Mead discussed the concept of the "I" and the "Me" as the tow parts of the self. Explain each of the two parts.

Question

Mead discussed the concept of the "I" and the "Me" as the tow parts of the self. Explain each of the two parts. How are the two related. Further, imagine that as you are diving home from the exam today, a car cuts you off and you very nearly get into a car accident. How would your "I" react toward the other driver? Why? How would your "Me" react toward the other driver? Why?

Answer 1

Mead studied philosophy & sociology and developed the Theory  of the social self based on the argument that the self is a social emergent.  His belief was that are three activities through which the self is developed and are Language, Play & Game.   Language allows the person to take on the "role of the other" allowing them to respond to his/her own gestures. Play allows the individual to "take on the role of others" (pretend) or (role playing) allowing them to express the expectations of significant others.  Game allows the individual to comprehend the rules of the game.

Basically the "self" has two sides  the "Me" represents the expectations & attitudes of others and is often known as the organized set of attitudes of others assumed by the individual.  The "I" is the response to the "Me" or the person's individuality a major instrument of social control or the way the community exercises control over the conduct of its individual members.

I hope the helps you understand the Mead "I" and "Me" Theory.

Answer 2

The I is the "born" you. The Me is the "socialized" you. You are born male/female. You are socialized as to how to behave as a male or female (for example, boys don't cry or girls don't play in dirt).  As for your example, the I would react with a rapid heartbeat, sweating, etc. The me would react by pulling over,swearing, etc. See the difference?