I plan to observe Greek life at UNC in order to learn more about their societal norms and values. I am interested in studying this microculture because I have numerous friends involved in it, yet I am not. In particular, fraternities are a major aspect of student life. Despite being a member of a fraternity, many other students come in contact with this community through social events and parties on the weekends. I would like to more clearly understand the behaviors and traditions that they are so actively involved in. Before observing these fraternities, I already know a little about them because both of my siblings were involved in fraternities and sororities in the past. I know that each fraternity has a certain amount of philanthropy that they take part in every year. Also, they meet once a week at chapter meetings in order to discuss upcoming events and other aspects. There seems to always be something planned for the members to participate in, and it keeps them very busy. These activities serve to create a bond between the members of each fraternity that is hard to understand if not directly involved.
Following my observations, I would like to know more about their sense of community and the activities that they take part in to build this unity. I believe there will be a lot more to their society than most people realize on the surface. Many people think they know a lot about fraternities just from hearsay, but most of these thoughts are usually inaccurate. Studying fraternity life at UNC is of great interest to the larger UNC community because so many students are actively involved in fraternities. It is a very important part of each of these student’s lives, and it is essential to understand such a major aspect of student life here in Chapel Hill. This could more accurately show what fraternity life entails without all the stereotypes that are often associated with these communities. Some of these stereotypes include that they party very often, they wear a certain type of preppy clothing including khaki pants and polo shirts, and they only hang out with each other. My hypothesis is that fraternity brothers have a deep sense of friendship with each other beyond the stereotypical social aspects, and there are many activities that allow this bond to occur.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Feeder 2.2
I plan to observe Greek life at UNC in order to learn more about their societal norms and values. I am interested in studying this microculture because I have numerous friends involved in it, yet I am not. I would like to more clearly understand the behaviors and traditions that they are so actively involved in. Before observing the Greeks, I already know a little about them because both of my siblings were involved in fraternities and sororities in the past. I know that each fraternity and sorority has a certain amount of philanthropy that they take part in every year. Also, they meet once a week at chapter meetings in order to discuss upcoming events and other aspects. There seems to always be something planned for the members to participate it, and it keeps them very busy.
Following my observations, I would like to know more about their sense of community and the activities that they take part in to build this unity. I believe there will be a lot more to their society than most people realize on the surface. Many people think they know a lot about Greek life just from hearsay, but most of these thoughts are usually inaccurate. Studying Greek life at UNC is of great interest to the UNC community because so many students are actively involved in a fraternity or sorority. It is a very important part of each of these student’s lives, and it is very important to understand such a major aspect of student life here in Chapel Hill. This could more accurately show what Greek life is all about without all the stereotypes that are often associated with these communities.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Observation #2 - Disruption
To disrupt the fairly limited norms of the pit, a few friends and i randomly stuck our arms out to the side and ran around like airplanes. To say the least, we got a few weird looks. Even though there are so many crazy activities in the pit all of the time, this was apparently something they had never seen before. We flew down the stairs into the middle and then ran in circles. When we stopped and looked around, we saw a few people laughing a little and some that had a look of "what in the world?" It was interesting to see that there are definitely still some norms in the pit even though it is usually very limited. A friend of ours was on the other side of the pit and saw us. He came up and said, "What in the world are you doing? Y'all are weird." The norm of attempting to act calm and cool was broken with this action, and it clearly caught the attention of everyone surrounding us.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Observation 1 - The Pit
The pit is a place where anyone and everyone can go to hang out, endorse a club, or express their opinions. There are always different kinds of people and activities in the pit, and it could range anywhere from tables of clubs and organizations to religious groups to just one guy standing in the middle with a sign saying "Free Hugs". The space allows just about any kind of interaction to take place, and these interactions vary every day. Because of this, the norms are very limited and are much more liberal than that of a place like a library. Some norms include that the pit is a common gathering place. Also, as in most social situations, normal behaviors of respect towards other people and an attempt to act cool are common for the pit.
On one side, there is a large group of students huddled around a preacher. The preacher tends to provoke the students until they fight back, which can sometimes get out of hand and lead to small acts of violence. On the other side, there is usually a line of tables set up to promote fundraisers, sales, or to join a specific organization. The people working these tables constantly yell out to the students walking by in order to try and grasp their attention. In response to this, some students walk over and hear what they have to say, some glance at them and continue walking, and some just completely ignore them. Outside the larger activities are multiple students standing around in groups or by themselves relaxing and talking among friends in a very informal way. Some sit on the steps and eat their lunch when it is a nice day outside.
On one side, there is a large group of students huddled around a preacher. The preacher tends to provoke the students until they fight back, which can sometimes get out of hand and lead to small acts of violence. On the other side, there is usually a line of tables set up to promote fundraisers, sales, or to join a specific organization. The people working these tables constantly yell out to the students walking by in order to try and grasp their attention. In response to this, some students walk over and hear what they have to say, some glance at them and continue walking, and some just completely ignore them. Outside the larger activities are multiple students standing around in groups or by themselves relaxing and talking among friends in a very informal way. Some sit on the steps and eat their lunch when it is a nice day outside.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Event #2: UNC Lacrosse
This past Friday night I went to my first ever lacrosse game! My roommate, my suitemate, and I decided on a whim to go because we had nothing else to do, but it ended up being really fun (even though it was extremely cold and my whole body was numb by the end of it). I never knew that they could just smack each other wherever with their stick as many times and as hard as they want until they get the ball. It looked extremely painful, but after we got used to it, it became very entertaining. We ended up getting really into the game like we would have at any other basketball or football game, which I did not expect to do. I know a few of the players on the team, so it was also cool to see them play the sport I had only heard them talk so much about. They played Navy, who are ranked number 9 nationally, so it was a big game since we are number 5. It was pretty much back and forth and close for the entire game. We ended up winning 9-8, and I was really excited!
It was really cool to experience something new and different as a UNC student. While I had always heard about lacrosse, I had never actually seen it played, and it was really exciting. We will definitely be going back to some more games! Connecting this to our class, it is clear that the audience of any sporting event is very important. Their involvement in the game has the ability to swing the players' emotions in either direction, from pumping them up to slowing them down. If they are cheering very loudly and participating in the game, the team tends to work harder and keeps their heart in the game. This then pleases the audience and keeps them interested in the event. It also could determine if they want to attend another game soon, like I do now following the exciting lacrosse game.
It was really cool to experience something new and different as a UNC student. While I had always heard about lacrosse, I had never actually seen it played, and it was really exciting. We will definitely be going back to some more games! Connecting this to our class, it is clear that the audience of any sporting event is very important. Their involvement in the game has the ability to swing the players' emotions in either direction, from pumping them up to slowing them down. If they are cheering very loudly and participating in the game, the team tends to work harder and keeps their heart in the game. This then pleases the audience and keeps them interested in the event. It also could determine if they want to attend another game soon, like I do now following the exciting lacrosse game.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Event #1: Talk Sex with Sue
I just got back from watching the broadcast of Talk Sex with Sue (I didn't get tickets to the actual show). It was soooo great haha I went with 3 friends and we were dying laughing the entire time. She is incredibly smart but also so hilarious. She made everything so much fun to listen to. She had actions to go with everything she talked about which made it that much better haha. She is nuts but that's why everyone loves her I guess. I actually ended up learning a lot! Anything you can think of, she talked about. Everyone was able to submit questions too....and many of them were absolutely ridiculous hahah like I would have never even dreamed of some these questions. Did anyone else get go or get to see the actual show? It was so amazing so hopefully some of yall did.
Going to this show really added to my experience as a university student because I felt like everyone was in a similar situation. All of us wanted to learn more about the subject and most of us had similar backgrounds of what we already knew. Sue knew exactly how to talk to college students in a way to keep us very entertained but also very intrigued in what she was discussing. She did this by making jokes when we would normally feel awkward talking about it, and she also tied everything to where most college students are at in their lives regarding sex. She is a wonderful public speaker!!
DUKE GAME TOMORROWWWW! I can't wait to just destroy them. Where are people going to watch the game? I really want to go somewhere where there are a ton of people to celebrate with :-) maybe somewhere on Franklin? Who knows but I'm excited.
Going to this show really added to my experience as a university student because I felt like everyone was in a similar situation. All of us wanted to learn more about the subject and most of us had similar backgrounds of what we already knew. Sue knew exactly how to talk to college students in a way to keep us very entertained but also very intrigued in what she was discussing. She did this by making jokes when we would normally feel awkward talking about it, and she also tied everything to where most college students are at in their lives regarding sex. She is a wonderful public speaker!!
DUKE GAME TOMORROWWWW! I can't wait to just destroy them. Where are people going to watch the game? I really want to go somewhere where there are a ton of people to celebrate with :-) maybe somewhere on Franklin? Who knows but I'm excited.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
more UNC...
I clearly write way too much about UNC basketball. But whatever. Did anyone see that Duke/Clemson game?!?!? It is times like these when I am so happy and proud to be a Tarheel haha. Duke got straight up destroyed Clemson (74-47)...and we beat Clemson by 24 points. This just shows what is going to happen next Wednesday at Cameron Indoor and then AGAIN at the Deam Dome on March 8th. By the way, why in the world is the UNC vs. Duke game over our spring break? That is very bad planning on someones part. I am SUPPOSED to be in Florida by then...but if I happen to get tickets through the lottery (which is highly unlikely) you know that I will be there anyway decked out in my Carolina blue. But boo to whoever made the schedule that way.
Anyway, I just realized today that I have been missing 24 this season which makes me really sad! I love that show and I'm not really sure why I haven't been watching it on Sundays. To whoever has been watching it....should I go back and watch this season from the beginning or do you think I should just pick it up now? I miss it so I really want to start watching it again!
Anyway, I just realized today that I have been missing 24 this season which makes me really sad! I love that show and I'm not really sure why I haven't been watching it on Sundays. To whoever has been watching it....should I go back and watch this season from the beginning or do you think I should just pick it up now? I miss it so I really want to start watching it again!
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