On the possibility of authentic self-expression

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?