Comm 382 - Assignment one

COMM 382

Assignment 1

1a.  How did the ethnographer (Professor Dwight Conquergood) study the culture of street gangs in Chicago?

        Professor Dwight Conquergood interviewed the members of a few street gangs as well as some of the former members. He examined the graffiti signs and symbols made by the gang members. He also listened to many stories about the culture of the gang and different rules that apply to people in these gangs. The professor also studied the body language and gestures that apply to certain gangs.

1b. What was the goal of his research? What are some other aspects of the study that demonstrate the interpretive view of research?

The goal of his research was to understand why young people join these gangs and what is it in them that is so appealing. Also the goal of the research is to understand these people rather than judge and possibly find a solution to improve their lives. The aspects of the studies that demonstrate the interpretive view of research were the interviews he took from gang members and field observations of the areas they lived in.

He was trying to provide a ‘thick’ description of culture; in-depth, contextual understanding of people’s lived experiences. By asking the opinions of people, who lived in that area the professor was to trying get different perspectives from them in regards to the issue.

1c. What did you take away from this study? 

Throughout the entire video I was trying to understand why these people thought it was so honorable to be a part of the gang and why would they risk their lives to be in a gang. I realized that these people join these gangs because they want to prove their self-worth to themselves. They realize that they cannot be a part of what is considered to be successful in our society, so they decided to create their own “kingdom”. They all want to be financially well off. This can be seen even from their signs and symbols, as well as constant connotations with royal, kings, and queens. In my opinion government can play a big role in the lives of these people. There is so much more to this life than running around the neighborhood with a gun, which is what some of them do. I think if these people were given the opportunity to explore different sides of this life by possibly going to school or doing some other things they wouldn’t be interested in joining the gang.