Who Am I If Nobody is Looking?
Are they still here? (walk left to right) Have they left? Hello? Anyone there? (head looking side to side as if you are looking for anyone that is hiding) Finally (let out a big breath, shoulders relax, stop walking). I slouch in my chair (slouch back), throw my hair into a messy bun (touch hair with hands), turn on my Bluetooth on my phone and connect my Spotify to the speakers (mimic using a phone with hands). This is me (hand on chest, representing ‘me), when nobody is looking. I change out of jeans and throw on some track pants (hands on pants) with a jumper that clearly doesn’t go with the outfit (pull on top with an embarrased expression, emphasise ‘clearly’). This is me, when nobody is looking. Free from judgement, free from society expectations, carefree. This is me (hand on chest, representing ‘me), when nobody is looking.
Then who am I when people are looking? Am I still me? (confused tone) I sit with a straight back, brush my hair, listen to music using my earphones. This is me when people are looking. I wear clothes that look somewhat presentable (act all these out). This is me when people are looking. Carved by societies expectations, sensitive to judgement, anxious of others opinions. This is me when people are looking.
Self: the set of someone’s characteristics, such as personality and ability, that are not physical and make that person different from other people (serious tone when saying definition). Self-awareness, self-expression, self-esteem (emphasise on every ‘self’), our sense of self (hands on heart/chest) is strongest when nobody is looking. Why? (confused tone, followed by a pause) In a world where a sense of ‘self’ is praised, where ‘individualism’ is accepted, where being ‘unique’ is encouraged (list these all in a positive, excited tone), we comply (serious and disappointed tone). We comply with expectations, we comply with standards, we comply.
The confident are unique (cup left hand), the courageous are praised (cup right hand), the bold are accepted (cup left hand). Embodying yourself shouldn’t (shake head) have negative consequences, but rather be rewarded. Our sense of self should not be embarrassing, but rather when we feel the most confident. (more positive tone)
Who am I if nobody is looking? (pause after ‘I’ to emphasise) I am me. Who am I if people are looking? (pause after ‘I’ to emphasise, emphasise ‘are looking’ to emphasise difference with previous question) I am still me. (say last line slowly)
