We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Akua Robinson
This is something I actually used to wonder myself. I’m not someone who sits around analyzing my own personality, so when I first started posting videos online, I’d watch them back and ask, “Are you being real? Is that really how you act?” Part of that came from comparing myself to the BIG, over-the-top personalities we see online all the time. Read More>>
Asia MONK
The public version of me is 100% real. Everything I do, say, and wear is a direct reflection of who I am. The way I express myself — especially through fashion — is just me being me. Sure, there are parts of my soul the world may never see, but that’s the beauty of it. Read More>>
Tiffany Wicks
Absolutely. I won’t say “what you see is what you get” — because that phrase can be misunderstood. Life and experience have taught me how to adapt to different situations, especially through my careers and personal growth. But no matter where I am or who I’m around, I stay true to myself. I live by strong morals, especially honesty. Read More>>
Shantae Elliott
Yes, Tae’ is Tae’! I recall a High School teacher who told me this: When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, you should see 3 people; the person you are, the person you want to be, and the person that everyone else sees. If those three people aren’t the same…then there is a conflict to resolve. Read More>>
Lauren Poniatowski
The public version of me is the real me; it’s the version of me that chooses to lead with love, empathy, and intention. I believe in showing up as someone who listens deeply, cares genuinely, and treats others with kindness—because that’s who I am at my core. Read More>>
Khadizah Amos
Yes and no. The public version of me is definitely a real PART of me but it’s not all of me. What you see is REAL the sensual energy, the softness, the creativity, the divine feminine essence. That’s who I am at my core. But there’s also a more sacred, quiet, deeply emotional side of me that not everyone gets access to. Read More>>
Bro. Calvin D. Tucker Jr.
I love this question, because so many peopot le are tricked into believing that you can not be authentically who you are in public for a wide variety of reasons such as; being judged or laughed at, not fitting in and others, but all the reasons basically revolve around other people’s opinions. I was raised in to be a strong-minded individual with pride and integrity. Read More>>
