Week 15

I feel that my writing has definitely improved of the course of this semester. One of the differences that I notice in my writing, is that when our research is required I handle it much better than in the past. It also helps that our first drafts are read thoroughly and given a lot of constructive criticizim before our final draft is due. Most of my previous classes have had me write drafts also, however, they were more as a attempt to progress our writing projects rather than as a chance to reform our writing. The only assignment that was somewhat difficult to do was the literature review, mainly because I’ve never written one before so it came across as new and somewhat difficult. As far as I’m concerned I thought that the class was well taught and well balanced.

Week 14

My favorite data source for my mini ethnography is a combination of interviews and observations provided from my informants. These are my favorite pieces of data because you learn more about the culture on a personal level. You develop a more personal relationship with your sources, which in turn allows you to dive deeper into their minds than straight statistical data would allow. Though previous scientific research is the majority (or at least the base) backing my findings, you learn more intricate details and some startling facts about your sub-culture. It takes a bit more work to wade through the mirages that appear through some of your observations (fronts that individuals put up), however, these “mirages” are also valid pieces of information. Also, when you do develop inter-personal relationships with you informants it makes it MUCH more difficult to look at the data objectively. But, that challenging aspect of gathering the information may be why I enjoy it the most.

week 13

WHAM!! Out of the corner of my eye I see one of my best friends Josh crash into two metal garbage cans outside at a weekend party. Out of instinct, I immediately fly to my left in the assailant’s direction, near the side of the grey vinyl house. As I reach the culprit I draw back my fist ready to swing. “WHOA WHOA!” screams the perpetrator, as I come to a halt, breathing heavily, fist still drawn. “Nick?” I ask. . . He responds with a distinct surprised/startled “Farmer?” I had just realized that the “culprit” was also one of my and Josh’s best friends. Apparently, Nick had jokingly shoved Josh after he had teased him about a past girlfriend. Josh, slightly flustered pushed back a little too hard. In retaliation/displaying dominance, Nick heaved Josh; losing his balance Josh tripped over a weed ridden gutter and smashed into the garbage bins spilling debris everywhere.
We laugh now, but this was a typical case for white, adolescent, males attending a party. They had just finished playing Beer Pong (a drinking based ping pong game involving eliminating cups of beer), and were swapping stories with a group of peers they had just met (including several attractive women). After our ethnography project was assigned, I sat down with them individually about this incident to hear their explanation. Nick didn’t even recall at the start of my inquiry; however, after describing the begging and place of the event he remembered. Basically, Nick felt he was in titled to retaliate, and Josh’s slight humility at the party was his own doing. “Well, he shouldn’t have made me look like an ass with the girl friend comment” he says smiling and shrugging his shoulders.
In my research, Mini Stark’s evidence stated that Caucasian adolescent males get physically aggressive while drinking (especially with friends) 13% MORE than any other race, while in college. In our shared opinions, this has a vast amount to do with male dominance and its importance relating to social networking.

week 12

My definition of rhetoric is the way someone communicates, usually a grandiose or extravagant style of speech and vocabulary. It can also mean the way a person intends their speech to persuade someone (whether it be giving off a tough, high-class, calm ect. exterior) one way or another. I believe that the appearance that someone has, the way they act/carry themselves, ect. also has an effect on rhetoric. Though I don’t hear it frequently, this word is most widely used in the media. Generally, it has a positive or neutral connotation. My sub-culture is quite broad (as far as different types of people), so I don’t believe that there is one specific rhetoric that everyone could have. In my miniature ethnography, I could utilize rhetoric by presenting myself as a well informed college student that is the “norm” for the culture I am studying (Thus persuading my audience that I actually have valid points and know wht the hell I’m talking about). I can also use my interviews in terms of persuasion.