Erving Goffman stated in the Presentation of Self, we are constantly modifying ourselves, props, and manners to perform for others.
As a mother, we have to wear many hats to keep the family functioning.
The best example I could provide is getting six children and my husband ready for a special event. The day started at 6 a.m. for me, while others were still sleeping. I am preparing breakfast for the family. I begin waking up the children for showers and their grooming rituals. They had their own bathroom and there was always a fight over it. As each child is awakened the more the hysteria and sense of haste to get themselves ready. The children are individually yelling out to me they each need help. I am trying to get myself ready and the husband is in our shower. As the clock is rushing me and not sparing me any additional second I become aggravated.
I am serving the first round of children who are waiting to shower. Children are running around looking for shoes or their special hair products. I am trying to get myself ready and helping them all out. The more I feel pressured the more agitated I become with the entire family. They don’t realize there is a six against this one ratio. When the husband joins the chaos tells the children to find things themselves which has me blowing my top. I have to yell, rant, and rave for them to cooperate. Husband and children are all now cooperating but I am livid at this point.
Everyone is ready and loaded up in the SUV. There is dead silence on the way to the festivities because they know I am angry over the chaos. We are dressed to impress but my family is walking on eggshells because of my earlier outburst. We arrive to approach the party we are attending. The hostess greets us and I receive her with a hug and kiss. I am smiling and laughing with her. She is complimenting all of us on our appearance. The children are smiling and introducing themselves. She welcomes us in and asks us to have a seat as she proceeds to welcome others in. She had no idea of our morning commotion.
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages -William Shakespeare
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