During this reading I began to realize the how valuable it was to research a subculture where you were welcome and have more than just interest in but also respect. Like Jake, the student who wanted to do his project on skinheads. He was never fully welcome there, nor did he want to be. Therefore, his subject would never really work. Also, you cannot just expect to be fully welcome in an unknown subculture. Like Harvey DuMarce, who thought he could just walk into a tribal meeting and be immediately welcome. We have to realize everyone’s subculture is special and sacred to them. Saying we are doing a study on it is not a good enough excuse. It is best to get permission before butting in.
I also realized when I am finished with this project I will come to appreciate my subculture and how unique it really is.
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I have to agree with you on that. I have had one observation not too long ago, where I knew no one I was observing and things were pretty awkward. I shouldn't have felt like I was just welcome to observe them and now I understand that me and whomever I'm observing needs to feel comfortable in order to get the results I need.
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