Final Reflection

Final Reflection 

When evaluating the work done, one can note that there are potential opportunities for improvement. The interaction between the members of the group is an essential aspect, and the preliminary training of all participants, along with the leader, is the key to productive activities. As a recommendation, it is worth noting that defining a specific concept and compiling a research plan at the very initial stage help avoid confusion and coordinate all the actions clearly. Also, places with a large crowd of people may be chosen for further research in order to obtain an even more accurate picture of public opinion. In general, the topic of image significance in the modern world is open to new studies. To conduct more interesting and valuable research, various aspects of the manifestations of personal judgments may be reviewed and evaluated. 

Feedback

Feedback:

The assessment of the data obtained during the survey suggests that respondents’ personal views do not coincide with the real images of the people shown in the photographs. Stereotypes imposed on public opinion take root and become barriers to building an objective perception. The results of the study prove that the strength of the image is significant, and prejudices under the influence of social and other trends are stronger than personal evaluation criteria. Filming the survey process was an essential part of the data interpretation phase and allowed for better researching the respondents’ reactions. Those people who watched the record expressed surprise and were grateful for an opportunity to be convinced of the fallacy of many beliefs based on subconscious patterns laid down by social trends. This visual assessment became an incentive to think about how crucial it was to take into account objective premises and nuances when making value judgments in relation to other people.

As an alternative opinion regarding the video, some people expressed the view that the approach to the study could be slightly different. In particular, it was proposed to not only film the research process but also comment on specific aspects. As a possible assessment method, for further research on this topic, two films can be made where the course of the survey will be displayed directly, as well as comments regarding its goals and results. Engaging more specialists of different profiles to evaluate such a study may help compose an even more comprehensive picture. This approach is the key to the validity of the work and, at the same time, stimulates more productive activities. Therefore, the assessment of the results of the activities done through analysis from different angles is essential from a practical point of view.

Being posh, bullshitting and success in life

A recent article in the Guardian pointed out the connection between social status and a propensity for “bullshitting”.

“Bullshitting” is a well-known social phenomenon, summarized as a situation where an individual claims to have knowledge, experience or expertise in something, when really they do not.

According to a new study from University College London (UCL), young men from affluent backgrounds, a higher social position etc. are more likely to believe they are smarter, stronger and all-round better than they actually are than someone from less privileged backgrounds.

Believing in yourself – a critical step on the path to success.

This confidence ultimately leads to success in the professional realm. If you don’t believe that you can do something, you are less likely to give your full effort and, without your full effort, your chances of successfully achieving your goal are greatly reduced - a vicious cycle.

Also, if your goal requires help from others, you then need them to believe in you. If you don’t believe in yourself; why would they believe in you. Every successful goal that you ever achieve will have one common thing that they require i.e. that you believe in yourself.

Your confidence in yourself is reflected to others who in turn enhance your confidence. Social status is - according to the UCL study - a source of self-(over)confidence and therefore a virtuous cycle.

Bullingdon boys. Source: https://frogssavethequeen.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/riot-and-bullingdon-clubs-once-a-bully-always-a-bully/

Impostor syndrome

Impostor syndrome (also known as impostor phenomenon, impostors, fraud syndrome or the impostor experience) is a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts his or her accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud".

It can therefore be understood as the opposite of bullshitting. This negative self-sabotage affects of both women and men, but there are signs that women are less inclined to bullshitting and more inclined to feel like an impostor, which might lead to women’s lower participation in societal positions of power, i.e. politicians, business leaders and world influencers. It’s not to say that low confidence is the main factor, but that it is rather socioeconomic imbalance and family structures we’re up against.

This society is still supporting the young, rich and male. Nevertheless, some women who can overcome this idea with “you can’t do that” thoughts can get far in a global workplace that too often values confidence over proven skill and results.

So the question remains whether society is truly willing to accept people according to their skills rather than their appearence and ability to bullshit.

Image and Slavery

Image and Slavery:

According to an Article by the Guardian, the effects of slavery still play a major role in today’s society and the image of people of colour. Degrading the human dignity of black people based on their skin colour was a reason for discrimination. As a result, such a social system supported by the government led to class and ethnic divisions. By legalising slavery, it created a legal framework within society where a certain image can be criminalized, whilst another be glorified. At the same time, despite the abolition of slavery, after many years, racist stereotypes still appear, which indicates the significant role of the image. In general, the practice based on stereotypes and the deliberate creation of negative images was part of an American foreign policy. As a result, many people experience the echoes of slavery and racial discrimination, which is an additional incentive to learn the basics of image and how to manage it to expand the boundaries of perception.

Social Media and Image:

Social Media and Image: 

An interesting article I discovered on BBC.com highlighted the ailments of growing up in the tech age of social media. Not only is social media a tool for lowering self-esteem, but it can cause serious mental health issues, especially in adolescent stages. 

The role of certain drivers in forming positive self-perception is significant in the era of social networks. In the digital space, people feel more at ease, and the promotion of personal images engenders a higher interest in a personal status. The ability to influence public opinion through such trends as beauty, behaviours, and other individual properties proves the relevance of specific drivers and confirms that evaluative perception is affected. 

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180104-is-social-media-bad-for-you-the-evidence-and-the-unknowns

Image Ted Talk

Micheal Salu Ted Talk:

This Ted Talk took a very different approach to the relationship between image and society.

Our lives are massively bombarded by images. Should we celebrate that fact or dread the consequences? As a creator of images, Micheal Salu applies a creative outlook on image and communication and explores whether it will increase our empathy for each other or do the reverse. 

https://youtu.be/blSKwiKTsWU

FINAL PROJECT LINK

Link to Final Project - The Politics of Image

Thanks everyone for all of the work you did, this project turned out better than I thought it would! Our idea was really fun and interesting to work with and after a full day and multiple hours of working together on this video, it's finally complete.
I think we were really able to learn a lot through this project and working together and I think our final research was really interesting to look at. All of those meetings together and working together really paid off, so shoutout to everyone who did put the effort into meeting and working together!

We asked people to vote based on first impressions and based on the four questions proposed:
1. "Who would you trust to look after your child?"
2. "Who voted Brexit?"
3. "Who belongs to the LGBTQ community?
4. "Who is an immigrant?"

This project looks at how public image affects our lives without us necessarily always being aware of it. With this topic, we wanted to take a closer look at how people judge and why they make the decisions that they make. When we think about being in the public eye, we have a different image of ourselves that we expect to be seen. Visual cues such as how we look, our gender, our weight, or our clothing are just a few of the many things that affect how people see us every day. Our aim was to get people to realise the judgements that they make on an everyday basis, whether they realise it or not. We thought that this subject was important to look at as it affects not only our personal lives, but also those around us. The politics of presentation is very important in a world where first impressions are ever important. Image and presentation affect job opportunities, personal relationships, and stranger interactions more than it should. We wanted to see how much one person could take from a single image without actually knowing the person.

Have a look and enjoy! (Link above text in green!)