PHOTO ASSIGNMENT: ETHNOGRAPHY AT HOME This assignment asks you to become “the native” and reflect on the ways in which your culture shapes you as a person.

QUESTION

PHOTO ASSIGNMENT: ETHNOGRAPHY AT HOME This assignment asks you to become “the native” and reflect on the ways in which your culture shapes you as a person. Take a close ethnographic look at the spaces of your daily life, such as your bedroom, bathroom, backyard, or car; or contemplate the stuff on your desk, kitchen table, computer desktop, in your fridge, backpack, or closet. Select a space that you think best represents you as a person and that you feel comfortable discussing. Now take a photo of that space and the objects in it, and use the questions below to discuss them. The lecture on culture and meaning will provide you with helpful pointers in this assignment.

This assignment must include:

• a photo of the space you have chosen for analysis;  • at least one relevant quotation from the assigned readings that shows how your analysis connects to the course; the quotation must be referenced with the author’s last name and the page number in the reading;  • a discussion of the imagery in the photo that addresses at least two (2) of the following questions: 1. What does the space and the objects in it reveal about your gender, social class, generation, ethnicity, or “race”?

2. How does the space speak to your values, beliefs, or worldview? 3. What do you learn from that space about yourself and the culture that you represent? 4. What would you say is of utmost importance in that culture? (think kinship, friendship, hierarchy, power, religious belief, or perhaps consumption and material values) 3 This assignment should be approximately 250-300 words and submitted as a Word document through the link provided on URC.

ANSWER

For this assignment, I have chosen to analyze my bedroom, as it is a space that represents me as a person and holds significant meaning in my daily life. The walls of my bedroom are adorned with posters of my favorite bands and artists, reflecting my taste in music and my generation’s cultural influences. The objects in my room, such as books, art supplies, and a guitar, reveal my creative interests and hobbies.

1. The space and the objects in my bedroom reveal certain aspects of my identity. For example, the posters and music-related items might suggest my affinity for a particular subculture or music genre, which can be tied to my social class and generation. Additionally, the presence of certain objects like skincare products or fashion accessories might indicate my gender and personal style preferences.
2. The space speaks to my values and beliefs by showcasing my love for art, literature, and music. It reflects my appreciation for self-expression and the importance of creativity in my life. Furthermore, the organization and arrangement of objects in my room reveal my inclination towards minimalism and the belief in keeping my personal space clean and clutter-free.
3. Analyzing my bedroom allows me to learn more about myself and the culture I represent. It demonstrates the influence of popular culture on my identity and the ways in which I engage with various forms of art. It also reveals my desire for personal space and the importance I place on creating an environment that nurtures my creativity and individuality.
4. In the culture I represent, personal expression and individuality are of utmost importance. It values self-discovery, creativity, and the pursuit of passions. This culture emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with meaningful objects and creating a space that reflects one’s unique identity and values.

In conclusion, through the analysis of my bedroom, I have gained insights into the various aspects of my identity, values, and the cultural influences that shape me as a person.