The Benefits of Ethnographic Research

The Benefits of Ethnographic Research To get to know your subject, one must be immersed with the subject in order to gain valuable information regarding the customs, culture, and systems of life from another culture other than your own. Immersing oneself can be a tedious project that lays ahead. But, if you are careful and well educated regarding the study of ethnography, then this task at hand should not be as tedious as one may think. Ethnography is the study of other cultures with clear and critical rules to engage interaction among non-Western societies. We will first describe the study of ethnography in this paper to form the basis of what ethnography really is as opposed to what the study could be. The study of ethnography has had three important changes in the formation of ethnography which will also be a focus in this discussion in this paper so that we can better understand and use the study of ethnography as anthropologists. There are similarities and differences between the three changes which will examined to fully gather the importance of the changes. We will also review an example of a real life ethnographic study to provide the discussion with evidence that the ethnographic study has clear rules and guidelines to describe other cultures. To add to our discussion, we will take an evaluation of ethnography whereby we will look at the pros and cons of using this method of inquiry. The purpose of this paper is to review the importance of learning the study of ethnography to do the best way to study other cultures other than our own which includes the participant observation method. The next section will define what ethnography is, how anthropologists use ethnography, and carefully discuss why anthropologists use ethnography when studying other cultures. The Study of Ethnography? We often take for granted the importance of learning about other cultures and peoples who live outside our communities, however, if there are efforts to learn about others, we can begin to understand the importance of similarities among human civilizations and societies. There is a study that studies the importance of other cultures as well as during the process we learn about ourselves. We come from a place of extravagance, where the modern world allows us Westerners to have everything at our disposal; therefore we must be cautious when we learn about other cultures especially from places with non-Western ways of doing things. There are however certain forms and guidelines that are used for this purpose specifically. These guidelines are developed by anthropologists who use these guidelines to study other peoples cultures in non-Western nations. Anthropologists determined that the study called ethnography would be the basis for studying other cultures than their own. Ethnography is the systematic study of other cultures by use of observation, participation- observation, and what I will coin the term, participation-observation-inclusion. Ethnography is mainly used to gather in a scientific manner the evidence to show that how and why groups of people chose to live as they do. Ethnography is more importantly used in purposes to perform a logical and laid out script to guide all ethnographic work. Some examples were provided in our textbook by Schultz. Ethnography is essentially the form of observation, whereby the anthropologist observes the actions, rituals, and customs of a society. Three Changes in Ethnography We have now examined and defined what ethnography is and why we use such a method of inquiry when studying other cultures that may differ vastly from our own ways. Early founding anthropologists used specifically observation to study cultures around the world which laid the foundation for learning about human culture, which lead to the first change in ethnography. The first change involved not being exclusively objective, rather they became aware of their biases. These early anthropologists knew that there were forms of subjective-ness in their works produced and published; therefore, partly tarnished. This first change also involved not being able to be completely invisible. The subjects were aware of the anthropologist studying them from afar (Schultz:2005). The second change come from the first change where the subjects were studied as above but the anthropologists also included participation of the subject. They were now aware of the benefits of asking questions in order to compare to the actually actions of the subjects. When we ask the participants, we are including the subjects with the research which is more sophisticated than just learning from a distance. Anthropologists using this method of inquiry became more susceptible to more information that helped them understand the similarities and differences of other cultures among ourselves. Lastly, the third major change in ethnography was the usage of multiple sites for locations of gathering information. Many anthropologists were unaware of the multiple sites of locations that participants participated in that this information of multiple sites may have been gathered when anthropologists asked participants questions of daily living. We have reviewed the three changes in ethnography and we can conclude that there are significant changes that led to the modern day ethnography that is still being perfected as we speak. Similarities and Differences of the Three Changes in Ethnography There are several similarities and differences among the changes of ethnography. The similarities are they all require the study of the subjects, they all still gather evidence to support their arguments, and the last similarity is that they all try their best to study the best way possible. The differences were lightly touched above but to get further in discussion, we can view the differences as ways of improving.   One major difference is that the first change and the second change came out of misleading society about other cultures.   The ramifications occurred due to the discriminatory practices from the outcome of the anthropologists.   Another difference is that the third change became more inclusive than the other previous two changes in ethnography. Both similarities and differences are important to outline to provide a critical overview of the topic of ethnography and its changes to improve the method of inquiry. Impacts of the Three Changes There were impacts of the three changes in the study of ethnography, which include having a more sound method of inquiry, more elaborate detailed descriptions of the societies they studied, and there is more sensitivity towards subjects.   The method of inquiry, participant observation, was improved with the three changes by ways of including participants themselves.   This allows the researcher/anthropologists to fully engulf their selves into the society they are studying. Previous anthropologists who laid the groundwork for anthropology were Malinowski and Varandeh (Classnotes:2010).   They both developed ethnographical fieldwork to better study the cultures they were interested in.   One major impact was the introduction to Reflexivity.   When an anthropologist is reflexive, they are more aware of their assumptions and position they are working and imposing on (Classnotes:2010).   An Example of Ethnography that should have utilized the Three Changes The anthropologist, Jean Briggs, studied the Utkuhikhalingmiut (Utku, for short) in northern Canada in efforts to gather ethnographic research (Schultz; 2005). She was inducted into the community however there was a misunderstanding that prevented her from proceeding with her ethnographic study.   The Utku were unable to fully communicate with the anthropologist and thus became frustrated with the anthropologists actions and misunderstandings.   In short the anthropologist had a very difficult time in gathering valuable information that she ended up seeking help from a local Utku who could help her with the communication process.   The anthropologist needed more than just the study of ethnography; Schultz suggests that there should be more work like this (2005).   The Utku is a great example of how the anthropologist should have utilized the three changes in ethnography, which are participant observation and multiple sites.   The example of the ethnographic study above was provided in this essay to provide a detailed explanation of how ethnography can still require improvements.   The use of sensitivity is critical to understand others regardless of different cultures or races.   The use of sensitivity allows researchers to understand that we are human beings with feelings, responses, and thoughts that the anthropologist would act very suspicious if there were no human effects of doing such research. For example, Briggs, the anthropologist discussed above, was not sensitive to the fact that these people of the north do speak a native language that would never have the same meanings in English.   So there should have been some sort of awareness of this prior to going out and doing fieldwork in ethnographic methods of inquiry.   Soon there will be educated native people performing ethnographical studies who enter into their own communities speaking their own languages that will make the ethnographic research more viable.   These three changes have had a great impact on ethnography. Critical Evaluation of Ethnography We have learned that there are three major changes in the way anthropologists conduct ethnographic research and that there must be an understanding from all areas of the research spectrum. Ethnography is the study of other cultures and there were significant changes in the way anthropologists perform observations of the other cultures.   These changes benefited mostly the society the anthropologists were studying but the anthropologists also gained a modified form of gathering information.   The impacts are important to study as well as the history of the ethnographic study whereby the impacts are also ways to improve the method of inquiry of other nations from the perspective of the anthropologist who happens to be subjected to Western ways of life.   The perspective of the anthropologist is now a function in the reflexive process.   Reflexive is the key to successful ethnographic research as now the research has a foundation to build on.   When the anthropologist includes their view of life and how it differs from the group they are studying, the work that is produced is more truthful.   Let me explain so that there is no confusion.   This is what we learned in other classes that there is a method called grounded approach.   The researcher goes back and forth between the researchers assumptions and the subjects evidence in order to compare and modify the results that are being recorded and published.   The grounded approach is a sensible way of conducting research by constantly checking and rechecking the data that is developed out of observation.   The grounded approach verifies information as it is being recorded, as there is no other way to take apart a cultures complex systems of living.   Overall, the ethnographic study of other cultures has many points that the evaluation of the three changes only proves that the study is improving. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This paper has examined the use and benefits of utilizing the study of ethnography to better understand the world we live in and the people who live in this world.   There were three major changes that occurred over the course of the period of the development of ethnography, which included participant observation and multiple sites for gathering data.   These three changes gave ethnography the substance to continue as a valuable and trustworthy method of inquiry that all anthropologists should be aware of these three changes.   For a final thought, we should ask the subjects themselves which is the best method to inquire learning about their culture.

Film Analysis: the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Essay

In the movie, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, the holocaust which happened in history was clearly depicted. It was shown in the film how the Jews were poorly treated by the Nazis at that time. Hence, here are some instances in the film where prejudice, bias, discrimination and ethnocentrism were depicted. First is prejudice—Merriam-Webster describes prejudice as an injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one’s rights. Prejudice was most evident in the ending scene where the Jews from the concentration camp were put inside a large gas chamber, and they were made to believe that they were just going to take a bath, but the truth is they are to face their death. Also, the fact that they were confined inside a concentration camp was already a huge example of prejudice since this has taken away their freedom. Bias, on the other hand, is a personal and unreasoned judgment. This was shown in the part where Schmuel was in the house of Bruno doing some work. He was given food by Bruno, but they were caught by a Nazi soldier. Schmuel was trying to defend himself by telling the truth, but the Nazi soldier still believed Bruno’s lies just because Schmuel was a Jew. Next is discrimination which is having a prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action or treatment towards others. In the film, when Bruno and his family transferred to Auschwitz, there was an old Jew who were like their house help. He received discrimination since he was treated as if he had a contagious disease—the children were not allowed to interact with him. Also, Bruno’s dad constantly reminded him that he cannot go out of the confines of their home, especially to the â€Å"farm† Bruno saw from his window. This restriction was discriminating because it showed how the Nazis shied away from the Jews. Lastly, ethnocentrism is characterized by or based on the attitude that one’s own group is superior. Hence, it can be deduced that the film centered on ethnocentrism which existed at that time when the German Nazis believed that they are superior to the Jews, thus giving them the right to put the Jews to near extinction. This ethnocentrism gave rise to the holocaust which was the main story of the film.

Mass medias and their political role Essay

 « Medias  » comes from the latin  « media  » that designs all means of communication ; such as printing press, radio, television, Internet. There has been a mediatic revolution in Europe, and specially en France, since the end of the XIX th century, which accompanied the birth of the Republic and its main political crisis, at is allowed the expression of the public opinion. In June 29th, 1881, the Law on the Freedom of the Press allowed the liberty of expression though settling its limits such as the prohibition of defamation, against the press offences, incitements to racial hatred or attainment on other’s property and public security. This law permitted a greater involvement of the public opinion in major political crisis that happened in France since the end of the XIXth century, such as the following ones I am going to present : the Dreyfus Affair, the Vichy France and the elections of June 2002. The Dreyfus Affair : This political crisis illustrates the major role of printing press. At that time, the Jules ferry Laws had increased alphabetisation, so the press became much more accessible to lower classes of society. More newspapers were printed and sold at a far cheaper price ; it was a democratisation of the press. At the time of the Dreyfus Affair, there was a huge debate about secularism (â€Å"Laicità ©Ã¢â‚¬ ), in which the press involved itself by expressing the public opinion. L’Humanità © was more biased on a socialist point of view whereas La Croix belonged to the right wing of the political life, though it is really with the Dreyfus Case that the politicisation took place. In November 1rst, 1894, the far right-wing and antisemit newspaper La Libre Parole, accused Captain Alfred Dreyfus, of jewish confession, of having betrayed France by being a spy for Germany. Dreyfus was sentenced to death. But the public opinion was vehemently divided and represented through the press.There was the pro-Army, nationalists Anti-Dreyfusards and the  pro-Republicans, also called Dreyfusards, who led a ferocious battle against the other camp. The term â€Å"intellectual† was created at that time to design journalists that committed themselves in the affair. For exemples : – Emile Zola, a naturalist writer, publishes in January 13th, 1898, his false letter/pamphlet â€Å"J’accuse† in L’Aurore, asking for more justice from the President, and so for Dreyfus’ commutation. It was the very first engagement of intellectuals in the press. – Jean Jaurà ©s also demonstrated cleverly the innocence of Dreyfus in â€Å"Les preuves† published in La Rà ©publique. We have then an example of a bipolarised press reflecting a bipolarised public opinion. The expression of diverse voices greatly influenced the release and rehabilitation of Dreyfus in 1906, just one year after the victory of the secularism laws. WWII : The French State or Vichy France : In 1940, with the creation of the French collaborating and antisemit State, there has been a significant division of medias : – The official press became marechalist (newspaper Je suis partout), proclaiming the need for collaboration, denouciations†¦; – A clandestine, illegal press appeared (Libà ©ration) supporting the Resistance movement, in which people were encouraged to resist and to make life harder to the Occupier (sabotages, hidding illegal peole†¦.). The press had a serious influence on the behaviours of the French State’s people. But radio too took a major role in this event : – Radio Paris was tightly controlled by the governement since the first public diffusion by the radio in 1921. – Radio Londres (written this way on the internet) on the contrary did not support the german occupation so that it allowed De Gaulle to communicate with France and deliver his famous speech in June 18th, 1940, in which he encouraged French soldie rs and workers to continue fighting against the collaborators and occupiers and the inhabitants of the French State to resist. Radio was also used a well as leaflets, to improve the organisation of resistant actions. The Algerian War (1954-1962) : At the beginning of the war, the medias took great interest in this new political crisis that the government had trouble in solving. â€Å"L’Algà ©rie, c’est la France !† declares Franà §ois Mitterand, then Minister of the Interior at the TV/Radio. In fact, after the loss of Indochina, France could not afford to lose Algeria as well according to many state members. But different opinions were debated over in the press mainly (France Soir, Le Parisien Libà ©rà ©, Le Figaro†¦), by the four main radios representing round 38 millions of listeners, and the emerging but still very elitist television. When the government sent the contigent in 1956, the jounalists were very much involved in illustrating the public opinion and the Ifop (an institute of survey and opinion polls) revealed that the polls mainly revealed a global wish for negociations rather than fightings. But the government did not want to lose its credibility and censored the press, getting hold o f some (L’Express), and arrested some of the most vehement journalists. But some newspapers (L’Express and La France-Observateur) and authors (Franà §ois Mauriac) denonced the political measures and repression to make it transparent to the public. There was no more stability in the French government and DeGaulle was asked to come back to power in 1958, which he did, at the price that a new Constitution should be put into office and that the fifth Republic shall be claimed. De Gaulle used as he did a few years before, the power of medias as a tool to communicate with the French people, mainly using the ORTF, The Office de Radiodiffusion Tà ©là ©vision Franà §aise, which monopolised Frenc TV emissions and allowed him to put forward his own opinion. This allowed him to avoid the putsch of the generals in April 1961 (they wanted to take power in Alger in order to maintain the French Algeria against De Gaulle’s policy of negociations) by directly talking to the called in order to discourage them from helping the generals. Finally Algeria became independent with the Evian Accords in 1962. But a few years later, with May 1968 it clearly appeared that the government controlled no longer the medias, which became more and more  independent and were less used as an influencial tool of the government, but only as a mean to express opinions or to give more information (ex : the presidential elections of June 2002, when the Internet, newspapers and televion altogether permitted a mobilisation of the voters against Jean-Marie Le Pen.)

The New World s Tempest - 3495 Words

Derek Simmons July 22, 2015 ENGL 4011 Dr. Frank Brevik The New World’s Tempest â€Å"The Tempest† is a Shakespearean play that takes play on a desert island somewhere between Tunis and Naples. A hazardous storm appears impacting a ship of European nobles and mariners; on board are Alonso, King of Naples, Gonzalo, Boatswain, Trinculo, Stefano, Antonio, Sebastian, and Ferdinand. The nobles are leaving Tunis, Africa after the wedding of Claribel, daughter of the King of Naples to the prince. Prospero, the former Duke of Milan uses his sorcery to conjure the very storm that bombards the nobles in order to bring them to the island. Frey interjects, â€Å"In 1808, Edmond Malone argued that Shakespeare derived the title and some of the play’s incidents from accounts of a storm and shipwreck experienced by Sir Thomas Gates and other Jamestown colonists on the Bermuda islands in 1609† (Frey 29).The play entails the romance of Ferdinand, Alonso’s son and Miranda, Prospero’s daughter; while also detailing a twelve year power struggle that is resurfacing itself in a treacherous plot for power. In comparison to the New World’s politics, â€Å"The Tempest† can be read as a play that deals with these same political issues: rebellion of constituted authorities, colonization of a new land, dehumanizing of the natives, marriages and romances of royalty, masters and servants, Christian virtues, and visions of a utopia. 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