Week 2, Chapter 5 #2

While reading Chapter 5, I could relate to the term and definition of the generalized other (p. 65) The definition of generalized other is "the composite mental image a person has of his or her self based on community expectations and responses". When I read that, I thought of all of the instances where I had used my generalized other. A memory that stuck to me was an instance when I went from becoming a member of a group to a leader. I was involved as a member in a youth/teen group for two years prior. When a new leadership term came up, I became the co-facilitator of the group and eventually a board member (which I still am today). When I first went on leadership, I felt so proud and mature (even though I probably was not very mature at that time). I had an image of myself being a role model to the others because that was what was expected of the youth community. I portrayed the image of "the co-facilitator" onto myself.

Doing that actually helped me grown into a young adult. Because of the responsibility I had, I partied less and set a more healthier example for the members who looked up to me. Now, even as the youngest board member of the organization, I still have the mental image of what others will look and expect from me as. I see what my obligations are and put them to work in my own actions. Sometimes it is hard because I still have friends who are members of the organization, so I make sure to still act my position without making it seem like I am superior. Most of the board members are past their 40's so it is also hard for me sometimes to think like them and communicate like them considering I am 20. Yet I put myself in the position I was in as a member thinking of them as board members and remembering how I thought of them. This helps me remind myself of what others think and expect of me.