Preparing for this ethnography requires much more than I expected. In order to begin to even process and understand some of the work, it requires a lot of you. Identity seems to play a huge role in an ethnography. I'm really looking forward to what I will find out about myself as I continue through the semester.
Over the years, I have become less concerned with what others think of me. Of course, I shower daily and wear clothes to my destinations however I don't care as much as I did in high school, for example. It's probable that this means I'm getting older and have other priorities. I think tattoos are very inviting. Maybe I see myself as a "confusing" person or maybe "mysterious". I don't really fit any stereotype, or I don't think I do at least. I have always appreciated art and creativity and I think tattoos are a great way of expressing inner feelings without having to open up too much. If another person is curious enough to ask about them, (unless I'm in a bad mood), I will typically, happily, discuss the meaning behind some of them.
When observing others and getting to know people, I honestly try not to make generalizations or stereotypes because I can be a sensitive person myself and certainly never want to be judged by the way that I look. Hopefully I can continue to be as objective and honest in my research and in return get some honest and explorative information from my research.
Hope this post makes sense. I'm exhausted and it's been a very long week.
Hey, David.
ReplyDeleteNice work. You say that ethnographic research "requires a lot of you." This statement is exciting, because it illustrates your understanding of the complexities and issues surrounding identity and ethnography! Your tattoos--be cognizant that others may be impacted (perhaps influenced?) by them. Feel free to write about that in the upcoming paper.