ME!

By: Ryel Christian M. Medina

                        We were tasked to explain how we understand the difference between the concept of "I" and "me" as used in the Symbolic Interaction theory and enumerate and differentiate the different "me"s [selves] that we manifest (through observation and how people react to us) in our different social circles and we need to explain what accounts for these differences in "selves". 

                        Based on what I learned about Symbolic Interaction Theory, “I” is what we think of ourselves and “me” is what other people think of us or what they want us to be (ex. They think I’ll be better if I will not wear a cap then I’ll be doing it).

                        I have different “me”s. When it comes to my family,friends, neighbors and strangers.

                        Family. Our family is very close to each other. When I’m with them, I’m quiet depending on the situation like when our family seems to be bored and none of us wants to go out. I’m not into sharing private stories about my life to them because I think I should keep it with myself and they respect it. I’m also doing what my family asks me to do (ex.get water for them,clean my room, water the plants). My family members say that I am doing the right thing.

                        Friends. When I was Elementary, I look untidy and naughty with my friends. I sweat a lot which makes my friends say that “Kadiri naman yang pawis mo eh”, which makes me think of improving myself by always bringing a towel with me. When I entered High School, I was different, I met new friends which always believe in my capabilities, they see me as an intelligent and studious student and I wanted to give justice for that, I wanted to be what they said, so I become responsible with school works. During 1st year and 2nd year, I was really fat and one friend told me “gwapo ka naman eh, papayat ka lang, mas magandang tignan, mas bagay sayo,” so I tried to lose weight during summer so when I entered 3rd year, my friends told me that I losed weight and it increased my confidence in communicating with other people. During the same year, one classmate noticed that I always wear simple clothes and loose pants so she told me that “bumili ka kayang skinny jeans, bagay yun sayo promise” so I asked my parents to buy me a pair and YES!I looked better. There was a party then, the one who told me to wear skinny jeans saw me wearing my new pair of pants and she said “sabi ko sayo eh, mas bagay.” Now that I’m in college, I’m confident of my body, fashion and communication with others which my friends notices and appreciates.

                        Neighbors. Usually, we have lots of neighbor whether in our old house in Alabang or here in Laguna. When we were in Alabang, I always go out and play with my friends. Im always naughty and playful. I was 8 years old then. We tranferred in Laguna when I was 9 years old and it was easy for me to cope with other children, we always do biking and playing around the village but when I already entered 13 years old, my mom told me “Huwag ka na labas ng labas at nakikipaglaro sa mga bata, ang laki laki mo na eh” so I followed her. Since then up to now, I don’t have many friends in our village, I just cooperate when someone invites me to a party, event and seminars. There are times when I go out just to buy something from a store, some people tells me “Ang suplado mo naman” but the real thing is not.

                        Strangers. I usually meet strangers all around especially when I’m commuting. I don’t talk to strangers unless they talk to me.

                        That is how I understand the “I” and “Me” in Symbolic Interaction Theory.