Nov 15th: A Reflection

     Field methods that I have had to utilize throughout this course include intense observation of my surroundings, along with eavesdropping, interviewing, and hyperactive attention to detail. I have always considered myself someone who is naturally good at observing things, as I often fade in the background during class or truly any other social situation. From the very first zine that we have had to create for this course, I realized due to various things I do, I actually am not the best at observing things around me. In fact, I have gone so far as to completely eliminate myself from the possibility of true observation as I am always listening to music and walking around half-blind. Therefore, when we were asked to create a short narrative "based upon direct observation," I found it to be incredibly challenging for me to step outside of myself and observe the things around me. The same experience carried over into the second zine project. However with the second zine project I found that not only did I have to truly insert myself into my surroundings, but I also had to add the element of eavesdropping. This added method was not something I found to be incredibly difficult though, as it called upon the natural curiosity (or my natural inclination to be nosey) that I have. Moreover, I utilized a notebook to write down the things I was observing in real time, as well as my phone to visually capture things that I thought were worth a picture. I think there are most certainly ethical issues that can arise from eavesdropping and intense observations of strangers. However, I do not believe that I did those methods in a way that was a violation of any ethical principle.     

    In reference to our most recent project, being a zine that requires the narrative to be built off of an interview with someone that we have found to be an "outsider." This project required me to formulate questions that would guide an interview with someone, and somehow translate that into a story. I had never considered how difficult it can be to formulate such thought-provoking questions. Therefore, I developed an appreciation for those who are able to formulate such questions. In addition to my methodology for conducting this interview, I recorded the conversation with my phone and took some notes of what I was thinking while I was doing it. It can most certainly be an ethical problem to record someone while they are speaking if they do not consent. However, I had made it very clear of my intention to record our interview, as well as an explanation as to why. Since my interview was held with my dad, I found that he reacted in a way that was much more comfortable in comparison to if I had asked a stranger. I did notice an almost immediate switch in his character when I started recording. Though I informed him no one else but me would be listening to the recording, he switched his tone of voice, the way he spoke, and he even often fidgeted with his clothes and adjusted his appearance. Overall, I would say that with this particular zine, I have learned a lot about the methodology and ethics of interviewing. Moreover, I have most certainly considered the benefits of true observation, while avoiding possible ethical situations.