The Scene staff
Have you ever been too meek to tell the barista at Starbucks that you wanted soy milk, not whole milk, in your latte?
Perhaps your social awkwardness has stopped you from asking a person you see at the bus stop out for lunch. Or from speaking up and taking control while working on a group project.
There are times when we feel our everyday selves are not sufficient for a particular setting or situation. We need to be bolder, more outgoing, more confident or even sexier.
That is why everyone needs an alter ego.
In the 19th century, the term was used to describe someone with multiple personality disorder. While some might still agree with this diagnosis, today an alter ego simply refers to another side of someone’s personality.
I believe people should always be their true, authentic selves. It seems unhealthy to change who you are, depending on where you are or who you’re with.
Your alter ego can and should be an enhanced version of you. It shouldn’t be a completely different person.
Social media is full of alter egos, some good and some bad. You probably have friends who are more opinionated or charismatic on Facebook.
I know plenty of people who are living lives online that stop when they log off their computers. Others are simply displaying little-known sides of their personalities.
People misuse alter egos when they adopt evil personas to cyber-bully or take advantage of others.
Alter egos aren’t just for regular people. Some of the most-loved movie stars and musicians have them. Beyoncé Knowles once referred to her on-stage persona as “Sasha Fierce.”
“When I’m onstage, I’m aggressive and strong and not afraid of my sexuality,” she said. “The tone of my voice gets different, and I’m fearless. I’m just a different person. It’s a way for me to differentiate what I do onstage from who I really am.”
Beyoncé uses Sasha Fierce to stay grounded and keep her life in perspective.
Actor Will Smith entered the musical limelight through his alter ego, “The Fresh Prince,” a young, playful rapper.
The Fresh Prince became a household name when Smith starred in the TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He had used this alter ego to showcase the fun side of his personality, and it worked.
Some of the best alter egos appear in comic books, with average people transforming themselves into crime-fighting superheroes.
After a spider bite, Peter Parker went from being a skinny, socially awkward teenager to a strong, speedy Spider Man.
Millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne found his alter ego through a more unfortunate event. After witnessing his parents’ murder, he trained himself to become a strong and super-intelligent vigilante at night.
With so many possibilities in the media, it would be easy to base your alter ego off of a well-known character.
I choose Olivia Pope from the TV show “Scandal.” Her morals are a little shaky, but her ability to get things done is undeniable. I draw on her power and confidence when I need to.
Creating an alter ego can be as simple or complex as you make it. Give the persona a name that matches its personality.
When you go out as your alter ego, dress the part. You can create a back story to really pull the personality together. Or, on a smaller scale, simply channel your alter ego when a situation calls for it.
Everyone should have an alter ego. It builds confidence and self-esteem.
People are constantly looking to friends, family and even strangers online for approval and self-assurance. But this allows other people to shape who you are and what you do.
With an alter ego, you can validate yourself and decide who you are in all situations. Outside opinions won’t matter as much because you know the greatness inside you. And achieving goals will seem easier because you have the confidence to do whatever you want.