, emphasizing the importance of positive role models in shaping behavior.

Being around people who exhibit negative behaviors can influence one's perceptions, opinions, and actions. Albert Bandura's work emphasizes self-efficacy and observational learning as key factors in behavior.

Clifford Geertz, an American anthropologist, viewed the self as a cultural artifact shaped by symbols, rituals, and shared meanings within a society. He believed that our identities are influenced by the cultural context in which we live.

Clifford Geertz's idea suggests that our sense of self is akin to a cultural artifact, molded by symbols, rituals, and shared meanings of our culture. Our identities are reflections of the cultural context that shapes them.

Marcel Mauss, a French sociologist and anthropologist, introduced the concept of the self as a social construct that varies across cultures. He argued that the self is not inherent but is formed through social interactions, practices, and cultural rituals.

Marcel Mauss believed that the self is a social construct shaped by cultural practices, rituals, and collective beliefs. Our identities are not fixed but are formed through the social and cultural context in which we exist.

In Eastern philosophies, the self is perceived as fluid and interconnected with the universe and other beings. This viewpoint suggests that one's identity is constantly evolving and deeply connected to the world around them.

Our mood can be influenced by the people we are with or the environment we are in. A psychological study showed that colors can affect moods, with pink being linked to lower levels of aggression.

A psychological study on aggression revealed that different colors painted in rooms affected aggression levels, with pink showing a decrease in aggression.

Buddhism teaches the concept of anata, meaning non-self. It emphasizes that the self is an illusion and achieving enlightenment involves realizing the interconnectedness of the self with others.

In Hinduism, the Atman is the Eternal Soul part of the universal Brahman. The goal is to realize unity through spiritual practices leading to liberation.

The Filipino perspective on the self is unique due to historical influences from colonization. Pre-colonial beliefs connect the self to nature and the spiritual world, emphasizing harmony and interconnectedness.

Filipino beliefs encompass multiple aspects of the self, including the soul's connection to both the physical and spiritual realms. Traditional practices, like marriage proposals, reflect the importance of seeking approval and blessings from ancestors.

In Eastern perspective, the self is viewed as part of a larger spiritual and natural network, emphasizing rituals and practices to maintain harmony and balance. It believes in multiple aspects of the self such as the soul and spirit, promoting a holistic view that integrates physical, spiritual, and communal dimensions.

Western perspectives on the self are influenced by classical Roman philosophers, Judeo-Christian traditions, and Enlightenment philosophy. The self is seen as a distinct rational entity with intrinsic value, capable of making free choices. It emphasizes self-discovery, personal achievement, and self-expression.

Western thought typically views the self as a unique and independent entity, highlighting the importance of freedom, self-determination, and rational decision-making. Career decisions are often seen as personal choices, encouraging individuals to follow their passions and values.

Influenced by Greco-Roman and Enlightenment philosophies, Western perspectives view the self as a rational being with inherent worth. This perspective emphasizes individuals' capacity for logical thought and moral reasoning, underpinning beliefs in universal human rights and intrinsic dignity.

Western traditions emphasize the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and setting personal goals. Practices like self-help and personal development industries promote self-expression, creativity, and achieving fulfillment and success through exploring one's potential and dreams.

In a professional context, integrating concepts of self from Eastern and Western perspectives can enhance practicality and usefulness for students. Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students towards self-discovery, personal growth, and achieving their goals by incorporating elements of autonomy, rational decision-making, and self-expression.

In shaping the minds and identities of students, teaching involves a balance between authority and empathy. Educators must manage their personal identity while fulfilling professional responsibilities. Teachers' self-concept is influenced by experiences, educational philosophy, and interactions with students.

Criminologists analyze crime to understand it and prevent it. The field of criminology requires a strong ethical foundation, objectivity, and a commitment to social justice. Criminologists often face the challenge of balancing empathy for victims with the need for impartiality in analyzing criminal behavior.

Hospitality professionals play a crucial role in creating positive customer experiences. The self in this field is closely tied to service orientation, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. Practitioners must manage emotions and stress levels while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.

Tourism management involves promoting and managing tourist destinations while balancing the needs of visitors with environmental and community sustainability. The self in this field is shaped by a passion for cultural exchange, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

The circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is one's actions and choices that define who they are. Personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, communal harmony, and personal achievement all contribute to shaping one's identity. The journey of self-discovery and personal development is a continuous process influenced by unique experiences and proactive efforts to grow and achieve potential.