The 2024 CBC Massey Lectures | # 4: Who can speak for whom to whom about what?

In this landmark work, Erving Goffman uses the imagery of theatre to portray the importance of human social interaction. He argues that individuals manage their self-presentation to control the impressions others form about them, treating social interactions as performances with settings, props, and audiences. Goffman's dramaturgical approach highlights the fluid and consciously maintained nature of human character, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a coherent definition of the situation in social interactions. The book is considered one of the most important sociological works of the 20th century, receiving the American Sociological Association's MacIver award in 1961 and being listed as the tenth most important sociological book of the 20th century by the International Sociological Association in 1998.

Claudia Rankine's "Just Us" delves into the complexities of race relations in America through a series of encounters with strangers. The book uses a unique narrative structure, blending poetry, essays, and dramatic scenes to explore the author's experiences and observations. Rankine's work challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions about race and privilege. The book's exploration of microaggressions and everyday racism has sparked important conversations about social justice and equality. "Just Us" is a powerful and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.