Image - what they seem to be

Who are you? Or seem to be? What are you like? Even as a commoner (= non public person) we built up an image, most of the times rather unconsciously, defining how others see us and influencing how we see ourselves. Image is an subjective impression based on behaviour, attitude, looks and reputation, whereas reputation can equal the image itself, or influence the image. Who we seem to be (or rather: what we seem to be like) isn’t only defined by ourselves, but also by our environment and fellow human beings. It will take a major influence on how people react towards oneanother. Having a good image can help a liar making people believe him/her. Having a bad image can result in others blaming an innocent person. The image is a huge factor on whether a person is well liked or not. Whether people will trust one easily or not. Whether the job interview goes well or not. Image is easier seen than the complex character most people in reality are.

Certainly a public person (product) needs to take extra care of their image. Image is one major characteristic of idols, where not (necessarily) music is sold, but rather personality (especially in variety shows). The main differances between a unconsciously built up image and a consciously built up image is the influence one takes on it and whether or not it is linked/based to/on ‘natural’ character. The farer image and character are apart the harder it is to keep the image intact. Similar to acting, an image is built up on accenting certain emotions/behaviour and their effect on the enviroment (target group). Making it possible to relatively calculate (and manipulate) reactions based on experience and observation (What do people like? Why do they like it?).

At the same time image can influence the actual character. The longer one maintains a image, the more likly it is to get it mixed up with one’s original character. This can be a bad or a good thing. Depending on their original character and their image: Do they fit each other? Are they each others extreme? Both would be ok as long as they don’t involve aggression, disrespect, negative habits, etc. It’s important to be aware of changes and influences of each side. Building up an stabilised image, takes some time. Not only because habits and behavior need to be trained/adjusted, but also because it’s important to concentrate on an image that one can “accept” on the long run, or which can be  slowly changed (often due to extern influences), without damage, since a quick (or ”worse”: frequent) change of image (or at least of the core of an image) will raise scepticism/disbelief/mistrust (“fakeness”).

Image is set by how we present ourselves to others. And it’s a big part of the impression and memory people will have of each other. But understanding or knowing a person’s image doesn’t make one know the person (mind/true personality) itself. Espcially fans need to remember that.