Self in a Bag

Last week as we focused on perception and self concept, my interpersonal communication class constructed their Self Bags, or Self In A Bag. I've pasted the assignment below.

I was very pleased to discover a high degree of metaphorical thinking in the class. People felt very comfortable with offering symbols rather than simply pasting stuff they like onto their bags. It seems to be a thoughtful class.

To the left you'll see the bag I made for this class.

Self-in-a-Bag

Purpose:
To engage the non-verbal part of the brain
To think about the following issues
Your own self concept
The differences between your perception of yourself and others perception of you.

THREE PART TASK

1. Research:

Ask a few people (friends, family, workplace colleagues) the following questions:
What object or pictures do you think best represent the person I present to the public?
What color would best represent me? If I were an animal, what kind of animal would I be?
Do you think you see me differently than a stranger would? In what way?

2. Creation: Build a “Self-in-a-Bag"
After thinking about what your friends have said and including your own thoughts on the subject, build a self bag. On the outside of the bag glue, tape, or in some other way affix objects and pictures that you believe represent other peoples’ perception of you. DO NOT USE ANY WORDS!
On the inside of the bag put objects that represent your perception of yourself, good and bad, “warts and all.”
The top of the bag may be closed as tightly or as loosely as you desire.

3. Sharing: Tell the class about your bag.
Explain the outside of your bag.
You are not expected to talk about the inside of your bag, but you may if you like.