In his book, I and Thou, philosopher Martin Buber discusses two modes of human existence, the I-You and I-it. According to Buber, the I-You and I-it are two separate attitudes present in every human being. The I-It is the mode of experiencing things in order to utilize or understand them. In the I-it there is a present boundary between the subject and the object; they do not interact or engage with one another. The I-You is the idea of actively participating in something or engaging in a relationship with another object, instead of merely observing it or knowing it like in the I-It. Buber suggests that humans tend to ignore the I-You mode and focus on the I-it which creates a very individualistic and isolated society. Instead, Buber suggests that humanity should concentrate on the I-You and become more open to encountering relationships with others rather than just the experience and object of the I-It. Actual involvement and relations with others will prompt a genuine investment and fulfillment in life, which remedies the alienation caused by the I-It Mode.

Buber’s theory is demonstrated in The Truman Show through the alienation of Truman Burbank in a communal society. Truman falsely believes he is experiencing sincere relationships with fellow members of the community (I-You), however these “members” are masked performers compensated for their acting on Christof’s reality show. While these actors may appear to be authentic to Truman, it is simply the charade of Juilliard finest students. They just see Truman and his life as a job or experience with no true emotional or sentimental attachments (I-It). This creates a blanket of loneliness and seclusion for Truman and a false sense of fulfillment. In order for Truman to truly achieve a meaningful life, he must be able to generate legitimate relationships with other things and people and have an exchange or interaction with them. This will hopefully be the outcome for Truman when he steps off the set of the disappointing, I-It society in The Truman Show.

Charlotte Gelfand