Final Transmission
I have come a long way this semester. I've spent 10 times more time in the library for this class than any other class I have (keep in mind that art classes don't require a great deal of library research...). When I entered into this class on the first day I felt very comfortable about my writing style and ability. As the semester progressed, I retained that philosophy, however what I didnt notice then was that I was actually learning a great deal along the way. Reading over my first drafts and reflecting on that time, I realize now that my writing kinda sucked. It's insane to think how far my writing has come in only 16 weeks, but the proof is in the paper work. I'm scared of what I would find if I dug through my closet and read some of my high school papers. When I first found out that this semster would culminate with a 12 to 15 page paper, it took me a few minutes to pry my jaw off the floor. I was pretty much freaking out because I had never written a paper longer than 8 pages, and that was hell! Now, i'm here today, sitting on 10 pages of quality drafting, and only 2 or 3 more to complete my final paper, and I'm thinking to myself: 'what was I so afraid of? was I expecting not to write huge papers in a college english course?' The main point is, my writing has come a long way, and in the future when I have something I want to get down on paper, I will feel more confident about writing that paper.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Week 14 Blog Post
What is your favorite piece of data (or data source) and why?
My favorite piece of data was a source that I found in the database at the library. It was an article in a journal that documented the experiences of many disc golfers. I thought this was terribly interesting and it kept my attention for almost an hour. I loved getting into the stories of other folfers and seeing how their experiences were the same or different from mine. It was really cool to read how they played, their attitudes, how they reacted to weather and bad shots, who they played with and a whole bunch of other stuff! I know that reading those articles was valuable to my mini ethnography because it gave me a very good perspective on things and showed me how I measured up against some of these people. These articles also gave me some outside experiences that I can add in other than the peoples' whom I interviewed.
Surprising, I know: that research turned out to be one of my favorite parts!
My favorite piece of data was a source that I found in the database at the library. It was an article in a journal that documented the experiences of many disc golfers. I thought this was terribly interesting and it kept my attention for almost an hour. I loved getting into the stories of other folfers and seeing how their experiences were the same or different from mine. It was really cool to read how they played, their attitudes, how they reacted to weather and bad shots, who they played with and a whole bunch of other stuff! I know that reading those articles was valuable to my mini ethnography because it gave me a very good perspective on things and showed me how I measured up against some of these people. These articles also gave me some outside experiences that I can add in other than the peoples' whom I interviewed.
Surprising, I know: that research turned out to be one of my favorite parts!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16th Posting
A Day at McColluc Park
When I think of that day, I think of the sunny, clear skies that hovered overhead; I think of the parking lot jammed full of car, which were at one point jammed full of people hoping to get in a few rounds on this gorgeous day. I myself was with a group of 8 or 9 friends, and we were there for the same reason. The group represented almost every skill level: we had at least 2 really good players, 4 or 5 'once-in-a-whilers,' and 2 almost complete beginners. Needless to say, this was a fieldsite jackpot for this fledgling fieldworker. I watched as discs flew through the air, sometimes followed by cheers and other times followed by swears. It had been raining the previous two days, so we found ourselves dodging small inland seas of stagnent rain water. Every once in a while someone's drive would come splashing down with a splat and the thrower would then comence to roll up his or her pant legs and remove their shoes. Eventuallly though, the players who really weren't excited to be there wandered off to play on the playground as the rest of us finished. I assumed this would happen eventually, because McColluc Park has one of the longest disc golf courses I've ever played, so I knew that a few would become frustrated or bored and soon go off to discover new activities. At the end of the day, there were some good scores and some bad ones, some good shots and some missed 3-foot putts, but everyone was happy (even those covered in mud from sliding into a big puddle.) I didn't learn a lot about disc golfing that day, but I sure did get a lot of good field research in!
When I think of that day, I think of the sunny, clear skies that hovered overhead; I think of the parking lot jammed full of car, which were at one point jammed full of people hoping to get in a few rounds on this gorgeous day. I myself was with a group of 8 or 9 friends, and we were there for the same reason. The group represented almost every skill level: we had at least 2 really good players, 4 or 5 'once-in-a-whilers,' and 2 almost complete beginners. Needless to say, this was a fieldsite jackpot for this fledgling fieldworker. I watched as discs flew through the air, sometimes followed by cheers and other times followed by swears. It had been raining the previous two days, so we found ourselves dodging small inland seas of stagnent rain water. Every once in a while someone's drive would come splashing down with a splat and the thrower would then comence to roll up his or her pant legs and remove their shoes. Eventuallly though, the players who really weren't excited to be there wandered off to play on the playground as the rest of us finished. I assumed this would happen eventually, because McColluc Park has one of the longest disc golf courses I've ever played, so I knew that a few would become frustrated or bored and soon go off to discover new activities. At the end of the day, there were some good scores and some bad ones, some good shots and some missed 3-foot putts, but everyone was happy (even those covered in mud from sliding into a big puddle.) I didn't learn a lot about disc golfing that day, but I sure did get a lot of good field research in!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Six Word Memoir
Pertaining to disc golf...
"Windy day, maybe save for par"
Pertaining to my life...
"Simple pleasures; Luck the day saves"
"Windy day, maybe save for par"
Pertaining to my life...
"Simple pleasures; Luck the day saves"
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Apri 9th: Rhetoric
What rhetoric is to me
The first time I heard the word rhetoric I was watching a World War II documentary on the History Channel. It was discussing Hitler's rise to power and how his strong skills in rhetoric allowed him to rise to the top very very quickly in Europe; it is for this reason that I often view rhetoric in a negative sense. After that, I came to find that rhetoric wasn't only for dictators. I think rhetoric has less to do with what you say and more to do with how you say it. Sounds cliche, I know, but from what I have learned rhetoric is how comfortable in front of crowds, how efficiently you portray a message, how effectively you speak to your audience, and so on and so on. I've never really been a fan of rhetoric because I've never been any good at it. I get really nervous and studdery in front of crowds. As far as how rhetoric plays into my subculture, that is hard to pin down. I suppose when it comes to me 'recruiting' people to try is out I will have to develop some sort of effective rhetoric in order to convince them it will be fun. I think the most likely way I'll be using rhetoric in my final project is through the interviews. I will need to use rhetoric to effectively reach my interviewees with my questions. And then I will use a little to add their answers into the paper itself.
The first time I heard the word rhetoric I was watching a World War II documentary on the History Channel. It was discussing Hitler's rise to power and how his strong skills in rhetoric allowed him to rise to the top very very quickly in Europe; it is for this reason that I often view rhetoric in a negative sense. After that, I came to find that rhetoric wasn't only for dictators. I think rhetoric has less to do with what you say and more to do with how you say it. Sounds cliche, I know, but from what I have learned rhetoric is how comfortable in front of crowds, how efficiently you portray a message, how effectively you speak to your audience, and so on and so on. I've never really been a fan of rhetoric because I've never been any good at it. I get really nervous and studdery in front of crowds. As far as how rhetoric plays into my subculture, that is hard to pin down. I suppose when it comes to me 'recruiting' people to try is out I will have to develop some sort of effective rhetoric in order to convince them it will be fun. I think the most likely way I'll be using rhetoric in my final project is through the interviews. I will need to use rhetoric to effectively reach my interviewees with my questions. And then I will use a little to add their answers into the paper itself.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Writing Quote
"If due not tomorrow, then do not today."
Unfortunately I cannot take credit for this qu0te; it belongs to my good highschool friend Joe. Although his diagnosed case of procrastination was far more severe than my own, I do believe that we shared similar philosophies about writing papers for school. It's not that we don't want to write the paper now, it's just that there are so many other things that we'd rather be doing instead of a 3-page reflective essay about the reading from "To Kill A Mocking Bird" which we are also putting off reading.
As I matured, I realized that it may be painful to write boring stuff, but it only gets more painful as you get closer and closer to the due date. Thus, a great sense of will power arose in my senior year of highschool, and I began finishing writing assignments well before the due dates just simply out of a sense of responsibility. 'The sooner it gets done,' I thought, 'then the sooner I can do what I want to do with my time and feel relieved that I don't have that writing assignment on my back!
Unfortunately I cannot take credit for this qu0te; it belongs to my good highschool friend Joe. Although his diagnosed case of procrastination was far more severe than my own, I do believe that we shared similar philosophies about writing papers for school. It's not that we don't want to write the paper now, it's just that there are so many other things that we'd rather be doing instead of a 3-page reflective essay about the reading from "To Kill A Mocking Bird" which we are also putting off reading.
As I matured, I realized that it may be painful to write boring stuff, but it only gets more painful as you get closer and closer to the due date. Thus, a great sense of will power arose in my senior year of highschool, and I began finishing writing assignments well before the due dates just simply out of a sense of responsibility. 'The sooner it gets done,' I thought, 'then the sooner I can do what I want to do with my time and feel relieved that I don't have that writing assignment on my back!
OOPS!!
Hey Disarro
I'm going to use my "free card" for this weeks blog posting. I'm not trying to make excuses, but I had that rough draft due, a BIG speech to prepare for, and it was my roommate's birthday so I had a bunch of surprise things planned for him!
Anyway, I'll get it done as soon as I can today. Sorry again!
Nick
I'm going to use my "free card" for this weeks blog posting. I'm not trying to make excuses, but I had that rough draft due, a BIG speech to prepare for, and it was my roommate's birthday so I had a bunch of surprise things planned for him!
Anyway, I'll get it done as soon as I can today. Sorry again!
Nick
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Family Stories
The Guy
I don't know if there is anyone famous in my family. I really don't. I do know that there are some cool people in my family. This first guy is really cool. And the reason I refer to him as a 'guy' is that I actually can't track down his relation to me. All I know is that he is my uncle's (the one that's not related to me by blood) brother's cousin or something ridiculous like that. Anyway, this long-lost relative lives in Cali and he is a genius supposedly, although I've never met him to verify this fact. You see, at my aunt and uncles' house (previously mentioned) there are dozens of pictures of different space satellites and lunar rovers and other vehicles. And on the shelves are little models of those same crafts. This is because this guy was one of the primary engineers for the Voyager II or whatever that apparently went to Saturn and took all these spectacular pictures and space-dust samples. (And the reason they have all that stuff in their house and I don't is because they are directly related because of my not-bloodline uncle is their dad)
So I really want to meet this guy some day and I think if I did, I would have met the most famous guy in our family.
I don't know if there is anyone famous in my family. I really don't. I do know that there are some cool people in my family. This first guy is really cool. And the reason I refer to him as a 'guy' is that I actually can't track down his relation to me. All I know is that he is my uncle's (the one that's not related to me by blood) brother's cousin or something ridiculous like that. Anyway, this long-lost relative lives in Cali and he is a genius supposedly, although I've never met him to verify this fact. You see, at my aunt and uncles' house (previously mentioned) there are dozens of pictures of different space satellites and lunar rovers and other vehicles. And on the shelves are little models of those same crafts. This is because this guy was one of the primary engineers for the Voyager II or whatever that apparently went to Saturn and took all these spectacular pictures and space-dust samples. (And the reason they have all that stuff in their house and I don't is because they are directly related because of my not-bloodline uncle is their dad)
So I really want to meet this guy some day and I think if I did, I would have met the most famous guy in our family.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Mar 27th Blog Posting
Putting together my Mini-Ethnography
Although I haven't given a lot of thought about how I am going to put together my mini-ethnography, I think I am going to organize it based on theme. I might start by giving some introduction to Frisbee golf, like maybe some history or some personal stories. I think next it would be appropriate to go into detail about the rules of disc golf so that my readers will be able to better connect with what they are about to read. After the disc golf rules section, I may throw in some of those stories that I found in articles about other people's disc golf experiences. And, at that point my readers will be fairly comfortable with disc golf and many peoples experiences, but I'd like to cement that comfort with a few of my interviews. Now they will be ready for my in depth studies and research. This will be the longest part of my study I am guessing and this is where I will go into great detail about the reason I am doing this study and all the different important aspects of disc golfing. I will be exploring the physical and mental advantages of a relaxing game of Frisbee golf. I still have a lot of research to do and quite a few interviews to complete. And I still have a lot of work to do, but when I am done I hope that I will have put together a strong composition!
Although I haven't given a lot of thought about how I am going to put together my mini-ethnography, I think I am going to organize it based on theme. I might start by giving some introduction to Frisbee golf, like maybe some history or some personal stories. I think next it would be appropriate to go into detail about the rules of disc golf so that my readers will be able to better connect with what they are about to read. After the disc golf rules section, I may throw in some of those stories that I found in articles about other people's disc golf experiences. And, at that point my readers will be fairly comfortable with disc golf and many peoples experiences, but I'd like to cement that comfort with a few of my interviews. Now they will be ready for my in depth studies and research. This will be the longest part of my study I am guessing and this is where I will go into great detail about the reason I am doing this study and all the different important aspects of disc golfing. I will be exploring the physical and mental advantages of a relaxing game of Frisbee golf. I still have a lot of research to do and quite a few interviews to complete. And I still have a lot of work to do, but when I am done I hope that I will have put together a strong composition!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Glossery of Disc Golf Terms
Terms:
Ace: A hole in one, the disc lands in the basket on the first try
Air-Bounce: One's drive starts out flying low and straight and slowly raises higher off the ground as it flies forward
Approach: A shot that is not short enough to be a putt, but is far enough to be considered a throw toward the basket
Basket: the target that a disc golfer aims for. A metal basket with chains dangling above it to assist with scoring
Birdie: getting the disc in the basket in one shot less than par (see par)
Bogey: getting the disc in the basket in one shot greater than par (see par)
Disc: the slender round object used in disc golf, similar to an ultimate disc
Double-Bogey: getting the disc in the basket in two shots greater than par (see par)
Drive: the first long shot on a disc golf hole
Eagle: getting the disc in the basket in two shots less than par (see par)
Fairway: the space between the hole and the tee
Par: the score (number of shots) that neither helps nor hurts your score (+/- 0)
Putt: a short, controlled throw that attempts to land in the basket
Slice: when your drive or approach cuts violently to the right and dives toward the ground
Tee: the area that you stand when you throw your drive (see drive)
Tomahawk: a throwing style in which you throw the disc over-hand causing the disc to fly up in the air and flip over itself, hopefully landing near the target
Triple-Bogey: getting the disc in the basket in three shots greater than par (see par)
Ace: A hole in one, the disc lands in the basket on the first try
Air-Bounce: One's drive starts out flying low and straight and slowly raises higher off the ground as it flies forward
Approach: A shot that is not short enough to be a putt, but is far enough to be considered a throw toward the basket
Basket: the target that a disc golfer aims for. A metal basket with chains dangling above it to assist with scoring
Birdie: getting the disc in the basket in one shot less than par (see par)
Bogey: getting the disc in the basket in one shot greater than par (see par)
Disc: the slender round object used in disc golf, similar to an ultimate disc
Double-Bogey: getting the disc in the basket in two shots greater than par (see par)
Drive: the first long shot on a disc golf hole
Eagle: getting the disc in the basket in two shots less than par (see par)
Fairway: the space between the hole and the tee
Par: the score (number of shots) that neither helps nor hurts your score (+/- 0)
Putt: a short, controlled throw that attempts to land in the basket
Slice: when your drive or approach cuts violently to the right and dives toward the ground
Tee: the area that you stand when you throw your drive (see drive)
Tomahawk: a throwing style in which you throw the disc over-hand causing the disc to fly up in the air and flip over itself, hopefully landing near the target
Triple-Bogey: getting the disc in the basket in three shots greater than par (see par)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
American Tongues
(Question 1)
It seemed like they were asking different questions to different people in the various areas. (This may be because we only watched clips...) It would also have been nice if they had thrown in a little history of where all these accents came from or when then first came up.
(Question 2)
Obviously there are some groups that aren't represented at all, but it would be impossible to represent EVERYONE. I did realize that the documentary seemed to seek out the 'extreme' accents, like kentucky, texas, and northestern. However, then seemed to graze over those who had only a slight accent.
(Question 3)
Language is VERY important to how we judge others. It's probably one of the first impressions that we get of a person; even before we interact with them we have already made some assumptions about them based on how they talk to other people.
It seemed like they were asking different questions to different people in the various areas. (This may be because we only watched clips...) It would also have been nice if they had thrown in a little history of where all these accents came from or when then first came up.
(Question 2)
Obviously there are some groups that aren't represented at all, but it would be impossible to represent EVERYONE. I did realize that the documentary seemed to seek out the 'extreme' accents, like kentucky, texas, and northestern. However, then seemed to graze over those who had only a slight accent.
(Question 3)
Language is VERY important to how we judge others. It's probably one of the first impressions that we get of a person; even before we interact with them we have already made some assumptions about them based on how they talk to other people.
The Collaborative Listener: 3 Questions
1. I am at the Frisbee golf course near my house, Morse Park & Beach. I am walking down one of the fairways with a few of my buds from my youth group as well as my youth minister. As far as my relationship with these guys, we are all very close friends. But, in the moment, we are all a bunch of disc golf enthusiasts, playing mostly for the fun of it while maintaining slight traces of competition.
2. Some of what we say includes typical sports phrases like "nice shot!" and "Take your time, focus on this one" or even "Damn it! I hate this game!" However, most of our conversation is just friendly conversation that has nothing to do with disc golf. We just talk and laugh and have an enjoyable time, and that is what makes the game so fun. There isn't much of a power relationship between any of the guys and me, but my youth minister is older and I guess there's some sort of power relationship there.
3. I guess all the guys are speaking pretty normally when we play. Maybe if one of them is teeing off and is trying to focus he'll speak softly to himself words of encouragement like: "focus... keep it low... don't put too much behind it..." Often times I find myself sort of commentating my game, either to myself or to the others. Things like "come on, I gotta make this for par. Come on baby... come on!" and then if I miss I'll be like "AWWWWWWW man! Gosh I should have made that!"
2. Some of what we say includes typical sports phrases like "nice shot!" and "Take your time, focus on this one" or even "Damn it! I hate this game!" However, most of our conversation is just friendly conversation that has nothing to do with disc golf. We just talk and laugh and have an enjoyable time, and that is what makes the game so fun. There isn't much of a power relationship between any of the guys and me, but my youth minister is older and I guess there's some sort of power relationship there.
3. I guess all the guys are speaking pretty normally when we play. Maybe if one of them is teeing off and is trying to focus he'll speak softly to himself words of encouragement like: "focus... keep it low... don't put too much behind it..." Often times I find myself sort of commentating my game, either to myself or to the others. Things like "come on, I gotta make this for par. Come on baby... come on!" and then if I miss I'll be like "AWWWWWWW man! Gosh I should have made that!"
Mar. 19th Week 9 Posting
Reflections:
I think the hardest part for me so far has been research. Because disc golf is a relatively new sport, there isn't a lot of literature out there about it. I was fortunate however to discover a few blogs last class that will be very helpful! The easiest part so far has probably been the first exploring subculture paper that we wrote. It was easiest because all I had to do was pull facts, rules, and customs out of my head concerning Frisbee golf. Now that I have gotten into the research stage, it's becoming more difficult to back those things from my head up with actually accounts from other people. If I had to start over, honestly, I wouldn't have chosen Frisbee golf as my subculture. I guess at the beginning I just assumed that it was popular and that there would be lots of stuff out there for me to use in my paper. But, looking back I realize that that was kind of the point and now I have a great opportunity to learn even more about the sport while I introduce it to others well. Having the blog has helped me by being a good place for me to just throw down ideas in my head that maybe aren't quite final-draft-worthy yet. And, having these things down is helpful because, from there, all I have to do is go back to them and then organize them into a paper. By the time it comes to writing my final mini ethnograpy, I will have mountains of information on my blog, ready and at my disposal. It will come very much in handy!
I think the hardest part for me so far has been research. Because disc golf is a relatively new sport, there isn't a lot of literature out there about it. I was fortunate however to discover a few blogs last class that will be very helpful! The easiest part so far has probably been the first exploring subculture paper that we wrote. It was easiest because all I had to do was pull facts, rules, and customs out of my head concerning Frisbee golf. Now that I have gotten into the research stage, it's becoming more difficult to back those things from my head up with actually accounts from other people. If I had to start over, honestly, I wouldn't have chosen Frisbee golf as my subculture. I guess at the beginning I just assumed that it was popular and that there would be lots of stuff out there for me to use in my paper. But, looking back I realize that that was kind of the point and now I have a great opportunity to learn even more about the sport while I introduce it to others well. Having the blog has helped me by being a good place for me to just throw down ideas in my head that maybe aren't quite final-draft-worthy yet. And, having these things down is helpful because, from there, all I have to do is go back to them and then organize them into a paper. By the time it comes to writing my final mini ethnograpy, I will have mountains of information on my blog, ready and at my disposal. It will come very much in handy!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mar 17 In-Class Research Question
Why do my readers care about this issue?
If I may speak in generalities, everyone is looking for something new and fun to try! I think that most people who enjoy the outdoors and are open-minded about trying new sport will come to love disc golf.
What will my readers want or need to know about this issue?
I guess my readers should know that disc golf is very addicting and should not be played unless you are ready to continue playing frequently for the rest of their lives.
What do my readers already know about this issue?
Most of the people I've talked to already have had no idea what disc golf is! I think most of my readers will be clueless before reading my little ethnography.
If I m trying to persuade my readers of something, how easily will they be persuaded?
I have a feeling that most of them will just read it and brush it off. But I may be able to persuade some of them to join the fun.
What will my readers use my writing for?
They will use my writing to find inspiration to buy a frisbee disc and start playing disc golf!
If I may speak in generalities, everyone is looking for something new and fun to try! I think that most people who enjoy the outdoors and are open-minded about trying new sport will come to love disc golf.
What will my readers want or need to know about this issue?
I guess my readers should know that disc golf is very addicting and should not be played unless you are ready to continue playing frequently for the rest of their lives.
What do my readers already know about this issue?
Most of the people I've talked to already have had no idea what disc golf is! I think most of my readers will be clueless before reading my little ethnography.
If I m trying to persuade my readers of something, how easily will they be persuaded?
I have a feeling that most of them will just read it and brush it off. But I may be able to persuade some of them to join the fun.
What will my readers use my writing for?
They will use my writing to find inspiration to buy a frisbee disc and start playing disc golf!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Theme Mar 5th Posting
I at first was finding it very difficult to find an all-encompassing theme for my ethnographic study of disc golf. I decided that, at least from what I have observed and from my experiences, disc golf is about community. Particularly my community of friends I have built while here at school. When I go to play disc golf, I rarely do it alone. The best part is being there with friends and having those experiences that build those relationships. It's the game of disc golf that acts as the catalyst for those relationships that I have created and started to build on and off the disc golf course. Also it's the community that influences my game and helps me gain experience. Another thing is that I get to witness my friends in an environment that I previously have not seen. It is interesting to see how new friends respond to different emotions like competition or challenge.
All of these things bring to mind the importance of community not only in disc golf and sports, but also with many other things in life. Community creates the base for me to have a more enjoyable round of disc golf!
All of these things bring to mind the importance of community not only in disc golf and sports, but also with many other things in life. Community creates the base for me to have a more enjoyable round of disc golf!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The One Ring
Step 1
My 'subject' wears a ring. It is gold in color, and has a dark colored pendant in it about the size of a dime. Engraved in this dark stone pendant is the profile image of a man with an interesting helmet on his head. The ring, although quite beautiful, is also very simple.
Step 2
This ring makes me wonder what it means to the 'subject.' Did this ring belong to a grandparent since past away and is worn in memory of them? Did the subject find this ring and think it was nice and then decided to wear it around? I cannot tell if it is real or just gilded gold, but it looks like it may have been chosen to look big, shiny and flashy, as if to resemble wealth.
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
He told me that the ring was given to him by his father after it was purchased at an auction. The ring is important to him because his father gave it to him. He told me that he wears it because he likes the way it looks and it always reminds him of his dad when he sees it or feels it on his finger. If he were to lose it, there were three things that would makes him very sad. First, it was a gift from his father, so he would feel bad for losing a gift that his dad was so kind to buy for him. Second, he would be bummed that he lost such a nifty looking ring. And thirdly, he feels like the ring has become a part of him and if it were to be lost he would feel like a part of him was missing. Oh, and I guess I should add that if an old fuzzy guy in a gray hat told him to travel to a far away dangerous land and chuck his pretty ring into a raging river of molten lava, he would feel at least mildly disappointed.
My 'subject' wears a ring. It is gold in color, and has a dark colored pendant in it about the size of a dime. Engraved in this dark stone pendant is the profile image of a man with an interesting helmet on his head. The ring, although quite beautiful, is also very simple.
Step 2
This ring makes me wonder what it means to the 'subject.' Did this ring belong to a grandparent since past away and is worn in memory of them? Did the subject find this ring and think it was nice and then decided to wear it around? I cannot tell if it is real or just gilded gold, but it looks like it may have been chosen to look big, shiny and flashy, as if to resemble wealth.
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
He told me that the ring was given to him by his father after it was purchased at an auction. The ring is important to him because his father gave it to him. He told me that he wears it because he likes the way it looks and it always reminds him of his dad when he sees it or feels it on his finger. If he were to lose it, there were three things that would makes him very sad. First, it was a gift from his father, so he would feel bad for losing a gift that his dad was so kind to buy for him. Second, he would be bummed that he lost such a nifty looking ring. And thirdly, he feels like the ring has become a part of him and if it were to be lost he would feel like a part of him was missing. Oh, and I guess I should add that if an old fuzzy guy in a gray hat told him to travel to a far away dangerous land and chuck his pretty ring into a raging river of molten lava, he would feel at least mildly disappointed.
Feb 26th Post 7
Giving Back
Giving back to the community is important. The community is the home that has been built for us, and it is our responsibility to respect it and help keep it up and running. McCollough Park in Muncie is a beautiful place where kids and disc golfers alike can enjoy a gorgeous evening. And I'm sure that there are people who are hired to keep it looking beautiful, but there is so much that the park's daily visitors can do to keep it looking beautiful. If I am playing disc golf with some friends and I see a can sitting by a tree, I should pick that can up and carry it along with me until I find a trash can. If I am walking past the pavilion and I see a park bench that has been flipped over by a pack of wiley teenagers, I should walk over and put the bench back on its feet. If I find a nest of birds that has fallen out of a tree, I should not touch it or crush it, I should let it be so that those birds can someday flutter in the trees and make the park even more beautiful. It is so very lucky that disc golf is a free sport in Muncie, and that gives us even more responsibility to keep the park looking good for the next player who wants to enjoy a fun round of disc golf.
Giving back to the community is important. The community is the home that has been built for us, and it is our responsibility to respect it and help keep it up and running. McCollough Park in Muncie is a beautiful place where kids and disc golfers alike can enjoy a gorgeous evening. And I'm sure that there are people who are hired to keep it looking beautiful, but there is so much that the park's daily visitors can do to keep it looking beautiful. If I am playing disc golf with some friends and I see a can sitting by a tree, I should pick that can up and carry it along with me until I find a trash can. If I am walking past the pavilion and I see a park bench that has been flipped over by a pack of wiley teenagers, I should walk over and put the bench back on its feet. If I find a nest of birds that has fallen out of a tree, I should not touch it or crush it, I should let it be so that those birds can someday flutter in the trees and make the park even more beautiful. It is so very lucky that disc golf is a free sport in Muncie, and that gives us even more responsibility to keep the park looking good for the next player who wants to enjoy a fun round of disc golf.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Feb 19 Groundwork Activity
Step 1
As long as I can remember, I have seen those little metal basket thingies with the chains dangling down everywhere. When I was really young and my dad took me to the park when I lived in Michigan, I saw them there. When I went to recess in elementary school, I saw them there. When I moved to Noblesville and went to Forrest Park for the first time, I saw them there. But it wasn't until the summer before my freshman year of highschool that I actually figured out what those things were. I remember one of my best friends saying: "Hey guys, I've got a great new game for us to try!" So we go to Morse Park & Beach and he hands me this heavy sleek disc. I look at it like 'what in the world? Is this a battle weapon? I could kill somone with this!' As I stood on the tee, I looked down toward the basket, and after having a moment of realization, I threw my very first disc. And it was awful. So awful I think I might have considered giving up right then and there. But something was strangely addictive about this game, and I love it to this day.
Step 2
I first felt very uncomfortable in my new space. I was frustrated because I didn't like not being good at something. I was also uncomfortable because I was not used to this kind of Frisbee disc. I had thrown plenty of ultimate discs in my time, but this was a new, heavy, unstable sort of disc that really bothered me. Although, it didn't take long for me to become comfortable and skilled at this game, and I started to introduce others to the game. It was then easy for me to see it from their perspective because I had been there not too long before.
Step 3
I am still an outsider in Frisbee golf because I have never played competitively. If I were to show up at a Frisbee golf tournament I would have no idea what was going on, and thus I would be an outsider. I would have to have someone explain to me the rules of play and then I would experience those rule for the first time. It would be as if I were just playing for the first time.
As long as I can remember, I have seen those little metal basket thingies with the chains dangling down everywhere. When I was really young and my dad took me to the park when I lived in Michigan, I saw them there. When I went to recess in elementary school, I saw them there. When I moved to Noblesville and went to Forrest Park for the first time, I saw them there. But it wasn't until the summer before my freshman year of highschool that I actually figured out what those things were. I remember one of my best friends saying: "Hey guys, I've got a great new game for us to try!" So we go to Morse Park & Beach and he hands me this heavy sleek disc. I look at it like 'what in the world? Is this a battle weapon? I could kill somone with this!' As I stood on the tee, I looked down toward the basket, and after having a moment of realization, I threw my very first disc. And it was awful. So awful I think I might have considered giving up right then and there. But something was strangely addictive about this game, and I love it to this day.
Step 2
I first felt very uncomfortable in my new space. I was frustrated because I didn't like not being good at something. I was also uncomfortable because I was not used to this kind of Frisbee disc. I had thrown plenty of ultimate discs in my time, but this was a new, heavy, unstable sort of disc that really bothered me. Although, it didn't take long for me to become comfortable and skilled at this game, and I started to introduce others to the game. It was then easy for me to see it from their perspective because I had been there not too long before.
Step 3
I am still an outsider in Frisbee golf because I have never played competitively. If I were to show up at a Frisbee golf tournament I would have no idea what was going on, and thus I would be an outsider. I would have to have someone explain to me the rules of play and then I would experience those rule for the first time. It would be as if I were just playing for the first time.
Starkey, Dr. Bob, and Ms. Robertson
Starkey, David. "Eighteen holes of frisbee golf." Arkansas Review: A Journal of Delta Studies 27.2 (1996): 17
This short story, entitled Eighteen Holes of Frisbee Golf, follows author David Starkey and one of his colleagues Dr. Bob as they play a round of Frisbee golf. Starkey explains that they had recently been playing "...once a week during the semester, almost every other day during vacations (Starkey 4)." As the holes progress, he describes the tricky shots that they both have to make. He also is very descriptive when it comes to Dr. Bob's frustration, because apparently Dr. Bob usually plays very well, but this round was not turning out to be his best. Something else Starkey does is he keeps score all along. For a while, Dr. Bob is up one, but after a few mistakes, Starkey ends up a few strokes ahead.
This short story could be useful in my ethnographic study if I ever wish to describe the game from the perspective of someone other than myself or someone I interview. It also provides me with a way of demonstrated the diversity of Frisbee golf, because Starkey and Dr. Bob play by slightly different rules than the ones I play by.
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Robertson, Sarah. "Be a Flying-Disc Jockey!" Prevention 54.7 (2002): 84
This brief article outlines a few family traditions and rituals of Sarah Robertson, the author. She describes how her father introduced her and her siblings to the game twenty years ago and they still play with in-laws frequently. She then tells the reader her family's version of the rules of Frisbee golf, which turns out to be fairly similar to those of Starkey and Dr. Bob. There is one key difference: Robertson's family plays in doubles, which allows one to choose which shot one likes better of the two teammates' shots.
This article may be valuable to me for the same reason that Starkey's was: comparison. This gives me just one more variation of the game of Frisbee golf from yet another perspective. This article will also give me an opportunity to introduce the rules of doubles Frisbee golf.
This short story, entitled Eighteen Holes of Frisbee Golf, follows author David Starkey and one of his colleagues Dr. Bob as they play a round of Frisbee golf. Starkey explains that they had recently been playing "...once a week during the semester, almost every other day during vacations (Starkey 4)." As the holes progress, he describes the tricky shots that they both have to make. He also is very descriptive when it comes to Dr. Bob's frustration, because apparently Dr. Bob usually plays very well, but this round was not turning out to be his best. Something else Starkey does is he keeps score all along. For a while, Dr. Bob is up one, but after a few mistakes, Starkey ends up a few strokes ahead.
This short story could be useful in my ethnographic study if I ever wish to describe the game from the perspective of someone other than myself or someone I interview. It also provides me with a way of demonstrated the diversity of Frisbee golf, because Starkey and Dr. Bob play by slightly different rules than the ones I play by.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Robertson, Sarah. "Be a Flying-Disc Jockey!" Prevention 54.7 (2002): 84
This brief article outlines a few family traditions and rituals of Sarah Robertson, the author. She describes how her father introduced her and her siblings to the game twenty years ago and they still play with in-laws frequently. She then tells the reader her family's version of the rules of Frisbee golf, which turns out to be fairly similar to those of Starkey and Dr. Bob. There is one key difference: Robertson's family plays in doubles, which allows one to choose which shot one likes better of the two teammates' shots.
This article may be valuable to me for the same reason that Starkey's was: comparison. This gives me just one more variation of the game of Frisbee golf from yet another perspective. This article will also give me an opportunity to introduce the rules of doubles Frisbee golf.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Feb 17th Box 18
Finding Frisbee's Focal Point
My first instinct was that, duh, the Frisbee is the focal point of Frisbee golf. I'm actually not really sure if I've decided yet, but this is the discussion I had with myself: I have concluded that although the sport of Frisbee golf revolves around the rules of golf, the primary (only) instrument of Frisbee golf is the disc. So I think that the disc is the focal point because if I was to label golf as the focal point, that would suggest that one plays the game for the rules and the competition. In the first draft I stated that I was going to try to observe Frisbee golf from several different aspects other than straight forward. The Frisbee is the center of the game, whether you're playing competitively or just with the guys. The disc is more important to the player than just the object that one throws at the basket; it a sacred relic that each and every player keeps in sight at all times. It is a means of expression (ie color, style, weight... etc). It is the tool by which every Frisbee golfer fulfills his eternal destiny: to skillfully place the disc in the wire basket where it rightfully belongs.
My first instinct was that, duh, the Frisbee is the focal point of Frisbee golf. I'm actually not really sure if I've decided yet, but this is the discussion I had with myself: I have concluded that although the sport of Frisbee golf revolves around the rules of golf, the primary (only) instrument of Frisbee golf is the disc. So I think that the disc is the focal point because if I was to label golf as the focal point, that would suggest that one plays the game for the rules and the competition. In the first draft I stated that I was going to try to observe Frisbee golf from several different aspects other than straight forward. The Frisbee is the center of the game, whether you're playing competitively or just with the guys. The disc is more important to the player than just the object that one throws at the basket; it a sacred relic that each and every player keeps in sight at all times. It is a means of expression (ie color, style, weight... etc). It is the tool by which every Frisbee golfer fulfills his eternal destiny: to skillfully place the disc in the wire basket where it rightfully belongs.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Feb 12 Culture Shock
Indy to Newark
The Indianapolis airport terminal, not the definition of beautiful, made especially more ugly by the 1/4 mile line I'm standing in to go through security. This place seems like it was designed to be dull; large bulky gray machines, the constant hum of a dozen conveyor belts, the lazy gaze of a security guard on the 8th hour of his shift, and the hundreds of people standing in line to get felt up proved this observation. Then I sat and waited for 2 hours as announcements poured out of the loud speakers alerting me that my flight was being delayed and they're sorry for the inconvenience. Well they didn't have to be sorry, because according to their website this is what I paid for: long lines, delayed flights, and uncomfortably small airline chairs with zero leg room. If it wasn't for the bag of peanuts and that can of soda, it would have been 'no deal.'
Part of me was hoping that Newark would be a little better than Indianapolis as far as their standards for airport terminals was concerned. Well, I guess it's not fair to compare because it's always more frustrating to fly out than it is to fly in. So far I only had to wait in one line, and that's because the stupid baggage claim machine was holding my luggage hostage! I swear I saw the same red-trimmed suitcase 4 times before I even saw mine once!
Finally out of airport land, a cab drove us to downtown Jersey City, just 2 stone throws away from the Hudson, and maybe a dozen more stone throws from Manhattan. This was so exciting, even though all I'd seen of Jersey so far was from the interior of an airport taxi cab. Stepping out of the cab, I was blown off my feet. I was standing on the curb of a narrow street with apartment facades flanking it, and straight down the street I could see a perfectly framed view of downtown Manhattan. Amazing.
The Indianapolis airport terminal, not the definition of beautiful, made especially more ugly by the 1/4 mile line I'm standing in to go through security. This place seems like it was designed to be dull; large bulky gray machines, the constant hum of a dozen conveyor belts, the lazy gaze of a security guard on the 8th hour of his shift, and the hundreds of people standing in line to get felt up proved this observation. Then I sat and waited for 2 hours as announcements poured out of the loud speakers alerting me that my flight was being delayed and they're sorry for the inconvenience. Well they didn't have to be sorry, because according to their website this is what I paid for: long lines, delayed flights, and uncomfortably small airline chairs with zero leg room. If it wasn't for the bag of peanuts and that can of soda, it would have been 'no deal.'
Part of me was hoping that Newark would be a little better than Indianapolis as far as their standards for airport terminals was concerned. Well, I guess it's not fair to compare because it's always more frustrating to fly out than it is to fly in. So far I only had to wait in one line, and that's because the stupid baggage claim machine was holding my luggage hostage! I swear I saw the same red-trimmed suitcase 4 times before I even saw mine once!
Finally out of airport land, a cab drove us to downtown Jersey City, just 2 stone throws away from the Hudson, and maybe a dozen more stone throws from Manhattan. This was so exciting, even though all I'd seen of Jersey so far was from the interior of an airport taxi cab. Stepping out of the cab, I was blown off my feet. I was standing on the curb of a narrow street with apartment facades flanking it, and straight down the street I could see a perfectly framed view of downtown Manhattan. Amazing.
Feb 10th Blog Posting 5
Looking to the Future
I realize that I have a lot more work to do. I know I need to find sources in the library, but I'm worried that there aren't many. Even though Frisbee golf has been around for at least a decade, the last time I searched "frisbee golf" in the library database I came up with 1 result! And even then, it was just a magazine clipping where an author talks about how a game of frisbee golf inspired one of the chapters of his new book.
Anyway, putting my anxieties about library sources aside, I look forward to visiting my field-site if this spring warmth keeps up. Although I must admit, I'm much more thrilled about actually playing Frisbee golf than I am doing field research. However, if I can manage to multi-task correctly, I could see myself doing field research and getting in 18 holes in one visit. And not only that, but I can get some of the interviews out of the way in the next few days because I know the guys who I play with.
So, other than time dedicated to library research and field research, the last thing I can see myself doing is sitting where I am now and actually composing the sob... I mean, mini-ethnography. (Which I'm not particularly thrilled about, but life goes on...)
I realize that I have a lot more work to do. I know I need to find sources in the library, but I'm worried that there aren't many. Even though Frisbee golf has been around for at least a decade, the last time I searched "frisbee golf" in the library database I came up with 1 result! And even then, it was just a magazine clipping where an author talks about how a game of frisbee golf inspired one of the chapters of his new book.
Anyway, putting my anxieties about library sources aside, I look forward to visiting my field-site if this spring warmth keeps up. Although I must admit, I'm much more thrilled about actually playing Frisbee golf than I am doing field research. However, if I can manage to multi-task correctly, I could see myself doing field research and getting in 18 holes in one visit. And not only that, but I can get some of the interviews out of the way in the next few days because I know the guys who I play with.
So, other than time dedicated to library research and field research, the last thing I can see myself doing is sitting where I am now and actually composing the sob... I mean, mini-ethnography. (Which I'm not particularly thrilled about, but life goes on...)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feb 10 Favorite Spot
The Fishing Hole
I've lived in Noblesville, Indiana since the day that I turned five, and nearly every memory that I can conjure can be traced to that Indiana home. We moved into the house we still live in now, a two story ranch with pale khaki siding and forest green shudders. And when a hot summer day came along where any activity more extensive than walking made you sweat buckets, we voyaged to the greatest place in the neighborhood: the fishing hole. We'd pack up our tackle boxes and fishing poles and jump on our bikes (it was worth the sweaty ride). Dropping our bikes off at the curb a few minutes later, we'd grab our gear and embark on our journey through back yards, along picket fences, and past shady locks of forest. Finally, we'd come to an old path, complete with dilapidated wooden steps that led straight down to Morse reservoir. We would pertch ourselves on that little rock shelf in the shade of that massive beech tree and start to bait our hooks and test our reels. The sun would try its hardest to beat down and burn our small unprotected faces, but to no avail. The large beech with over grown ivy winding up its trunk stood guard as chatted and laughed in the shade of its strong branches. The water would come up to the rock shelf and splash against it ever so gently. From where we sat, we could see the occasional speed boat go whomping by with screaming water skier in close pursuit. It would then be only a couple of minutes before the waves from the passing machine would come and smack against the stone shelf, probably scaring away any fish that had been there seconds before.
If I recall correctly, we never really caught any fish of noteworthy size at this fishing hole. Usually just 4 or 5 inch blue gill or the occasional sunfish (my favorite because they're absolutely gorgeous). There was that one time that my wily neighbor convinced me to replace my bait worm with bread and I ended up catching a 2 foot carp (the most vile and disgusting fish I've ever seen). It just dangled on the end of my line because no one wanted to touch it and finally the line snapped under the fat creature's weight and it swam away with a little token of our gratitude still lodged in its lower lip. No, it's not the fishing that brings back the memories, its the smell. The fishy, stagnant water smell that completely filled that little fishing cove. Thinking about it now, I probably wouldn't be able to stand it for more that a few minutes, but along with the smell was the scenery. Tall, strong beech tree and the overgrown ivy. The rock shelf where one may find a decent skipping rock amongst the broken glass and rusty fish hooks. The old wooden steps, adjacent to an old rotting deck where one can't help but imagine a lively family barbeque taking place sometime many years ago. All these things enhance the experience into something more than a day trip to the fishing spot.
I've lived in Noblesville, Indiana since the day that I turned five, and nearly every memory that I can conjure can be traced to that Indiana home. We moved into the house we still live in now, a two story ranch with pale khaki siding and forest green shudders. And when a hot summer day came along where any activity more extensive than walking made you sweat buckets, we voyaged to the greatest place in the neighborhood: the fishing hole. We'd pack up our tackle boxes and fishing poles and jump on our bikes (it was worth the sweaty ride). Dropping our bikes off at the curb a few minutes later, we'd grab our gear and embark on our journey through back yards, along picket fences, and past shady locks of forest. Finally, we'd come to an old path, complete with dilapidated wooden steps that led straight down to Morse reservoir. We would pertch ourselves on that little rock shelf in the shade of that massive beech tree and start to bait our hooks and test our reels. The sun would try its hardest to beat down and burn our small unprotected faces, but to no avail. The large beech with over grown ivy winding up its trunk stood guard as chatted and laughed in the shade of its strong branches. The water would come up to the rock shelf and splash against it ever so gently. From where we sat, we could see the occasional speed boat go whomping by with screaming water skier in close pursuit. It would then be only a couple of minutes before the waves from the passing machine would come and smack against the stone shelf, probably scaring away any fish that had been there seconds before.
If I recall correctly, we never really caught any fish of noteworthy size at this fishing hole. Usually just 4 or 5 inch blue gill or the occasional sunfish (my favorite because they're absolutely gorgeous). There was that one time that my wily neighbor convinced me to replace my bait worm with bread and I ended up catching a 2 foot carp (the most vile and disgusting fish I've ever seen). It just dangled on the end of my line because no one wanted to touch it and finally the line snapped under the fat creature's weight and it swam away with a little token of our gratitude still lodged in its lower lip. No, it's not the fishing that brings back the memories, its the smell. The fishy, stagnant water smell that completely filled that little fishing cove. Thinking about it now, I probably wouldn't be able to stand it for more that a few minutes, but along with the smell was the scenery. Tall, strong beech tree and the overgrown ivy. The rock shelf where one may find a decent skipping rock amongst the broken glass and rusty fish hooks. The old wooden steps, adjacent to an old rotting deck where one can't help but imagine a lively family barbeque taking place sometime many years ago. All these things enhance the experience into something more than a day trip to the fishing spot.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Feb. 5th Respose: General Conclusions
I have many conclusions about my subculture, however they are not 'general' conclusions because I already have the experiences that verify those conclusions. Because I have been a Frisbee golfer for a great deal of time, it is difficult for me to remember what my general conclusions were when I first encountered the sport. I first remember thinking that it was kind of silly: the idea of throwing a Frisbee toward a little bucket on a stick. Previous to my introduction to Frisbee golf, I thought a Frisbee was just an object you threw back and forth between two people. It really was not a game to me, more of a fun activity for a day in the park or on the beach. So I suppose one of my general conclusions about Frisbee is that it was originally not a sport to me, but now it is of course. My next general conclusion was probably that it was going to be easy. This is a common general conclusion with sports though, and usually that sport turns out to be far more difficult that you had previously thought. That is what I soon discovered, and so that was a general conclusion that turned out to be false. I have played for more than four years now and Frisbee golf is still nowhere near easy!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Feb 3rd Privileges Discussion
PRIVILEGES
--Freedoms I possess
--Having a loving, supportive, Christian family
--Having amazing, loving friends
--Blessed with many skills, especially as an artist
--Having enough money to go to college
--White male in American society
These privileges will play a role in how I observe my subculture and the positions I take. In my first draft, I pointed out that I observed that men seem to be much more attracted to Frisbee golf than women. Being a privileged caucasian male American will definitely influence the way that I observe the sport of Frisbee golfing and some of the assumptions that I make about who plays it. Also, I feel that I have been blessed with a natural skill for Frisbee golf. This privilege may cause me make some assumptions about the game that make sense to me but not to an outsider. I have to be very careful about this because it will be very easy for me to talk to my audience as if they are a seasoned Frisbee golfer; however, they may have never played the sport in their life. I am also very comfortable with playing with my friends, and when I do research I will have to be careful to do some of it alone so that those friends do not influence my positions.
--Freedoms I possess
--Having a loving, supportive, Christian family
--Having amazing, loving friends
--Blessed with many skills, especially as an artist
--Having enough money to go to college
--White male in American society
These privileges will play a role in how I observe my subculture and the positions I take. In my first draft, I pointed out that I observed that men seem to be much more attracted to Frisbee golf than women. Being a privileged caucasian male American will definitely influence the way that I observe the sport of Frisbee golfing and some of the assumptions that I make about who plays it. Also, I feel that I have been blessed with a natural skill for Frisbee golf. This privilege may cause me make some assumptions about the game that make sense to me but not to an outsider. I have to be very careful about this because it will be very easy for me to talk to my audience as if they are a seasoned Frisbee golfer; however, they may have never played the sport in their life. I am also very comfortable with playing with my friends, and when I do research I will have to be careful to do some of it alone so that those friends do not influence my positions.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jan 29th Response
I have chosen my cultural field site, and I have done a partial interview. My field site is McCollough Park, where there is an eighteen hole frisbee golf course. It is a large park, probably close to fifty acres, with a great deal of trees (this of course makes for a great game of frisbee golf)! There is a city street that divides the park in half, and I must be crossed in order to reach the furthest of the holes. This is a good cultural sight because one could easily sit in the shade of a large tree and observe close to the whole park. The only issue is that I have to wait until there is not a foot of snow on the ground! The advantage I have is that I spent a great deal of time at the park last semester when it was still warm. So, although I won't be able to visit it soon, I can already accurately describe it in the setting the one would see it during an afternoon game of frisbee golf. I have also gotten a chance to talk to one of the people I intend to interview. I have played frisbee golf with him before so I am already very familiar with the way that he plays and his attitude toward the game. I also and fortunate that I know him because now I dont have to bother with getting to know him and I can immediately get down to business with asking in depth questions about the game. Academic research to me involves research from books and already existing sources. This could include books, internet, magazines, news and so on. Non-acdemic revolves more around physically experiences what you are intending to research. This could include, for me, playing frisbee golf, purchasing and analyzing a golf disc, or even partaking in a competition to observe the players.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jan 27 Question Response
Why should anyone be interested in their chosen subculture anyway?
If one isn't interested in the subculture that they chose then they will not feel very motivated to do a good job observing it. Being interested in it will be something that will keep you excited and will help you along the way to be a good field writer.
Why do you feel your subculture is important?
I feel like my subculture is important because I enjoy it and it is one of the most important ways that I get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
What do you want outsiders to know about the subculture?
I want outsiders to know that this subculture is more than just trying to get a frisbee in a basket. I want them to understand that although that is the goal of the game, the fun part is enjoying the company of the people you play with and lifting each other up. If you're playing alone, then it's fun to be accomplished and to enjoy the outdoors in a way you have never been able to.
If one isn't interested in the subculture that they chose then they will not feel very motivated to do a good job observing it. Being interested in it will be something that will keep you excited and will help you along the way to be a good field writer.
Why do you feel your subculture is important?
I feel like my subculture is important because I enjoy it and it is one of the most important ways that I get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
What do you want outsiders to know about the subculture?
I want outsiders to know that this subculture is more than just trying to get a frisbee in a basket. I want them to understand that although that is the goal of the game, the fun part is enjoying the company of the people you play with and lifting each other up. If you're playing alone, then it's fun to be accomplished and to enjoy the outdoors in a way you have never been able to.
Jan 27th Planning Schedule
Things to Continuously be Thinking About:
when do i plan to visit my cultural sight?
-I plan to visit my cultural fieldsight, McCollough Park, whenever it gets warm enough to be outside for long periods of time. Plus, no one is going to want to play frisbee golf if it's cold, so i wont have anyone to observe!
when/how many times will i visit the library?
-i feel like i wont have to go to the library very often, but i do plan to go at least once outside of class
how many interviews will i be conducting? (keep in mind that you have to work around their schedules... plan plan plan!)
-i think i'll end up doing just two or three interviews because i feel like i'm already very familiar with the kind of people who play frisbee golf.
when do i plan to visit my cultural sight?
-I plan to visit my cultural fieldsight, McCollough Park, whenever it gets warm enough to be outside for long periods of time. Plus, no one is going to want to play frisbee golf if it's cold, so i wont have anyone to observe!
when/how many times will i visit the library?
-i feel like i wont have to go to the library very often, but i do plan to go at least once outside of class
how many interviews will i be conducting? (keep in mind that you have to work around their schedules... plan plan plan!)
-i think i'll end up doing just two or three interviews because i feel like i'm already very familiar with the kind of people who play frisbee golf.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Jan 22nd Response
Right now, I am still strongly considering Frisbee golf as my choice for the ethnographic study. The field-site that I would choose would be McCollough Park on N. Wheeling Ave. This is the only course that I have played in Muncie, but I have played many other courses. I am very familiar with the course because I played almost every day back when the weather was warmer. It's an eighteen-hole course, and compared to other courses that I have played, it is somewhat longer. In other words, each hole is on average longer to throw than other courses I've played. I feel like as I conduct my fieldwork, I will constantly be discovering new aspects of this game that I have not previously realized. I am also anxious to study the type of people that play the game. Although I feel like I know them pretty well already, I am prepared to be surprised by what I discover.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Jan 20th Fixed/Subjective
My choice to write my paper about the Frisbee golfing subculture came mostly from the fact that not only would it be easy for me to study, but also because I am already very familiar with it. For the most part, I do not believe that too many fixed positions will come into play for me on this one. Things such as gender, race, and nationality apply very little because this sport is open to anyone who wishes to play, and at the course that I have chosen to make my field-site, anyone can play for free. One fixed position that may be present is age, because I would guess that a toddler or a crippled elder would have some difficulty throwing that 350-foot fairway on back nine. As far as subjective positions, this is where I will have to be careful. I have been playing Frisbee golf for at least 3 years now, and along the way I have been playing with most of the same friends on most of the same courses.Thus, I will need to make it a point to include more examples other than the ones that I am already very familiar with.
Jan 20th Further Brainstorming
Considering Frisbee Golf...
As of now, I am strongly considering analyzing Frisbee golfing for my subculture ethnography. My primary sources of data will be people who play Frisbee golf. As far as books and 'documents,' I'm sure that I can track down a few rulebooks or documentaries that discuss the sport of Frisbee golf. I feel like the bulk of my project will consist of narratives about my own experiences because I myself enjoy Frisbee golfing. However, I also intend to incorporate a great deal of interviews to drive home most of my own ideas. I do not feel like I am going to run into too many difficulties in my studies because I am already very familiar with my topic. For example, I already understand most of the rules, so it will be very easy for me to interpret and criticize these rules/rituals.
As of now, I am strongly considering analyzing Frisbee golfing for my subculture ethnography. My primary sources of data will be people who play Frisbee golf. As far as books and 'documents,' I'm sure that I can track down a few rulebooks or documentaries that discuss the sport of Frisbee golf. I feel like the bulk of my project will consist of narratives about my own experiences because I myself enjoy Frisbee golfing. However, I also intend to incorporate a great deal of interviews to drive home most of my own ideas. I do not feel like I am going to run into too many difficulties in my studies because I am already very familiar with my topic. For example, I already understand most of the rules, so it will be very easy for me to interpret and criticize these rules/rituals.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Jan 20th Box 2 Response
My Image
In my mind, self-image is one of most important things to me. And, not only the way I see myself, but also the way other people look and think of me. And I'm not even speaking of things like my attitude, my personality traits or anything like that. I'm actually thinking of something a little more simple, something that some may overlook as an important aspect of self-image: physical appearance. I have always had a dislike for facial hair when it comes to myself. Whenever I have facial hair I feel scruffy or even dirty. That is why I try to stay as clean shaven as possible. The reason this is so peculiar is that I understand the importance for myself to stay clean shaven, but I hate to shave. I probably spend at least an hour every month in front of a mirror, spreading shaving cream on my face that will just end up down the sink anyway, and scraping sharp blade across the bare skin of my face. The razor gets dull, so I have to go buy a new one, so I have to spend money. And, all the shaving cream has been used and washed down the drain, so I go invest in a new bottle that will meet the same fate. It's a cycle that I simply hate to complete week after week, but I find so much satisfaction from knowing that I look respectable and clean every day.
In my mind, self-image is one of most important things to me. And, not only the way I see myself, but also the way other people look and think of me. And I'm not even speaking of things like my attitude, my personality traits or anything like that. I'm actually thinking of something a little more simple, something that some may overlook as an important aspect of self-image: physical appearance. I have always had a dislike for facial hair when it comes to myself. Whenever I have facial hair I feel scruffy or even dirty. That is why I try to stay as clean shaven as possible. The reason this is so peculiar is that I understand the importance for myself to stay clean shaven, but I hate to shave. I probably spend at least an hour every month in front of a mirror, spreading shaving cream on my face that will just end up down the sink anyway, and scraping sharp blade across the bare skin of my face. The razor gets dull, so I have to go buy a new one, so I have to spend money. And, all the shaving cream has been used and washed down the drain, so I go invest in a new bottle that will meet the same fate. It's a cycle that I simply hate to complete week after week, but I find so much satisfaction from knowing that I look respectable and clean every day.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Jan 15th Subculture Brainstorming
My Subcultures:
College Student
-large subculture of people all nearly my age
-building the knowledge for a future career
-behaviors: often very open-minded, individualistic
-rituals: going to class, studying, hanging with college friends
Frisbee Golfer
-people who understand the rules and enjoy the game
-rules include: tee off from tee area, throw from exactly where your disc landed, out-of-bounds add one stroke
-etiquette includes compliments, not walking in an opponents line, and being quiet while they're throwing
Artist
Christian
iMac User
The Subculture of iMac Users
The iMac subculture can be defined simply by the computer that one prefers; in this case: and iMac or Macintosh. The main reason for the existence of this subculture is that there are more than one type of computer out there for people to use. Since the creation of Macintosh in the early 1980's, the iMac user has been viewed as somewhat of a rebel. The primary type of computer for the longest time was the Windows operating system. If a family had a home computer, chances are it was a Windows machine. The iMac was introduced, and all the sudden people had a choice of which kind of computer they wanted to have. There are also key differences between the two operating systems that may cause one personality type to be attracted to one or the other. The Windows operating system was a very straight-forward system. All the boxes were very square, the icons very plain, and every process was approached in the most mathmatical way. When iMacs began to become popular, they introduced a new, almost artsy way of using a computer. The program windows took on a somewhat rounded shape, the menu bars and icons were colorful and aesthetically pleasing. And, because Macintosh became a leader in music and art, it attracted many artists and musicians.
College Student
-large subculture of people all nearly my age
-building the knowledge for a future career
-behaviors: often very open-minded, individualistic
-rituals: going to class, studying, hanging with college friends
Frisbee Golfer
-people who understand the rules and enjoy the game
-rules include: tee off from tee area, throw from exactly where your disc landed, out-of-bounds add one stroke
-etiquette includes compliments, not walking in an opponents line, and being quiet while they're throwing
Artist
Christian
iMac User
The Subculture of iMac Users
The iMac subculture can be defined simply by the computer that one prefers; in this case: and iMac or Macintosh. The main reason for the existence of this subculture is that there are more than one type of computer out there for people to use. Since the creation of Macintosh in the early 1980's, the iMac user has been viewed as somewhat of a rebel. The primary type of computer for the longest time was the Windows operating system. If a family had a home computer, chances are it was a Windows machine. The iMac was introduced, and all the sudden people had a choice of which kind of computer they wanted to have. There are also key differences between the two operating systems that may cause one personality type to be attracted to one or the other. The Windows operating system was a very straight-forward system. All the boxes were very square, the icons very plain, and every process was approached in the most mathmatical way. When iMacs began to become popular, they introduced a new, almost artsy way of using a computer. The program windows took on a somewhat rounded shape, the menu bars and icons were colorful and aesthetically pleasing. And, because Macintosh became a leader in music and art, it attracted many artists and musicians.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Jan 15th Response to Question 1
When I write a paper, I usually need near silence to concentrate. The particular paper I am going to be talking about was written last semester, and I wrote most of it sitting at my desk in my dorm room. If my roommate happened to come in, I would have moved to the study lounge where it is usually very quiet. Because I need silence, there is not music playing in the background and the television is never on. I very rarely wait until the night before to type a paper, mostly because I can't stand the feeling of a due-date hovering over my head an so I just feel the need to get it done as soon as possible. I rarely do any written pre-work, but I spend a great deal of time imagining in my head what the paper will turn out like before I start to write it. It has been a while since I've done a first draft on paper; I have gotten in the habit of just typing it for the first time and then revising it from the original file. The paper I am talking about was a film critique for the movie "Idiocracy" which we viewed in my English 103 class before writing it. That was the first time that I had written that kind of paper and the most difficult thing for me was sticking to actual criticism and not letting my personal opinion slip in at the wrong time. The difference between editing and revising is difficult for me to define. I think that revising is the process of reviewing something for errors that has already been written but not necessarily changing those errors. The editing is where you go back to the revisions you've made and make changes.
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