Truman (True Man)

We just watched a movie, the main character in which is 'Truman' (Sorry I don't know the title of the movie). We were so entertained by the movie without realizing that there're actually a lot of implications in it. These were some of the questions raised by my Psychology teacher, Ms Audrey, which we had never thought about:

Q: Did you realize that African Americans only appear once throughout the movie? Do you think that racial prejudice still exists and that it still needs a long time to totally disappear?

A: Yes. I'd ascribe racial prejudice to the existence of racial status. The richer the nation, the more superior they think they are. Unless all races are on a par in the social, economic and educational aspects, the disappearance of racial prejudice will never happen. It's just like how we view those poor countries - it is actually the same concept.

Q: If there existed two different worlds, that is, harsh reality and bliss, would you rather stay in bliss or step out to experience harsh reality?

A: That'd depend on what kind of environment the person is in now. If he is facing harsh realities now, perhaps he'll choose to stay in bliss forever for he's experienced a lot throughout his life. It's time to put a stop to the imminent burden. It also depends on how courageous you are to step out.

Q: How thick a social mask a person has to wear to socialize? Do you think it is likely that a person can socialize well without having to wear social mask?

A: Socializing, indeed, needs social masks. It is very hard to take down our social masks unless we are extremely close to our friends. A person with too high a superego tends to always show respect for others - respect is a barrier to a smooth flow of communication between two people, and will make friendship or relationship unable to proceed further. Joking in the form of a tease, I think, will foster better relationships with other people. That's why a confortable conversation needs a slight tease to enhance relationships.

Q: How many percentage do you think is our real self and social expectation of us?

A: Once we were born, we have already been charged with responsibilities, for example, contributing to society in future, becoming a responsible parent to ensure the well-being of our children, and so on. We have also been bound by social expectations since we were born, hence the existence of masculinity and femininity. Besides, we're also expected by parents to get good results, be filial obedient, and others. If you happen to be the eldest in you family, your burden will no doubt be heavier. In response to the question, I'd say it all depends on the kind of environment in which we were born. Perhaps we would be more of our real selfs if we were born rich as we do not need to shoulder so much burden, unlike those who were born poor.

We have to face predicaments in our journeys of life, and they are inevitable. So why not take it optimistically? :)