I think that through the study of my sub-culture (white freshman male), I will be able to disprove many stereotypes about them. I feel that research is needed in this area, because this is one of the most judged cultures all over the world. White males – historically speaking- have the most power in the world. After this study, I should be able to present a balanced case of why they act and function the way they do, pros and cons of their behavior, and which type of subject performs the best in college/later life (socially).

box 18

The focal point for my research is the dorm. To be more specific, the dorms of a select few that I have deemed leaders of larger groups of white males. These few rooms are found in Stu west 854 and La Folatte 321. From these dorm rooms, I can see how several of my informants interact with each other more closely than I could everywhere else. The dorms serve as a haven/hangout for the majority of my sub-culture. I can gather my information fairly discretely here even in the close quarters. I can do this because most of the time there is some kind of activity taking place; whether it is a video game, YouTube video, of someone telling a story. The dorms are generally rectangle rooms (Johnson is the only exception that I have seen) and very compact spaces for two people to live. As I have stated, the dorm is a haven for my sub-culture. I feel like my dorm is my “new home”. I am very familiar with every inch of my new living quarters, because of this familiarity; it brings me comfort and security. Through some of my research and more so my life experience at BSU I strongly feel that this applies to majority of my sub-culture.

week 5

My plan for finishing my miniature ethnography is to start recording more about the daily life of some of my informers. I don’t believe that I need to research more about my sub-culture. I feel that I have done enough research for the time being. I possibly may search out more professional sources, rather than the majority of informants and personal observations I have taken already. I also intend to research the weekend life of my culture more. I have attempted to do this at social scenes, such as sporting events and parties. However, “some how”, I always seem to get side tracked and caught up in the scene, rather than being a formal researcher. Obviously, I intend to perform more formal observations. Really studying on how people from my sub-culture interacting with other members of society (especially those of the opposite sex). Questions that I have for you professor, include those along the lines of how to; organize ideas and observations, style of writing (genera) that my ethnography is best suited for, and whether or not to use the information that I have gathered from my close friends – if so, how much.

Box 15

When I think of a place that brings several sensory details to memory, I drift back to my favorite campsite. All throughout high school, my best friends and I would sneak off every chance we could get to run down behind the school’s cross country track. We originally fell in love with the lush creek valley because of its deep, crystal clear water and its great fishing. Eventually, it became our regular spot for camping and any other activity we possibly create to steal a moment at our sacred spot. We cutout part of the hill side, covered with beautiful wild flowers, ferns, and colossal trees scattered about. We put huge stone steps, covered in thick damp moss, (massive creek rocks we retrieved no less than ten feet away) in for a homier touch. We also created a large circular fire pit, made of smaller round stones found in the creek. I have never slept better ANYWHERE than that clearing by the creek. Perhaps, it was because of the cool water running peacefully over the rocks, giving off that relaxing, trickling sound. Or possibly, it was from the warm fire crackling, providing the comforting aroma of smoking hickory trees.
Possibly my favorite memories (although I have hundreds), was when one of my best Devon Hottel would break out his guitar and play for us. Whenever we could conjure him into doing it for us, we would celebrate by breaking into cheap cigars and smuggled beer we managed to get a hold of somehow. Some times Devon sang solo (he had an amazing voice), but more often than not we would break out together, belting out our favorite Tom Petty and Red Hot Chili Peppers songs. The cool night air was filled with our happy melody smoke, and the occasional crack of cans. Every time I think back on those fond memories, it seems like the forest is alive and happy to have us. An aura of euphoria surrounded us. We just loved to be in each others company.