Theory & Identity

In class we discussed the idea that identities aren’t always fixed or determined by biological characteristics. It is interesting to think about identity when you can actually create one from scratch (although, as I mentioned previously, you do start with something...such as the girl next door and immediately slot yourself into certain characteristics). It is also interesting to consider Goffman’s Dramaturgical Approach, and the idea of front stage and back stage. In Second Life there is definitely a certain amount of performance involved and the role you want to play will be translated into the physical identity you create for yourself. It is worth considering if our virtual identities reflect our real self, or how much of our real self they reflect. Although we are performing, we are also aware that it is not “really” us and therefore can engage in activity we would not normally engage in. The idea of performing gender is also fascinating. My avatar is very feminine with slight features and a flowing purple dress. The reason I know this is feminine is because I have learned it through my socialization. These ideologies are therefore evident in Second Life since people are applying beliefs from first life into second. It’s unsurprising that there are so many similarities between the two worlds. What is perhaps most different is that everyone is thin and to the most part (from what I’ve experienced) attractive. However, I am yet to discover subcultures such as furries...Overall, there is a lot of evident intention when creating an avatar whether conscious or subconscious, and these ideas are from pre-conceived notions of gender, appearance, race etc.