You are expected to conduct at least one digitally recorded interview.
After conducting an interview with a person at your field site location,
you should transcribe the interview and post your transcription here.
Of course, you will not be able to just slap this transcript into your
ethnography paper, but you might be able to pick and choose portions of
the interview for select parts of the paper.
Consider your interview transcript as either a repository of evidence to
help you make a claim, as a moment to help you develop a scene, or as
content for expository writing.
[Part 1]
ReplyDeleteBecause of the way that my "field site" is set up I can directly message any user of Reddit.com/r/buddhism to interview them, so I used that to my advantage. My interview kind of reads like a set of emails (because that essentially what they are). I started by asking a few questions to get a feel for the person I was interviewing and then went from there. To protect the anonymity of this redditor I won't be giving out their username. Our correspondence is actually ongoing so I will update this if I receive any new messages before the deadline.
"The Main Mod"
[Sent]:Hello Sir or Madam, I'm doing a little bit of research on
Buddhism for a class project and I was wondering if you might be
willing to answer a few questions for me. Due to the anonymity of
reddit, I'm not going to ask you to out yourself, but there are a
few more personal questions. Feel free to answer or not answer any
of the questions asked. Also feel free to add anything you think
is interesting.
What is your age group?
Where are you from?
Are you male or female?
How long have you been a redditer?
How long have you been a Buddhist?
Do you practice outside of reddit?
Do your friends/family know that you are Buddhist?
Several people I've talked to about Buddhism have described it as
a religion, while others have described it as a philosophy. Could
you explain what Buddhism is to you?
Can you explain what made you become a Buddhist if you were
previously something else?
If you grew up in Buddhism can you tell me a little bit about what
that was like?
I really appreciate any response I get. -[My Username Here]
[Reply]:I'm between 25 and 30; I'm Canadian; male; been on reddit
for about 3 years.
I've been interested in Buddhist for about two years, though I
don't consider myself a Buddhist, or anything else for that
matter. I just appreciate the Buddhist teachings. For me it's
something you go over, learn from, then move on from.
Buddhism can be taken as a religion or a philosophy. Alan Watts
describes it as a dialogue, in the sense that it goes back and
forth between teacher and student until the main points are
grasped, unlike Christianity where you typically sign up to your
own life. He also compares it to a ferry; once you cross the
river, you don't take the boat with you. I have been interested in all kinds of philosophies, religions,
perspectives, etc. Buddhism is a very neat, different, and
practical way of thinking about the world, so I decided to
incorporate its teachings into my worldview. I don't "do"
Buddhism, except that I do live by some of its principle, like
moderation and balance for example.
I did not grow up in Buddhism.
Good luck in your project and feel free to ask more if you'd like!
[Part 2]
Delete[Sent]: Thank you so much! I too am extremely interested in
different religions, philosophies, etc. Could you tell me a little
bit more about how you feel Buddhism stands out from the "crowd"
for you? Specifically some key points that you feel are most
important to why you hold Buddhism in such high regard?
[Reply]: It has stood the test of time; if it wasn't worth
something it wouldn't still be here.
But even more importantly, it's a tempered philosophy. It's very
difficult to make it an extremist religion, because one of its
central teachings is temperance, moderation, or the 'Middle Way'.
I also like how it doesn't make any grand metaphysical statement
without backing it up. It doesn't use any kind of hidden evidence,
like "there's a God, just trust me, and his characteristics are
such and such" and "Jesus was the son of God, not a normal human
being, you MUST believe this to be a Christian". So you don't
really have to believe in anything to be a Buddhist, rather you
have to understand or grasp certain concepts. It can't be forced
onto people, it can't be used for war, it can't easily be made
into a cult, etc.
Buddhism is like the wise uncle who makes very neat observations
about the world we live in, rather than that pushy uncle who's
always trying to make you believe in something or other but
becomes agitated when you question what he's saying.
[Sent]: Wow, I never really thought of it like that but from the
research I've done so far on the subreddit, thats exactly the
feeling I got. I'm only going to ask you a few more things and
then I'll get out of your hair. So first you mentioned that you
are not what could be considered a "Practicing Buddhist." How did
you come to be a mod for the subreddit and how does this (Not
being Buddhist) affect the way you run things? My other question
has to do with some things that I've read on this sub. You may
remember a post made recently about the death of the Westboro
Baptist Church leader. I was reading through some of the replies
and was really shocked but the lack of negative comments. Could
you explain that mentality to me a little bit? I understand that
Buddhists are supposed to be loving and compassionate, but the
thread just really to it over the top (not in a bad way).
I looked for two suitable people for interviewing. I prepared a list of questions that I Facebook messaged to Heather Swanson and Jason Donnelly which they answered respectively. During the Burger King field site, we reviewed the questions and answers I had printed up and made available to talk about there. I made sure that I recorded the interview to ensure that all of the facts matched up in the end, so that I wouldn't forget anything, and so I could transcribe the interview here.
ReplyDeleteThe first person I chose to interview was Heather Swanson. I learned that he had lived in the community the first semester and moved out later due to a roommate situation. Like the rest of the participants of the Nursing@Nike program, she learned about it through orientation.
1.What made you want to join this living learning community?:
I joined because I believed being in the community would help me make friends and give me a better chance of getting into the College of Nursing.
2. How has this community helped with regards to school? social life?
The community helped me with regards to school because I made friends in the community who are in the same classes as I am and we help each other with homework or studying.
3. What's the best experience you have had within this community so far?
The best experience I had in the community was the retreat at the beginning of the fall semester because that's when everyone in the community really got to know each other.
4. What would you have changed?
If I could change anything, it would be having to share a bedroom with someone. Even though it is meant to bring us closer together, I think it tore us a part and caused a lot of people to move out of the community including myself. Sometimes it's necessary to have privacy and space to yourself.
5.What is the worst experience you have had?
The worst experience I had was sharing a room. Like i said above, I felt it necessary to have my own space especially because my roommate and I had nothing in common and our studying habits were the complete opposite.
6. Do you think the fact everyone lives together is a good idea?
I think everyone living on the same floor is a good idea because they are able to all use the same common room, but once again the shared rooms aren't a good idea.
7. Has the community given you certain benefits above the rest of those in pre-nursing not in this community?
Living in the community was supposed to guarantee us an interview for nursing school, but they are no longer doing interviews for acceptance. However, I do feel that the community provided a lot of information and resources for us to use that gives us an advantage over other pre-nursing students.
8. How well does everyone get along with each other in the community?
It seems as though everyone get a long pretty well in the community. Of course groups have formed but everyone seems to be generally friendly to each other. Even since I moved out, I still get greeted by my peers from the community as I see them walking to class. They treat me as though I never moved out.
9. How does having similar classes benefit everyone in the community?
Having similar classes benefits everyone in the community because it allows us to discuss what happens in class, what we are struggling with, and allows us to help each other and work together on assignments.
10. What makes a living learning community different than living in normal dorms?
The living learning community is different than living in the normal dorms because every one already has something in common, nursing. So it is easy for everyone to get a long in one way or another because we all have the same general goal, getting into the College of Nursing at UCF.
PART 2
ReplyDeleteThe second interviewee was Jason Donnelly. He was one of three males within the program. He currently is still living within the living learning community and, like Heather, heard about it through the orientation process.
1.What made you want to join this living learning community?
I knew I wanted to be a nurse, and I thought it would be fun to have like minded friends to help with academics
2. How has this community helped you with regards to school? social life?
Study groups and having a whole hall taking the same classes improves grades and makes classes easier. It has definitely given me more friends.
3. What's the best experience you have had within this community so far?
The best experience I had in the community was the retreat at the beginning of the fall semester because that's when everyone in the community really got to know each other.
4. What would you have changed?
I don't think I would change anything.
5.What is the worst experience you have had?
The cops knocked on my door to bust my roommate.
6. Do you think the fact everyone lives together is a good idea?
I think it's a great idea. It improves grades and social interaction.
7. Has the community given you certain benefits above the rest of those in pre-nursing not in this community?
I get to see advisors and talk about the program often.
8. How well does everyone get along with each other in the community?
Everyone gets along very well.
9. How does having similar classes benefit everyone in the community?
We all study together and help each other with assignments.
10. What makes a living learning community different than living in normal dorms?
You get to be with people who share the same interests rather than random people. And you know you can knock on someone's door and get help with something.
For my interview, I decided to interview my roommate, Brian, because he is apart of the community I am researching.
ReplyDeleteMe: So knowing care-tags.org is one of your frequent clothing forums, what other websites do you use?
Brian: The only other websites I use are supertalk.superfuture.com and styleforum.net
Me: And which one is your favorite? And why is that your favorite?
B: My favorite is of course care-tags.org, and that is because most people on the website are close in a tight knit community. I like to say it has the three F’s – friends, fashion and fun. It has the most knowledgeable people, and most people on there are friends.
Me: Have you personally ever swapped clothes on it?
B: Yeah. One example is I recently traded a non-native cardigan for a Sasquatch Fabrix shirt.
Me: What has the website taught you about clothes?
B: It has taught me about the more technical and cultural aspects of clothing rather than just wearing clothes because it is a social norm. It has taught me a lot about the culture, art, and creativity that surround clothing.
Me: Are there any slang terms the community uses?
B: Besides shortening brand names and the common shortening of other words, there are also slang terms such as “OCBB” for Oxford cloth button downs, words like “kop” instead of buy, and stuff like that.
Me: So while on the website, I noticed there are two sections – care and tags. What is the difference, and which one do you use?
B: The tags section is the section about clothes, while care is about off topic things. I use both, but I actually use the care section more.
Me: What are some off topic things people talk about on there?
B: There is sections like normal lifetime things, hardcore grinding, which is stuff that goes on you don’t like, punt pass kick, which is about sports, and random thoughts, which is about random things you’d like to share.
Me: I noticed a lot of random avatar pictures people have. What is yours?
B: Mine is a rabbit drinking a beer.
Me: People have some interesting usernames as well. What is yours?
B: I’d rather not share.
Me: Do you have a lot of close friends on the website?
B: Yeah, I was actually thinking of doing a meet up in New York over the summer. We would all meet up, stay at someone’s place, and just go around New York, looking at museums, going to a cool place to eat, and of course going to some of the shops around there.
Me: Interesting. Have you actually ever met anyone else or will this be the first time?
B: This would be the first time. Most people on the forum live overseas or in metropolitan areas. There are only about 2-3 people from Florida, none of which I have interest in meeting.
The first of my interviews was with Jessica, a professional piercer at Dungeon Tattoos, in which i asked a series of questions pertaining anything from the road to becoming a piercer to her daily duties working at a tattoo shop/ smoke shop. Below is the interview I transcribed from a recording.
ReplyDelete-Me: When did you decide you wanted to be a piercer?
-Jessica: Umm... well I was one of those kids in high school with the crazy hair and ripped jeans.. It was always my style... When I turned eighteen I started getting tattoos and piercings and decided that that's what i wanted to do.
-Me: Did you do an apprenticeship here at Dungeon Tattoos?
-Jessica: Yeah, when I first came here I apprenticed under Danny for 6 months. I set up his station every time we had a customer and watched as he pierced. I started piercing myself as well to try and get the hang of it. I wasn't paid while I was apprenticing, so I kept my old job until this one was concrete.
-Me:What do you do on a daily basis?
-Jessica: We open around noon and if i'm working then i'll come in when we open... We usually have someone wanting a piercing every two hours or so...And while that's not exactly busy, the process takes longer than expected.
-Me: What is that process?
-Jessica: Well first you need to clean the area you're going to be piercing in.. Then you set up your materials, which are forceps (clamps), the needle, and sterilization swabs to disinfect the area they want to pierce. Then i'd ask my client to sit down and tell me exactly where they want their piercing... I dot with a marker where that is and set the forceps clamped right around it. then I ask them to take a deep breath in and while they exhale I pierce them with a needle and ta-da!
-Me: Would you say it's a good paying job?
-Jessica: Well it definitely needs commitment but i'd say yes. I get a portion of what it costs the customer to get pierced, plus whatever tip they give me. As long as I work a lot of hours, I go home happy.
-Me: Would you say you enjoy your job?
-Jessica: Yes. It's the chillest place to ever work. It's like a family here.
-Me: One last question.. Do you think this industry is on the rise?
-Jessica: Definitely, more and more people come in here every week.
In ethnographies we observed in class, Interviews weren’t straight transcripts. They were more along the lines of one sided conversations. For instance the Iowa 80 and Ham bingo night studies. Giving the reader a more of narrative/story feel. I believe that this is the most effective way of including a transcript inside a paper.
ReplyDeleteI selected Gray Hill for this interview because he is the host for this bible study. I felt that he knows everybody the strongest, from the early arrivers to the late leavers. This making himself an accurate representation of the group.
1.) What make you decide to join this bible study?
Well I was a part of another group in South Carolina, where I grew up, I did minor in religious studies in college at Rollins, for BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) I would have to say mostly my wife.
2.) How many years have you been attending/hosting this bible study?
Three years, since me and my wife got married but, I have only been hosting it for a year since Mark left for California. I had the able space and hosting doesn’t affect me really.
3.) What is the most valuable thing that you have taken away from a session?
That is a tough one, but I’d have to say everyone has their own interpretations of what certain sections mean so you just have to respect people’s opinion.
4.) What is worst experience you had at this bible study?
As you can see we have some debates and they can get heated, so you just don’t take it personally it’s just their beliefs.
5.) Why are the genders separated, you know the guys on Wednesday and the girls on Thursday?
Majority of the people have wives in the other group so if somebody wanted to talk about marriage problems or something they couldn’t, I guess also to keep the focus on god.
6.) If you ran the session what would you differently?
I would probably focus more on the 3rd part of the process, what does it changes in our lives. Bringing the take action part of lessons and actively do them.
7.) Does this group meet together besides this study and church?
No, but at church after the mass, some of mingle and with the Thursday group, discuss and compare what their working on versus us.
8.) How has this group impacted your life?
It makes me feel better the following day, I can’t really explain how in words but I feel closer to ground and the people around me. Then act on what we learned for the week till next session.
I plan to interview a member of the Thursday (Female) group as well to compare the answer, in my featured part of my paper gender bias.
For my first interview (I have only done one so far) I interviewed on of the members of COMPASS. The person's name was Christian, and my main goal was to get a better understanding of the appeal of COMPASS, how the community is set up, and as well as opinions of how students like the academic community
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: What made you join COMPASS?
A: Well COMPASS id for students who don't really know if they was to pursue a STEM major, and this program kind of introduces us to different aspects we will encounter. And that was the appeal. My mom also was pushing me to do it, so that might be a contributing factor. (chuckles)
Question 2: What's your current major?
Answer: I am currently a mechanical engineer major!
Question 3: Well since COMPASS is for students who are unsure they want to pursue a STEM major, what other majors were you considering?
Answer: Well, hmm. I always have been interested in business, and maybe psychology. But engineering has always something I have been more interested in ya know? I really like it so far, though it is a little more difficult than I was expecting so far!
Question 4: How are you enjoying COMPASS in the first two semesters?
A: It is pretty interesting so far! I remember my first semester our advisor, or COMPASS head set up different lab visits we could go to, to see actual professors labs and the work they do in the field. It is a nice little advantage over most students who aren't in an academic program! Also our math classes are structured different, we don't use the MALL, and our classes are smaller. Which I am so happy for! I have heard horror stories about UCF math.
Question 5: Has COMPASS helped you gain social networks with you professors, and students of similar majors?
A: Yes! A vast majority of the friends I have made have been through the program, since we always will have classes together!
Question 6: What is your favorite part of COMPASS so far?
A: Uhmm I would have to say having the lab and tutoring right there at any time! Im sure you have heard of the lab, or been there. But it is just a nice place to go to your work, and there is always graduate students there to help you in any STEM classes you have. Also the smaller math classes is nice.
Question 7: Would you recommend COMPASS to other students?
A: Yes, I mean if you want to go into STEM majors, but are unsure and you want that guidance, you can definitely use this program to your advantage. Some aspects of the program could use some help, but nothing major ya know?
Question 8: Can you elaborate more on what aspects need help, or parts you don't enjoy?
Answer: Well we may not use the MALL, but we still have lab hours. More than the MALL, and it is based on tests scores. Sometimes you have to do up to 8 if you do poorly on a test. It sucks sometimes, but I can see how it's for your own good. OH! I forgot to mention earlier, my other favorite thing is that our tests aren't computer generated, it's nice having a professor write out a test instead of all or nothing how the MALL does it.
Well I did this interview between my classes, and it was short. But I scheduled to finish the interview in the next two days! So far I feel like I got a beginning inside perspective on COMPASS, I want to do several more interviews, including at least one being from a faculty member of COMPASS. But the more students, the more well rounded my presentation/paper will be, and the more I will understand this community in depth!
This is an interview I made during a Asian student association that I attended. The main goal of the interview is to find the discourse of the community and the history of the Asian community at UCF.
ReplyDeleteThe person I interviewed was Kyle Samantaria. He is a well-known and respected member of the Asian Student Association.
Me: What made you want to be a part of the ASA?
Kyle: I wanted to be a part of asa because I wanted to get involved with things around campus and not just go hone
Me: How long have you been here?
Kyle: I joined since my freshman year at UCF, so it had been 3 years now.
Me: How did you feel when you first joined?
Kyle: At first when I joined in 2012 I didn't know anyone, but I was open to meet people
Me: How do you communicate with other member of the club?
Kyle: At first I started by seeing facebook events, then that allowed me to communicate in person when I met people.
Me: what are the different kinds of activity that the club host?
Kyle :We host many different activities like camping, food event, sport to entertainment.
Me: what is agenda of the ASA?
Kyle :The agenda of asa is to bring people and teach about Asian cultures. We want to bring the Asian culture further to many different kind of people at UCF.
Me: Is the agenda of FSA and ASA familiar?
Kyle: It's similiar to fsa, most people who are asa members, also participate in fsa.
Me: Do you think the organization can get larger as time goes on?
Kyle: I believe as long as officers keep recruiting people every year and show and run the org with passion then the org can grow bigger as time goes on.
I interviewed Lizzele Calina a member of the committee of the gaming knight group. Here is the interview:
ReplyDeleteQ1. What got you into gaming knights?
I heard about the group through facebook and then contacted Alex, the president of the club, and from then on it was smooth sailing
Q2. What position do you hold in the club?
I was first in the tournament committee member then during elections a couple of weeks ago in our meeting I was promoted to tournament coordinator. My job is to get all the tournaments at our LAN or Local Access Network nights in order to place these tournaments in the right areas.
Q3. How would you describe a typical LAN event (in terms of atmosphere/size)?
These events are so huge so the atmosphere is electrifying and its kind of intimidating for a first time goer. With all the shouting and competitive gaming going on around me I'm surprised I can hear myself in my own head. The size is that of what I would imagine to be an orchestral hall. In reality its just a conference room on the second floor of the student union though
Q4. Does everyone in the gaming knights know one another?
There are around 1000 members in the group so its hard for everyone to know one another but the people who run the group have very good friendships with one another so this helps with things running smoothly with every event and meeting
Q5. Do you guys welcome outsiders with open arms?
"Oooh yea". No matter what your background is, the gaming knights will accept you no matter what. That should be our motto or something because as long as you like gaming even a little bit we will accept you.
Q6.
There isn't really much you need to know beforehand for the club because its mostly based on knowledge you have on gaming prior to joining the club. The only knowledge I can pass on to new members could be the different types of games that are being played at the events
I had the pleasure of interviewing Tristan, team leader of Team Prophecy. This team plays the sport of airsofting.
ReplyDeleteQ1: What does it mean to you?
A- "Well, its more of a release. It's a time to relax and have a break after a busy week of working. It also keeps my anger in check" he chuckles.
Q2: Why do you go? What keeps you going back?
A- "Because its something I can do with my friends and family(brother). It's a great way of 'bonding', is what you can call it I guess because you all get to share an epic experience together."
Q3: What's your strategy for each game? Does it vary with each situation?
A- "At first, we start off with this pregame strategy of how everything's going to go and its usually different for the most part because theres so many ways that a person/team can play. Even still, the plan ends up going south and we have to adapt to the situation. So there's a lot of strategical improv that goes on and you kinda just have to play as you go. Its almost like an adventure. The thrill of the kill. (haha)"
Q4: What's the worst situation you've been stuck in?
A- "2 words. Hallway-Domination. In a 10 versus 10 match, 3 flags are scattered down a long, narrow hallway and you have to retrieve all 3 flags in order to win. While making a break for the middle flag, a guy using a polar star(gas propelled gun, also the most painful) lights up my entire forearm with BBs, causing it to bleed deeply."
Q5: Most Memorable/Shining moment?
A- "During a Team Deathmatch game we were pinned down tight by a enemy team that surrounded us. I ended up taking a risk and somehow snuck around their sides and flanked them. It lit up every single one of their asses (haha). It was the perfect revenge!"
Q6: What inspired you to get into airsofting in the first place?
A- "Well I've always had an interest in the military ever since I was young. I have a few uncles who went to war in Vietnam and stuff. I remember my uncle sent me a whole crap-ton of gear when I was a kid and it was the coolest stuff ever. I got some camping gear, a military uniform, my trusty hat here(grabs hat on head), and a few other things. Ever since then I was fascinated with all things military. Before going airsofting, I had been wanting to get into it about a year prior to assembling Team Prophecy. But I didn't want to go in alone so I never got into it. Then Gabe ( a friend in common) tells me "Hey fag, buy an airsoft gun and play with me and another friend of mines." Being the opportunity I had been waiting for, I said screw it, why not? From then on, I was hooked."
Just got my interview from Habitat. You told me it was fine since I recently changed my discourse community. I interviewed the president of Habitat at UCF, Thomas Anzelone.
ReplyDelete1. What is Habitat for Humanity?
2. How long have you been a part of this community?
3. What made you decide to join?
4. What's the best experience you've had with this community?
5. What is the worst experience you've had?
6. Has being in this group changed your view on your world in anyway?
7. Habitat for Humanity is a christian organization, is religion a big part of the community?
8. Does this group ever meet up outside of Habitat for Humanity events? (Hang out, watch a movie, etc)
9. How has this group impacted your life?
10. Would you recommend Habitat to other students?
Response:
1. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that works to eliminate sub-standard housing around the world.
2. I have been part of Habitat for Humanity for 6 years (4 years at UCF)
3. I have a passion for helping others and being a civil engineer, I love building things, so I felt like it was a great fit for me since the beginning.
4. Traveling with this group has to be my best experiences with Habitat for Humanity. There are so many diverse people who help with Habitat for Humanity and being able to travel to another affiliate and see how they function and run their area is really neat to see and be a part of.
5. I can not say I have had any bad experiences.
6. If this group has changed my view on the world it would be the positive outlook on the humanitarian initiatives that people love to work on and how much good is being done in the process.
7. Although Habitat for Humanity is a christian organization, the student chapter is secular and accepts anyone and everyone. Religion is definitely the backbone of Habitat for Humanity in many ways, but it does not limit anyone to participate.
8. All the time, after you've been in the group for a while, or even if you joined last week, we just recently invited anyone in the organization to go to Universal Knights with us and quite a few attended. We usually try to do things outside of the events hosted by the organization and end up becoming pretty good friends.
9. I have made amazing friendships and connections through Habitat for Humanity and I have learned how to be a leader in the community and other skills related to working with Habitat for Humanity.
10. Habitat for Humanity is the first group I would recommend to any student! It isn't major restrictive and we have an amazingly diverse group of individuals who are all different, yet, have a common want to do something good in the community