Anna Akbari is a sociologist, entrepreneur, consultant, thinker, connector and writer. She is an extremely talented and motivated individual and was an inspiration to me and the rest of the class. Throughout the speech Akbari discussed the two main themes of identity construction and image management. One of Akbari's projects was 'The Hair Chronicles'. This was a test as a way of transforming identity with hair. The project brings up the question of authenticity and is authenticity necessary with design.
Akbari sees human identity in many different lights. She believes that we all wear masks and that all of the masks that we wear are real. We have a collection of masks, not just one authentic self, that is not real. Akbari jokes about having multiple personality disorder (MPD). She loves to dress up and do experiments in dressing up as different kinds of people. One example of a person who displays different identity images is Ralph Lichnich, otherwise known as Ralph Lauren. Ralph is a jewish man from the bronx, he was a son of immigrants and has a very different identity to which he has built his empire on, his story is a true success story.
Another topic of discussion was facebook and how it allows people to view and observe other peoples behavior. We truely do live in the public eye, where our individual lives are displayed for all to see on the internet, allowing the option of judgement. Today there are alot of privacy issues with social networking sites including facebook.
Other social networking sites such as twitter and blogging websites allow people to have a voice and be heard. These websites also allow us to be in multiple places at once.
second life - look up - avatars - you create your identity - virtual world
Akbari is an exceptional writer. She is also interested in ethnographic exploration which is a way of testing audience believability. Anna tried on different identities and dressed up as a homeless person, preppy school girl, and tourist in NYC.
The class was also guided on our future plans with jobs and internship opportunities. She explained that our intellectual paths may be windy, however that is ok. Akbari herself went to alot of liberal arts schools and began by studying Sociology. Akbari's education of her liberal arts studies taught her how to think, how to learn and be a well-rounded person.
Three important strategic self presentation tactics are Think, Write, Speak. Design Embodied means you can design who you are and gives you the power to fashion yourself to fit in and design yourself, designing your physical identity. People are viewing your appearance and identity even if you don't care. Three main things to aim to be are confidence, positivity and professionalism; all three of these are very important in interviews and as a way to be in life and at your job. One thing that Akbari stresses is how she likes people who are curtious. Another tip we learned is the importance of your quality of writing. If you know how to write you are valuable in any context.
annaakbari@gmail.com
