sub·cul·ture n. 1. A cultural subgroup differentiated by status, ethnic background, residence, religion, or other factors that functionally unify the group and act collectively on each member.
For you research project, you will investigate a unique American subculture. This will be achieved, in part, through an interview with an active member of that subculture. In addition to accurately reporting on a group of people, a place, or an event from an insider’s perspective, you will explore the distinctive characteristics of those people.
Requirements:
- Be a minimum of 12 slides (plus works cited)
- Have cohesive design, including illustrations
- Contextualize your subculture’s history (and future) in America
- Interweave your subject's experience into the larger subcultural landscape
- Have lean spelling and grammar
Some possible subcultures to investigate:
- Arts: Performance artists, Poets, Singers, Actors, Techies, Hip hop dancing
- Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Bikers, Motocross
- Car Enthusiasts: Hot Rodders, Car Collectors
- Crafts: Quilting Bees, Scrapbooking, Glass Blowing
- Bicycle Enthusiasts: Cyclists, Fixed Gear/Fixies
- Body Art: Tattoo and piercing artists, Tattoo and piercing collectors
- Boarding: Skateboarders, Snowboarders, Surfers
- Collectors: Antiques, Sports Collectibles, Sneakers, Toys, Barbie, Disney
- Cultural: Chicano
- Fandom: Anime, Star Trek, Horror, Zombie, Elvis, Star Wars, Cosplay, Furries
- Fantasy Enthusiasts: Renaissance fairs, RPGs
- Food: Foodies, Wine collectors, Beer crafters
- Gaming: Competitive gamers
- Gay Culture: Drag, Gaymers
- Gym Culture: Bodybuilders, Crossfit
- Hip-Hop Culture: Deejaying, Emceeing, Breakdancing
- Recreation: Coupon clubs, Bingo, Quidditch, Karaoke, Rodeo
- Lifestyles: Hippies, Hipsters, RVers
- Military: Veterans, Military Buffs; Civil War reenacters
- Music: Deadheads, Parrotheads, Juddalos, ARMY (BTS), Punk, Goth, Rockabilly, EDM
- Nature: Bird Watchers, Scouts, Star Gazers, Survivalists, Off-gridders, Naturists
- Paranormal: Ghost hunters, Ufologists, Bigfoot hunters
- Political: Trump supporters, Bernie supporters
- Sexuality: Incels, MGTOWs, Asexuals, Polyamorists
- Social Media: Influencers
- Spirituality: Mormonism, New Age, Jehovah's Witness
- Sports: Competitive cheer
- Sport Fanatics: Raiders Nations, Soccer supporters clubs
- Tech: Hackers, Coders, Makers
Notes on making contact with an interviewee:
- To find a contact within your chosen subculture, search the Web for local associations, such as Eventbrite, Meetup or Facebook, related to your particular group. Most any group will have some type of association. Another route to take is asking family or friends for references. Depending on the group, a friend or relative might be the best way in. However you get in, remember to have accurate contact information for the person you will be dealing with.
- When trying to establish a contact within a group, do not assume you will get a timely response (especially during a shelter-in-place order). It is important to remember that a particular subgroup might be suspicious of strangers, so gentle persistence may be required. Have a backup plan in case your original choice falls through. Once you make contact, politely introduce yourself and explain what it is you are trying to do. If the person is unable (or unwilling) to assist you, ask if he or she knows of someone else who might assist you.
- Once you have established a friendly contact, work out a date for you to interview that person.
- Before your interview, do your homework. Learn as much as you can about that group before you interview. Of course, always be respectful.
- After the assignment is over, a handwritten note of thanks for your main contacts (or, at minimum, an email) should be sent.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Absolutely no face-to-face interviews while during California's "shelter-in-place" order.
Recommended schedule:
- Week 13: Fri 4.17 - Have Research Project finished up to slide 4
- Week 14: Fri 4.24 - Have Research Project finished up to slide 8
- Week 15: Fri 5.1 - Have Research Project finished up to slide 12
Due: FRI 5/8 (FINAL DRAFT; EMAIL SUBMIT VIA CANVAS BY 5 P.M.)
