For the public space observation assignment, I went to Barnes and nobles from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. I sat to the left of the Starbucks counter next to the restroom facing those who were sitting and standing near me. Once I sat down, I grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and began to observe what I saw. This assignment took me out of my comfort zone, giving me the opportunity to think, see, and hear like a sociologist. I was able to separate myself from the surrounding things, which helped me focus more on the behaviors and interactions of others. Because this is a place where people go to study and read the appropriate behavior would be to respect those around you by being quiet. Being quiet is extremely important in this particular space because
Segregated public spaces such as nurses, schools, restrooms, transportation, jails, mental hospitals, cemeteries, restrooms and restaurants (United States.).
The importance of public space and life is an important aspect of any given society. Without such spaces, society will continue to be dived among class lines. When a certain group of people hold power and it’s all about power and control, there will always be those that are excluded and denied access to the public sphere. As long as imaginary and irrational fears are instilled into the private lives of the public, society will continue to build fortress around its buildings and to use surveillance cameras outside the doors. Public space is a right to all citizens and due to fear of the unknown; it is diminishing right before our eyes. In this day and age, to be an American means to always be under the watchful eye of another.
One big implicit social norm involves personal space. In our society it is implicitly know that you give people enough space when waiting in line or when sitting next to them as not to invade their personal bubble. I thought it would be particularly interesting to see what people did the moment you crossed that “bubble line.” Periodically throughout the day I would intrude upon people’s bubbles. For varied results, this occurred in classrooms, the elevator, the lunch line, the lunch table, and at work. During classes and at lunch I would move my chair really close to that of the person next to me. While in the lunch line and in the elevator I would stand really close to the person, even if there was plenty of space to spread out. At work, again I stood really close to the person when talking to them.
In the park written by Gwen Harwood, was originally written under a male pseudonym. The poem represents the idea of changing identity because of certain circumstances as well as challenging common ideas, paradigms and values & beliefs which is commonly held amongst mothers in today’s society.
I was raised to always respect one’s personal space, as well as never intrude on someone’s conversation, both in which, I took part in. At first I had to force myself to walk over to the tables and then force myself to take a seat next to them. I was fighting against my inner conscience to make my body do the experiment for the sake of the experiment. The friends who were with me had to reassure me that it would be fine and to go ahead and follow through on the experiment, knowing that I needed to get people’s reactions to the situation. I was experiencing anxiety over what I knew I needed to
Etiquette is defined by the society cohesively as the standard behavior of human interaction and the code of conduct to establish a respectful and courteous environment. As social media and text abbreviations have become normalized in the 21st century, the emergence of informality has alerted the assistant professor Molly Worthern and professor Lisa Wade. In the article, “U Can’t Talk to Ur Professor Like This,” Worthern highlights the prevalence of informality in the interaction between the students and professor. She urges the need of putting etiquette guidelines in the syllabus allowing students to follow the rules. Meanwhile, in the article “10 Things Every College Professor Hates”, Wade highlights college professors’ ten complaints toward
Proper bus etiquette is essential for the comfort of all passengers. When I first boarded the bus, the people on it were modelling near perfect behavior – head down, headphones in, eyes closed, staring out the window, focused on a book or activity in their lap. There were practically no conversations, and the few that were taking place consisted of a few hushed whispers between those travelling together. These mannerisms are never taught in school or explicitly stated, yet every transit user is aware of them, and follows them as such. The way that people are expected to behave on a bus, or train, or in line at the grocery store is indicative of our culture and the social values within it. When in public, it goes without saying that one must mind their own business and limit behaviors disruptive to others. The question now becomes; what effect does breaking or violating these unspoken rules have on the
On September 9th, 2017 at approximately 7 p.m., I went to Gracedale Public Park to carefully conduct my observation on the individuals, who were at the park and their specific activities in the one hour of time. When I got there, the weather was beautiful with soft winds, a clear sky and with some dim sunlight. The park was full of people of all ages. Though, there were more kids than adults and some teenagers. There were many bicycles and strollers parked beside the tree I sat under. After a couple of minutes, the park filled up with more and more individuals and everyone seemed busy doing their own actions.
There are various perceptions on what constitutes personal space in different countries and cultures around the world. Personal space is the means of man’s affiliation with other people, society, and the surrounding culture. Personal space refers to the bubble, or appropriate distance, around a human being that determines how close individuals stand together during interactions without being offensive. While personal space is usually respected and instinctive during conversation, anxiety or fear can occur when this space is invaded. Furthermore, the intensity of the arousal depends on the relationship between the two conversationalists (Trolley, “Personal Space”). In essence, there is a “nurture” component that is learned through one’s environment since differences exist between cultures.
...ure of what I may encounter. I understood the task at hand, but just wasn’t sure what to expect. At first, I felt a little silly just sitting in a chair (that I brought with me) next to the road with a note pad and pen. However, once I started taking notes, I stopped thinking about myself and started focusing on the people I was supposed to be watching. Although it was hot, it smelled horrible, was terribly loud, and possibly somewhat dangerous, it was a good experience overall. I was able to notice patterns of behavior much quicker than I thought I would have, and I feel like my analyses are “spot on”. If I could change one thing about this experience, I would definitely have chosen a safer place to sit.
As a child growing up, I was taught to be well mannered at home and everywhere I go. I was taught to say please and thank you, yes ma’am, and to hold the door open for individuals. In todays society, more and more people are forgetting their manners and are becoming offensively impolite. Whenever I go to a store to shop or even just to go out in public to burn some time, I never forget to take my manners with me. As I'm out and about, I've noticed the rudeness of individuals and some take
If I can have respect for my students as well as having them respecting each other, I believe this leads to a safe environment where learning can take place. I am not a stickler for gum chewing or eating and drinking as long as it does not interfere with learning and doesn’t make a mess. I would like to give my kids the freedom to eat or drink as long as they are responsible for their trash and mess. If it gets out of control, I will let them know that the privilege will be taken away, right from the beginning. I would enforce no hats on inside the building or classroom because not only can they be a major distraction, but it is not polite to have a hat on inside. Hats were made to protect your head and face from the sun and the sun does not shine inside
According to Tony de Joux, author of “Rights go with responsibilities, “Society must realize that rights and obligations go hand-in-hand. Until then, we 'll continue to have a society that has difficulty establishing moral boundaries.” This problem is an ongoing battle and needs to be further addressed starting with our children at home. “For every right, there 's an equal obligation, but nowhere are these seen” states Tony de Joux (Rights). If we establish a stricter rule of thumb for occasions when rudeness arises, we can meet this head on and hopefully bring it back into the minds of the public. Thus, possibly curing this ever growing infection of rudeness; bring back the Ten Commandments, so we may love thine neighbor as we love ourselves and refresh our children’s moral
While I was breaking the rule of personal space, I felt somewhat uncomfortable myself. I did learn that this is a real rule in our society and that I am not alone in how I feel. In my home, the kitchen is my personal space and I don’t like to have anyone in there when I am cooking a meal. I also don’t like people to stand too close to me when I am talking with them. I will automatically move a few steps away if someone, other than my family, is too close to me when they are conversing with me. Thus, breaking this rule was a little difficult for me and extremely fascinating at the same
Do manners matter? Yes, they do; however, since most parents have gone to work, children have fewer chances to sit with their parents and to learn manners from them. Although America is a melting-pot of cultures with various ideas of manners (Packer 22), and the subject of manners is complicated (Hall 185), the standard of good manners of various cultures is similar. Good manners are the same as civilized behaviors and moral etiquette that have respect, consideration, generosity, and thoughtfulness for others (Stewart 14). What goes around comes around; therefore, people should treat others as they wish to be treated themselves (Stewart 1). In fact, people would love to be with others who have good manners (Brandenberg 2). Therefore, manners should be taught in the twenty-first century because they not only help people become educated and competitive, but they also help the world become peaceful and smooth.