How often have you been out amongst others and hid your true thoughts about something being discussed? I would have to guess at some point every day! These thoughts come from the “Shadow.” It is your true self tucked away, to only come out in the privacy of your own choosing. What happens when the Shadow rises to the surface to devour the Persona?
I believe in a slight differentiation to Carl Jung’s comparison of the Shadow and that of the Persona. I believe the Persona is the “conformed” part of the individual or “mask” if you will. Therefore, the Persona can very much contain degenerate traits on behalf of conformed societal acceptance. This Persona is almost always on while in the public “workspace.” While at work we are in what I would call a mental “prison” of sorts. A place where every thought and every action are measured for “acceptance” and “safety.” One wrong step and reprimand or termination is upon you.
The Persona is also most prevalent amongst family, friends, and strangers. It is the conformity of oneself. The Persona is formed through the subconscious “programming” of many mediums. Whether it is formal education, film, or music, the Persona takes its form. Many “collective” agendas in the guise of “progress” also heavily form the Persona of oneself. I believe the Persona is the mask of “collectivism.”
I however believe the Shadow is the actual true self. I differ from Jung in that I believe the Shadow does not necessarily harbor “evil” intent, but that it contains the non-conformist part of the individual. This of course could be deemed very “evil” by modern society. I would actually argue this Shadow self contains morality that may no longer be seen as “acceptable” in society but as a form of “hate” instead. Being “canceled” or “struggle-sessioned” is a classic tactic of nefarious economic system ideologies to shun or rid society of such “obstacles” in their search of a Crystal Palace Utopia!
When one becomes self-educated on the machinations of the world, the Shadow creeps from the back of the psyche to the forefront. Once the Shadow surfaces, “atomization” is sure to occur. Dostoyevsky’s “Underground Man” or American Psycho’s “Patrick Bateman” are great representations of the Shadow surfacing in man. It can be seen how the Shadow’s thoughts, now very different than the rest of society can drive one to madness.
In closing, I believe the Persona can consume one to the point of becoming Dostoyevsky’s “Man of Action” from his novel, Notes from Underground. A person who is so preoccupied with their “role” to play within society that they don’t stop to consciously consider the pitfalls that hinder them! It is okay to wear the Persona at work, but one cannot become lost to it forever. The Shadow is not an enemy, but an ally to help you uncover the “mole” amongst your mind that betrays your individualist thoughts called the Persona!
The Persona serenade.