It was a simple yet profound question posed by my Arabic teacher: That is exactly what I did on one particular day: I sat there, heaving my chin on the palm of my right hand and wondering, “Who am I?” It was not that I did not understand myself; here was the problem, side of “me” to show. I now understand that I am inconsistent in how I am, with different people. It took me a long time to realize that the best version of ‘me’ is the one that comes out when nobody is watching, or when they are, and can see what I’m doing.

Aren’t all of us different when no one is around to perceive it? Remove the eyes of society from one’s back, from following the role one portrays, how he or she speaks, the facial or bodily language, or the clothes worn and the world instantly transforms in a moment. This is our life, we stand and we joke heartlessly, wake up in the shower and belt up a song, dance like no one’s watching. These wonderful, but rather peculiar aspects of our characters come out only when we are alone.

However, maybe there is more to this loneliness, there is something greater than that which is difficult to put into words.

• The theme of the conflict of the dual nature of humans is one of the most prominent themes found in literature.

Thus, when it comes to the concept of personalities then it would not be wrong to relate it to the fact that every human personality has a dark side that consists of a set of feelings. But when there is no audience it is like meaning that all the other latent characteristics that may not be so noble may be displayed. We can have selfish attitude of even hatred towards the opponent. In them such feelings are discussed as the ban and the unspeakable.

But there is also source of gentleness in us as well if one is to consider the notable lessons of Partridge in Perfection. Unconsciously we may avoid a beggar, assist a stranger to pick up money — his wallet or purse, or attempt to be the best people we can. The findings are that compassionate and integrity are the acts that are as inherent in people as much as the vices are in people.

• A Camera to Our Real Selves

Thus, we are both the sins that we carry in the dark and mistakes that we commit. We are the hugs and kisses that never happened and the cup of coffee never shared with those we care. The question remains: the working title of the movie that is ended with the quote from the Oprah Winfrey’s’ character: who are you when nobody is watching you? What do you do when the eyes of judgment are blind, and your misdeeds are left unknown to anyone?

Do you still remain your own person or do assume a persona that is not your own?

• It was in a Search of Authenticity

They make us look at ourselves in a way that provokes the understanding of one’s identity. On one hand it dares that one should be a ‘good’ person all the time, smiling and carrying on as if there were nobody around to watch, yet on the other hand it also reminds that one must also strive to be the ‘bad’ person as well, doing wrong deeds as if there were people to see. Indeed, it’s often said the true nature of a man comes out when he thinks no one is watching.

Fuad Al-Qrize ( AR: فؤاد الكريزي )

Previously Published on Medium

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Sylvie Claire / August 14, 2024

Steph Deschamps / August 14, 2024