Abstract:
This article explores self-expression as an (and not the) articulation of one’s
personhood. The point of this article is to enquire whether expression, when
articulated on and for an audience, can be deemed authentic. Self-expression
can be revealed and recognised through different modes, and on different
platforms. Moreover, most human activities, such as singing, dancing and writing,
can be considered acts of self-expression. Face-to-face encounters and social
media platforms enable a person to express him/herself, and so, give spectators
access to some part of his/her self-understanding as an individual. It is possible
that some modes of self-expression have the potential to hinder the authenticity
of one’s expression. Such a hindrance may reflect a distinction between who
someone ‘truly’ is, and who they would like others to think they are. There thus
appears to be a link between someone’s motive and his/her authenticity, where
platforms for self-expression enable someone to authentically or inauthentically
express their distorted or genuine personhood. In view of the possibility of
certain modes of self-expression threatening authentic self-expression, how can
authentic self-expression be possible?
