The Power of Posture and the Complexity of Body Language
In the film “Decision to Leave,” Detective Hae-jun, portrayed by Park Hae-il, reflects on why he admires Seo-rae. He mentions her straight posture, noting that it is rare to find someone so upright without appearing tense. This observation raises an intriguing question: does an upright posture reflect an upright inner self, or does an upright inner self naturally lead to an upright posture? How can Hae-jun be so confident in his judgment?
This line from the movie resonates with a famous quote by Martha Graham, a pioneer of modern dance: “Movement does not lie.” According to Graham, movement is a true reflection of the soul, accessible to everyone. Modern dance, in particular, aims to express inner emotions through bodily movements, making it one of the most honest and instinctive forms of art.
The Connection Between Body Language and Inner Self
Assuming that a person’s body language and inner self are closely connected, we often observe others’ gestures to understand their personality, psychology, and character. Whether in business, romance, or crime, understanding the other party is essential, and body language often serves as a more reliable clue than words.
At the same time, we carefully stage our own body language to achieve our goals. In interviews, for example, we enter with straight backs, respectful hands, and aligned legs. In meetings, we refine our gaze, posture, and expressions to gain the other party’s trust and favor. While consciously adjusting our posture, we also pay close attention to the subtle gestures of others. In essence, I believe I can discern what others hide through their body language, but I also hope others will accept my fabricated gestures as intended. The worst-case scenario would be if the opposite were true.
The Limitations of Body Language as a Reflection of the Inner Self
The belief that body language reveals the inner self without distortion is not always straightforward. While gestures can develop naturally, they can also be acquired artificially, as seen in etiquette education. Additionally, although some gestures have universal attributes, they are also deeply personal and ambiguous. Recognizing this potential disconnect between body language and inner self makes it challenging to enjoy short-form content that consumes celebrities’ gestures as cute characters.
Just because a gesture stripped of context appears friendly and harmless does not guarantee the person is the same. In fact, perceiving someone as friendly and harmless may obscure or distort their qualities and abilities.
Challenging the Direct Relationship Between Movement and Identity
Martha Graham claimed that movement does not lie, but not all dancers share this view. Some performers challenge the direct relationship between body language and inner self by using highly mechanical or ambiguous movements. Their protest is clear: “Movement is just movement, not me. So do not think you know me.”
This perspective highlights the complexity of interpreting body language. While it can offer insights into a person’s emotions and intentions, it is not always a perfect mirror of the inner self. Understanding this nuance allows us to approach body language with both curiosity and caution, recognizing its value while remaining aware of its limitations.