Had a chem test last week so I couldn’t do my usual long rambling blog post.
Anyways, the author’s opening remarks about how after spending lots of time in their field the stand out details of the field site lost their edge or notability, provides a contrast to what we talked about in class last week. Dr. Bjork-James mentioned that ethnographers seem to love to brag about how much time they spend in the field, but based on these first sentences maybe spending a super long time in the field isn’t always better. On the other hand, I really appreciate the author’s efforts to explore the topic in the most sensitive and ethical way. I also like that the author chose to research the topic, that has been greatly covered, in a way that hasn’t been done before that utilizes new methods of analysis. I think both of these aspects are vital for improving the way vulnerable groups are studied. Additionally, I think it speaks truly to the purpose of ethnography to look at parts of a community experience that haven’t been covered/integrate other types of research methods; by doing so, we can better understand the problems being researched.
I really enjoyed how the author chose to tell the chapter through the informant’s own words. As per last week’s reading it makes ethnography’s, in my opinion, a lot less enjoyable and really limits the audience, when tons of dense, academic writing is used. I also think it is a great tool for centering the narrative on those being studied, something the author states was very important to them. I don’t have a problem with academic writing but I just think sometimes its so unnecessary and I don’t think super academic writing fits well or is useful in ethnographies. I would hate to spend years doing research just for my book to be too dense or hard to understand for the vast majority of people.
On a similar note, after reading Munchinson chapter fourteen I guess there are times where the ethnography being more academic makes sense, especially if its only going to be read by an academic audience. I still think its limiting to an extent.
Additionally, this weeks Munchinson reading has lead me to determine how exactly I want to frame my paper and that I will probably use composite descriptions to share my findings, especially because the subject matter is so sensitive. I also think using composite description will help me better apply my research to the greater issues surrounding identity among black queer adolescents.