In our article we will talk about self-expression. This is a very interesting topic that touches on a number of issues. Indeed, why is it so important for people to be able to express themselves? Why is this being done, for whom, in what forms, why do many individuals hesitate to demonstrate their individuality to the world and experience quite tangible suffering from this? After all, what exactly are we to understand by the term "self-expression"? Let's try to deal with emerging issues.
Self-expression - what is it?
I would like to give a definition in one phrase, but, apparently, this will not work, because even concise and usually laconic dictionaries, faced with this concept, become verbose.
It can be said that a person's self-expression is his attempts to express his inner world in some external manifestations. When through actions, words, deeds, etc.there is an external actualization of the invisible inner content (one's own individual beliefs, feelings, attitudes, etc.). And often this can be in the nature of a challenge or protest (most often this happens with adolescents). Personal self-expression is an act of freedom, its important quality is not rational awareness, but spontaneity.
Why is there a need for self-expression?
We live in a very complicated world. Life imposes a lot of restrictions on a person: moral, religious, social, etc. If this were not the case, humanity, most likely, would have ceased to exist long ago. But people cannot turn into an inert gray mass, concerned only with the problems of their own survival. Fortunately, we are endowed with an individuality that makes each one unique, one of a kind. Is it any wonder that many people want to demonstrate their originality to others.
There is a point of view that self-expression is one of the most accessible and powerful ways to feel happy and free, declare your existence to the world, somehow stand out from a huge crowd of your own kind, reveal your inherent creative potential. Self-expression can relieve fatigue and negative emotions, raise self-esteem, strengthen self-confidence, temper character and develop independence from other people's opinions.
Various ways and forms of self-expression
Probably it would be impossible to list all the ways and techniques by whichpeople can show their own originality. We will try to highlight the most common, typical forms of self-expression that exist in our time:
1. Self-expression in creativity. There are many types of creativity where you can show your inner self:
- fine arts (painting, modeling, drawing, mosaic, etc.);
- musical form of self-expression (vocal, ballet, modern dance, composing or performing music);
- literary activity (prose and poetry, keeping personal diaries and blogs on the Internet);
- other directions (pantomime, theater, etc.)
2. Self-expression in any activity:
- in sports achievements;
- study;
- professional activities;
- implementation of any own projects (business ideas).
3. External means of self-expression (the form most common in young people and adolescents):
- eccentric clothes;
- tattoo;
- dyeing hair in unusual colors, creative hairstyles;
- piercing;
- scarring;
- unusual, defiant make-up;
- changing the appearance with plastic surgery.
Expression in adolescence
Entering adolescence, many children become uncontrollable rebels. Parents simply cease to recognize their children. Often teenagers begin to wear completely ridiculous outfits, put on themselves the unthinkableamount of cosmetics, behaving too boldly and aggressively.
Another characteristic form of self-expression among teenagers is belonging to a subculture (punks, goths, emo, role players, tolkinists, etc.). Young people, having joined the thematic community, indulge in the philosophy of this movement with all their heart and body and try on all its external paraphernalia. To others, these ways of self-expression seem ridiculous, ridiculous, awkward, but teenagers themselves feel quite comfortable in their roles.
As a rule, these hobbies disappear by themselves after a couple of years, as a young person grows up, but sometimes the desire for originality can take an undesirable turn.
Dangerous Expression
At the very beginning of the article, we wrote that self-expression is something that should bring joy, emotional fulfillment. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. A person can choose for himself a form of self-expression that is dangerous both for his life and for the lives of others.
For example, it can be a demonstrative passion for extreme sports. Young people, not realizing the value of life, can perform dangerous stunts while filming each other on a cell phone camera and posting photos and videos on the Internet, wanting to gain popularity in the virtual community.
Drugs and alcohol - for some, this is also a form of self-expression. Perhaps such a choice, aimed at self-destruction, may indicate an excessivevulnerability or weakness of a person, inability or unwillingness to engage in any creative activity.
Problems with expression
The world is full of people who carefully avoid self-expression. Their individuality is erased and vague. With the boss, such a person is polite and competent, with colleagues at work - nice and friendly, in the company - invisible and quiet. He dresses neatly and discreetly, speaks correctly. In principle, not a man, but an angel … But is he really like that inside? Probably not. The inner world of such a person can be restless and filled with various feelings and desires.
But he diligently hides them from others. In his soul, he may feel like a great philosopher or musician, but various fears prevent him from showing this: to hear a negative assessment, not to live up to expectations, the fear of being misunderstood. This indicates a lack of inner freedom, emotional tightness and the presence of complexes. Most likely, this condition originates in childhood, when parents criticized the baby too much, did not notice his small victories, did not praise him for his achievements. The man grew up and became "buttoned". As a result, his life is deprived of many colors and emotions that people have the opportunity to express themselves.
Closing word
Our self-expression should be for the benefit of both us and those who are close to us, only in this way we can be truly happy and bring joy to the world around us. External manifestations of individuality always indicate whatour soul is filled. May your inner world be beautiful!
