W15 Final Blog Posting

I regards to how I feel this course has helped me as a writer, I feel that it has forced me to look at a single topic more in depth that I have in the past. It hasn't so much changed my writing styles or tendencies as it has challenged them. As I've stated numerous times, I usually wait until have had time to think about the paper and possible themes or directions to go with it before writing. Unfortunately this class has forced me to write prematurely. I think there have been some papers throughout the semester I could have written better if I wasn't forced to write about every little detail. By the time I get to my final draft I feel as though I'm repeating things I've said numerous times before and I don't feel my writing is as genuine - almost as if its too rehearsed.
There are several things I would change about this class. I would use blackboard and gradebook instead of a blog to communicate with students. It has a better structure and is more convenient for the student. Also the ability to always have access to my grade would be nice. I feel that it is something I am working for therefore I have the right to see it on m terms.
I also wouldn't have blog postings. I feel like their extra busy work. No blog post really opened up new doors for my writing it just seems like another step that wasn't necessary.
I would also change the entire goal of the class, which is probably something that a certain teacher doesn't have control over. I understand writing on big paper is important and all but I feel like the majority of the class would benefit from writing smaller papers showcasing many different styles.
One of my favorite things about the class are the conferences. I think they give the student a good direction in between first and final draft. I would suggest implementing more of them.

W14 Pre-Writing for Portfolio Reflection

In response to the question of what my peice of data is, in regards to my mini-ethnography research, my answer would be reseaching the fieldsite. I enjoy this part of the experience more tan the rest because it gave me the ability to actuall be a part of what I was writing about. Since I have been an insider for so long, I had begun to take things about my fieldsite and subculture for granted, though researching my feildsite more in depth allowed me to see it for more than it was. I began to notice some of the things that had begun to go without notice. Researching my fieldsite also allowed me to interact within the subculture again, as I once had done. Oe of the best ways to learn is to experience something first hand, being the reason I enjoyed this part of the process more than the rest.

Cut Up

Walking into the stadium you could feel the excitement and looking around you saw a sea of red. This sea was already making a lot of noise and I could hardly hear myself think./ There wasn't a vacant seat and I took great pride in allowing that transformation to take place. I wanted to go out with a bang. I didn't want to just run through the same boring routine the people had seen time and time before. I wanted to do something memorable.

Sub-titles

History of the Aquatic Industry
Back to the Basics
-brief history of the aquatic industry

How to Save a Life (fray song)
-focus on the safety aspects of the field

The Watering Hole
-section on the pool facility itself and the machanics involved

Waterproof
-tba

Walking on Water
-tba
-safety aspects, lifeguarding

Possible Titles

Swimming into a Subculture

Diving into a Subculture

Breaking the Surface

You Only Feel Wet When You're Out of the Water

........

Experiences W13

In regards to my most significant experience while researching my subculture, I must first say that I started my research prior to this assignment. Being involved within the subculture has allowed me to observe it for many years leading up to this assignment.
This is a quick story but one that show the closeness of the subculture. I swam and dove throughout my high school career and had great success while doing so. I was know around the entire community for my abilities within the sport. I set records that had never before been seen and have yet to be defeated. After putting my heart and soul into the sport as well as the program for so many years, my final home competition laid before my. Senior night had finally arrived the night I never wanted to see. I had be upset about it for weeks ahead of time knowing that this would be the last time I would compete at my home pool. A pool that I had made mine. First competition there were 2 fans in the audience, by my senior night there wasn't a vacant seat and I took great pride in allowing that transformation to take place. I wanted to go out with a bang. I didn't want to just run through the same boring routine the people had seen time and time before. I wanted to do something memorable. I decided that for my last dive I was going to do a can-opener (a dive that makes an enormous splash and is illegal in competition). I had no opponent that night so my undefeated streak couldn't be taken away. I knew the official personally and was assure that I wouldn't be disqualified considering the circumstances. I did my first 5 of 6 dives and then before my final dive I stood at the end of the board I had leaped from so many times and talked directly to the crowd and my team. I thanked them for the years of support and mentioned several individuals that I owed a lot to. Trying to hold back a pool of tears I thanked my two best friends as well as made some comments about the future of the program and prepared for my final dive ever. I said that I wanted to go out with a bang but didn't tell the crowd anything more than that. The official dive was announced, I took my starting position, looked up at the crowd I had drawn and smiled, then started my approach left the board for the last time and then made the biggest and most unexpected splash. Underwater I could hear the crowd go wild. I came out of the water and was amazed that I, one person, could draw such a response. The judged gave me straight tens, a perfect score, out of respect. I got out of the water only to see my team in tears and I joined them in on last celebration. It was the talk of the town for several days following.
It is a testament to not only my dedication but also the closeness of the community to understand what I was doing and except it as a statement of my thanks to them. For the judges to throw a perfect score out of respect for the work I had done to overhaul the program. The team I had lead for 4 years to share to bittersweet feeling I had held within me and to understand how much they and the sport meant to me. All of this show the incredible closeness that lies within the community. Some say blood is thicker than water; not in the case of this community.

6 Word Memior

About me: Living to exceed my own expectations

About subculture of aquatics (i.e. lifeguarding): Sitting on ours to save yours

Rhetoric W12

From what I've read so far rhetoric is the process of convincing or persuading someone else. Usually this process is done through writing. My definition of rhetoric is the art of persuading...okay that may be someonelse's definition but that's the one I like. Rhetoric can be classified by an amalgamation of things that would assist you in persuasion, for example dressing a certain way to get a response. Another example accents or dialects that people can use as methods of persuasions. The most common use of the word rhetoric that I entcounter is the word rhetorical. In regards to whether or not it hold a certain conotation I don't think it holds a postive or negative connotation. Its mostly neutral in my opinion. I'msure the word rhetoric coincidence with my subculture but not enough to talk about. Rhetoric is present everywhere but in the case of my subcuture it is very little. I will use rhetoric in my mini-ethnogrophy to persuade my readers of certain points.

Quotes about Writing

The write freely is to think freely on paper

An essay is a painting in words

To write is to convey something that we are afraid to say out loud

My "Changed" Writing Style

Don't take offense to this, it's late and I'm tired. If I don't write this now that I won't wake up in the morning to do it.
In all honest my writing style has not changed, its only been inhibited. As I stated before, I like to write things the night before because then I feel I can write more "from the heart" or honestly because I keep all the information I've attained inside and I allow it to work together for a final product. This class unfortunatly has forced me to take every little bit of information I collect and write it down. The reason I write things down is so I don't have to remember them, for example a grocery or to-do list. I don't want to cloud my mind with it. So by writing everythig down I am unable to keep it all in one spot. I feel like "okay its written down, don't need to think about it anymore" when this is not nescessarily true.
No particular assignment has given me writing dificulties. I just don't like busy work. I like to do what I need to do to get the best possible result and not lolly gag around (again sorry don't mean any offense). What it simply comes down to is this class forces me to write in a way that is outside of my comfort zone...I like my comfort zone.
Other reasons I write....hmmm. Well I have recently started a list of significant people in my life and I am writing how I met them as well as memories I have with them in case one day I ever lose my mind. I have a really big fear of forgetting as well as people not knowing my true feelings. I like to plan ahead, so in the event I ever lose my memory or die people will know exactly how I feel about them. I really enjoy writing about something I'm passionate about, as I'm sure you can tell from my blog post that evolve into rants.

Family Story

I don't really have any worth while story telling to do about my family. Both my mother and father were raised in different kinds of ways which I think reflects greatly on who I am. My mom's side is the type of family that sticks by one another no matter what. Even if someone in the family has done something wrong and everyone knows it, they still stick by them. My mom was rasied with the tradition white picket fence and all that sort of stuff. Her father was a businessman and her mother a housewife. Everything was very typical.
My father was raised slightly different. His father worked with cars and his mother held several diferent jobs trying to support the family. My dad and his brothers knew the had better do what was expected of them. My dad would tell stories about if he were to do something wrong that he knew very well he shouldn't have done that my grandmother would make him out to a tree and pull of a small branch or twig and the she'd beat the hell outta him. Granted this may sound extreme but he grew up an a completely different time than that of now. My dad's side was always rough and opposite of my mother's. If someone on my dad's side of the family screwed up they were forced to face it. The rest of the family would cover it up. It was a mistake and they were going to learn from it. My poor grandmother had to raise four boys...boys that were known throughout the small town by nearly everyone. My dad tells stories of running and getting away from the cops only to see them the next for them to ask "okay how did ya get away". It was this small town, old school attitude that isn't present in our society anymore.
Too many family are like my mom's and too few are like my dad's. Yes there were strict punishment but whats the point in a punishment if it doesn't teach a lesson. One time my dad bought a motor cycle which my grandpa didn't approve of so my grandpa took it clear across the county and hid it until my dad hid my grandpa's truck in the same place. That mindset doesn't exist anymore.

Structure W10

In regards to how I plan on constructing my mini-ethnography, I am going to divide it into sections seperated with titles. Some of those times mayt include but are not limited to: Being a Swimmer/Diver, Being a Coach, Being an Aqutics Director, Being a Lifeguard, Being an Official, etc. Obviously you can tell that a theme I am going to use is making my reader feel as though they are in a specific position. The only way to incorporate the many different aspects of the industy as well as my interviews, experiences, and stories is to divide my paper into sections dedicated to certain positions based on the point of veiw of that position.
In regards to starting and ending my paper, I will begin introducing my subculture as well as the way I plan to present it so my reader won't be lost when they begin to read the first subheading. I am not going to write my introduction now because that would be an extreme waste of time...sorry. Same goes for my conclusion. I will tie eveything together just like all conclusions as suppose to do whilemaking some closing remarks on my subculture that will be benifical to the readers further interpretations.
Really I don't plan ahead. This is all subject to change as soon as I sit down to write my paper. Everything depends on the moment I write. Otherwise its too dry and not creative. The information get processed so much that it ends up being further from the truth than if I would have just lied from the beginning. You can tell writers that do too much planning, because their papers are like textbooks and the reader is practically in a coma by the third paragraph. Writing papers inpropto allows the words to convey more feels and emotion that something that has been copied and pasted from a blog month ahead of time.

Glossary

Free, Freestyle-forward stroke alt. arms
Back, Backstroke-backward stroke
Fly, Butterfly-forward stroke arms together
Breast, Breaststroke-stroke where swimmer pulls through water and kicks like a frog
Pike, Tuck, Straight, Free, Twist, Somersault, Dive, Reverse, Inward, Forward...-Diving terms
Stroke- a practicing technique
Drill- a practicing technique
Sculling- a practicing technique
Finger-tip drag- freestyle swim while dragging fingers along the water, practice technique
Chlorine- chemical used to sanatize pools
Kick, Breath, Pull- words usually yelled by caoch at meets to communicate with swimmer in the water
Flip-turn- how the swimmer turns around in the pool the fastest way
Two hand touch- what the swimmer must do on breastroke turns
Starting block- where the swimmer starts the race
Touch pad- touch sensitive pad that records a swimmers time at the end of the race
Diving board

In Class Writing Questions Movie

1. If to redo this research don't think I would change much. The maker of the movie covered a variety of accents and made a valid point. I would do pretty much everything th same. I think the majority of this information is still valid even after 20 plus years. I might put them one member from each group all together and see if they could understand each other. That or just watch as chaos unfolded.
2. I think everything was coveed well. The only things is they did show the extremes of each accent and didn't really prove that not all people from an area talk the same. In order to make it more appealing to an audience I would just updae everything to fit our time period but you can;t blame the maker for that.
3. I don't think you can dismiss someone because of there accent. I think it shows the real person, for who they are.

In Class Writing Questions

1. In the scene of my mini-ethnography, I am right in the middle. I am as involved as it gets. I am an equal within the industry, only separated by experience. When interviewing my informants I am close to them in physical space. The people I am interviewing are good friends that I can converse with closely and off the record without that typical interviewer-interviewee distance. We're not sitting in chairs across from each other, instead we are at a table or on a couch; somewhere casual. My subculture is not one that is extremely formal so it would be out of place for me to expect and conduct an interview as so.
2. There can be much meaning behind recorded words in some subcultures though since I am closely related to the people with whom I am speaking I take their recorded words exactly the way in which they intended them to be taken. It helps to know your informant to understand where he or she is coming from, though this could be considered a fixed position. The could be times when knowing my informant so well inhibits me from actually hearing what they are saying and twisting it to the way I think they mean something, so I think you have to take what they say and keep yourself out of it. Not much of a power difference exists between me and my informants. We're all on a pretty level playing field. Experience is the only thing that separate people in the industry so if there are some power issues they are derived from that.
3. When I listen to my informant I here a lot of joy in their voices. They are talking about something they enjoy doing. Gaps appear when they are trying to word something a certain way, maybe not exactly speaking from the heart and instead trying to make something sound better than it really is. The tone is full of humor usually resulting in reminiscing about old memories and laughing. The emphasis is on the important things in the conversation. the things that make us angry or we feel strongly about. Sometimes the tone or emphasis is placed in order to try to make the other person understand where we're coming from.

Reflecting W9

Reflecting on what I have done so far for this project I feel that hardest thing has been finding the time to do the writing for each little thing. Between other classes and coaching I find it hard to write about something that is so much more interesting to just do. Being at my field site everyday also makes me unwilling to write about it. I live it, I don't necessary want to write about every bit of it. The easiest part has been my access to the field site as well as the people with whom I need to contact considering I work with them on a daily basis. If I had to start over I really wouldn't change much. If anything maybe start preparing a little sooner but that's difficult with a busy schedule being involve in my subculture. In response to the question of whether or not a blog has helped me in this project, I can undoubtedly say no; absolutely not. It's been one of the biggest wastes of time, I'm sorry. I am the type of writer that sits down and writes everything. This step by step stuff doesn't work for me.

In-class Research Questions

1. Anyone who reads my writings will probably be someone within the industry because an outsider wouldn't find my information useful unless trying to enter the subculture. Mostly other coaches, swimmers, official, etc. would turn to my would and find it to be of use because a large amount of information will be presented. Instead of having to go to different journals or websites my mini-ethnography will serve as a "one stop shop" for those individuals wanting information.
2. My reader will probably have general information abut my topic and will be searching for more information. What they are looking for depends on who my reader is. My readers could be anyone from an expert in the field to someone just getting started within the industry. My paper will satisfy their needs in different ways. An expert may learn nothing when a beginner may find every bit of information to be of use.
3. Again it depends on my reader what they already know. If Lee Yarger were to read my paper it would probably be very elementary to him and he would probably find a flaw here or there. It could serve as somewhat of a tool for experts to look at an understand where the industry may be headed in the future with the way I present the information. A reader who is new too the subculture may no absolutely nothing
4. I want my readers to learn how someone from my background and my experiences feel about the subculture and how it is reflected in my eyes. This will allow experts to get an idea of things that may need improvement as well as things that are working well within the industry. For those who aren't as experienced as me, I want to show them a wide range of opportunity that the industry presents, as well as the joy that it can bring to an individual who takes pride and enjoyment in what they do. Also showing how someone in the industry can touch the lives of someone else will be a goal.
5. They should be persuaded fairly easily. My experience within the community will validate my credibility.They would have know reason to discredit any of my writing.
6. My readers will use my writing for as an overview of what the industry is.

W8

The main theme of my paper revolves around how swimming is underestimated and how the aquatic industry is very under appreciated. Talking about the common relationship shared among those in the industry will also be another theme my paper will revolve around. When speaking with members of the community, it is common that they mention someone else within the industry that is well known. Everyone knows everyone within the industry. Its like a distant family.
In regards to if my position within the subculture has changed; the answer is no. I am still as involved as before, but have moved away from the athlete image and more to the coaching/ administration image. Other than that there isn't much more to say in response to your question. I have discussed the themes as well as my position within the community. Other than that there isn't much left to say

Giving Back W7

The result of this project will not be as beneficial to my subculture as what I have already done for it. Writing a research paper is not going to grant anymore funding to swim teams. The only thing that will benefit from it is my grade, hopefully. I have done more for my subculture than most I know, at least in regards to the field site I am studying. I have swam, coach, officiated, guarded, and saved a dying program as I have previously stated to you. The community needs more publicity. Too often is the swimming world silenced by steroid scandal and big paychecks of other sports. This paper, unless I am mistake, will gain no publicity and will assist the community very little. The only thing that would be beneficial of the paper is my own education and furthered experience that will one day in the future have an affect on the community through my involvement. Other than what I have just stated, little will affect my subculture with the completion of this project.

Survey

http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=0v3x3zswaid7l38550027

Groundwork Activity

1. It is difficult to remember my first impression of either my high school pool or the city pool i worked at for so many years because of my intense involvement with those places since my introduction. I remember in Elementary school walking down to the pool for the swim lessons each class would take part in. I remember the humidity and heat in the locker room and how unbelievably potent the chlorine smell was. Even to this day if I haven't been around the pool for a while and walk into the pool I can smell that familiar smell and it takes me back to my first grade days. Whether this is something others experience, I am not sure. It may just be something that is instilled in me because of my passion for the people and place. My first experience with the city pool however was different. Being my first job I wasn't able to enjoy the pleasure as I was with the other pool because I wanted to make sure I was doing what I was suppose to . Now on the other hand I would love going to work and interacting with the patrons and feel extremely comfortable within the space
2. My feeling around my high school pool. At one time they were fear and nervousness, but now after my success within the sport they are confident and at times arrogant. I go back daily to coach diving and see some of the high schooler that I once swam with. I never let them forget how good I once was. Even to the point where I've been challenged to races even now after being "retired" for nearly a year, I can still get in the water and show them up. My confidence level are usually very low. I don't say much. But when I am there, it is my house and everyone knows that. I am entitled to my confidence there because people know the amount of work I put and still put into the program.
3. Its hard to talk about how I am an outsider, because I haven't been one since sixth grade. When I first joined the team I was welcome with open arms because I brought some diving talent to a team that desperately needed it. Being welcomed as such never gave me the opportunity to feel like an outcast. There have been times though when things haven't gone well between myself and the new coaching staff, and they tried to turn my own team against me. I felt like an outsider for a while simply because of the effort I had put in and to be treated that way wasn't right. Lucky others realized that I was right and the new coaching staff was wrong and sided behind me. I was an outsider for a very short time so it is difficult to explain how I felt during that short time frame.

Mini-Annotative Bib. W6

Griffith, Matthew and Walker, Joseph PhD. "Reaching a Higher Level." Aquatics International January 2009: 62-64.

• This article talks about lifeguards reaching a higher level of awareness while on duty through routine exercises than enhance their scanning abilities
• This article will come into use in my mini- ethnography during my section talking about lifeguards and the safety aspects associated with the aquatics industry. Within the article there are several quotes I plan on using in my paper

Smith, J.B. "Be Like Mike." Aquatics International January 2009: 22-24.

• This article discusses the recent media attention the field has gotten through the success of Michael Phelps. It talks a little about how the sport of swimming has changed throughout the years
• A section of my paper will cover the public perceptions of swimming and the aquatic field and parts of this article will support my stance that it is currently becoming more and more publicized

Yarger, Leland and Dalcher, Steven P. "The Instructor's Role in Aquatic Education: Some Personal Observations." International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education (2008): 266-269.

• This article, written by two BSU profs., talks about the importance of facility management as well as the different techniques used to manage aquatics settings. It discusses methods that in the authors eyes are incorrect and methods that should be used in order to benefit the facility which will in turn benefit the patrons
• A large section of my paper will cover the managerial aspects of the aquatic industry. Considering Ball State is the leader inh aquatic education it is only fitting that I cite information from two of the industries leaders in regards to how to lead a facility

Focal Point

One of the main focal point of my field site, a pool, would be...well the pool. The actual pool, the hole with the water in it. Not the room, not the deck, nor the stands, but the actual pool. Blue walls and floors with black lane lines running throughout its length. The cool water splashing over the gutter. The reflection of the sunlight that is cast throughout the room. 4 feet to 12 feet. 25 yards long. Home in a way. This is where the winners win and the losers lose. Dreams are made and broken. The place where you practice at 5 in the morning. A place you hate, yet love.

There is no question that my perspectives influence the way I see my site. I have spent so much time there and know every piece of it. I painted the walls and the floor two years ago. My signature is on that thing...No seriously 12 feet down on the bottom near the drain is my signature. I look at the pool, like a said before, as both heaven and hell. There have been days I hated getting in that water, but for the most part I love it. I'm sure my perspectives would differ from that of a football player, who would probably consider a pool nothing more than "big hole with water inside"...sorry to demean any football players out there. No one knows my field site better than I do.

Fall Break

Every year for Fall Break my entire family goes to Gatlinburg, TN for three or four days. Usually we rent a cabin up in the mountains and stay there. No matter where we stay or what happens during the day there are always some things that remain constant. For example, during the drive down to Tennessee it always seems to be cold in the morning so you usually start off with a sweatshirt but as the day goes on around noon, somewhere in Kentucky, the sun begins to shine through the window and you get that really warm feeling; not an uncomfortable one but just that soothing warming feeling. Feeling the pressure in your ears as you drive up the mountain is another common feeling due to the increasing altitude. When we arrive there is always a smell of firewood and trees. Maybe its being at a higher altitude but its like taking fall and turning it into a smell and that's what you have. Somewhat damp leaves on the ground. Each cabin smelling rustic and different from the one you were at before. Usually in the mornings my grandparents have coffee brewing which sends an aroma through the cabin that gently awakens everyone. In the evenings the crackling of burning firewood can be heard. Out on the deck the floor boards vibrate from the nearby hot tube that is circulating. The gentle smell of chlorine resonating from it. And after all of this rest and relaxation we head home. Meeting the local people whose job it is to entertain the tourists, who all seem to be nicer than anyone you've ever met before. Usually the last day is a quite one. First we all stop at the traditional pancake place for breakfast then begin the long drive home.

Week 5: Staying on Task?

In response to staying on task, I'm not sure how I could get off task or forget about doing things for my subculture considering I write about it nearly every day. I'm not the type of writer that writes a bunch of nonsense ahead of time in hopes it will make my paper better, but unfortunately that is what I'm constantly being asked to do so I'll just have to accept it.

Here's my plan: Read some journals, talk to some people, write my paper. I know that probably isn't what a professor is wanting to hear but that's what works for me. My reasons for not doing further research is because I probably already know that stuff. Yes, their are some things I need to research more (i.e. maintenance of pools, budgeting, etc.) but these questions will be answered in my interviews, which I've stated before.

When I'm at my field site I am working. I am coaching and am very involved in the community of swimming (which I've stated before). I go to meets, interact with athletes and other coaches, and observe things I've been observing for years. None of this is new to me and that may be where my hostility is coming from considering I'm sick of taking time to repeat myself over and over and over again when I could be researching. So I'm not so sure if the question is whether we're on task or not, its whether the task we've been stuck on is the correct one... Wow I feel better for venting now. I really just need to conduct my interviews, compile my research and knowledge and sit down and write this paper.

Revisited

The pool, your breath is taken away by the strong aroma of chlorine.
The humidity against your skin as though your in a tropical paradise.
The cool dampness of the tile deck against bare feet
The refraction of light and water dancing on the wall.
The splashing of swimmers arms as the exit then reenter the water over and over again.
The loud explosive sound made by the diving board as divers practice for their next competition
The muffle of the crowd
The nervous anticipation in the pit of your stomach
The event is announced and your name is called
The climb onto the starting block
The official says take your mark
The buzzer sounds
And you swim as though there's no tomorrow

Dog Town and Z-Boys: The Birth of Extreme

Notes:

• Considered by insiders to be a "revolution"
• Passion for skating, not for fame
• Dog town was dirty, filthy place, yet considered to be paradise to insiders
• Inhabited by surfers
• Surf Shop opened creating a unique style and a one of the kind shop
• Jeff Ho- surfer board maker, pushed the limits to surf board technology. Personalized surf boards.
• Zephyr Surf Team- rebels to the sport. Boards were different and styles were different
• Venice, California- amusement on the water, became condemn and fell apart. Affected the community.
• Insiders were very wary of outsiders. Not allowed in. Zephyr team put on a pedestal within the community. Provided a place to go for kid who didn't have anything else.
• Served as its own little community
• Skate boards formed out of surf boards with wheel and for land.
• Skate boarding disappeared in the '65, became unpopular
• Urethane wheel allowed skaters more options
• The surfers of Zephyr turned into skaters when waves stopped.
• Local school were built with asphalt embankments that provided great location for skaters
• In the eyes of the skaters, "style" was the most important thing. All possessed surf styles but all brought different styles
• Due to Californian drought in the 70s many pools were not filled with water, providing great location for skaters

Response to questions:

1. I feel this is an ethnography as well as a piece of entertainment, because it describes the rituals, customs, beliefs, and habits of this unique group of people but at the same time provides it in an interesting format
2. The people interviewed were those who this subculture is about directly. These people are more creditable than any others considering they made the subculture
3. The ideals they all share about surfing and skating. They're passion for the sport as well as the importance in their minds of everyone bringing their own style. Not only did they participate in the sport they also produced things for the sport. For example new kinds of technology the evolved the subculture
4. The piece is set up chronologically from the origins of the group to their prime. Also prior to doing either of these the viewer is introduced to the subcultural site. All of which is an effect way to inform the viewer of necessary information
5. I really didn't have any foregone stereotypes about these skaters. Skater in general (or at least those of the Midwest) tend to appear all the same. Baggy close into drugs but these skaters are the real deal and any preemptive stereotype is null and void since they invented the subculture of people
6. Ethos-I trust what I'm being told. All of the info seems accurate and not contradictory. Pathos- doesn't really give me an emotional response. Logos- discussed above

More Wonderful Stuff About My Subculture

As of right now I can make many conclusions about my subculture since I have been involved in the community of swimming for so many years. For example I can conclude that many of my interviews will be impersonal and on friendly level. I can also conclude many of the rules and dialect that take place in the swimming world. I can make numerous conclusions about a variety of things but list all of them at this point in time would make my final paper pointless.

In response to whether or not my subculture will differ depending on location; it will not. Maybe if I traveled to the other side of the country but pretty much anything that goes on at my cultural site will be the same thing that is going on at most other pools. The people will hold similar positions and act according knowing the rules and expectations placed upon them. Most pools in the Midwestern United States and the rest of the country will share similar rituals and customs.

Privileges

Privileges I have:
-American- more freedom than other countries
-Male- historical superiority to other genders
-Young Adult
-White- historical superiority to other races. Unfortunately historical oppression of others too
-Middle Class- not much of a privilege in today's society
-Mid-West
-Freedom of speech, religion, etc.
-College Student- Higher education
-High School Grad
-Former Athlete
-Coach
-Family support


In Relation to my Subculture:
The Aquatic world shares many of the same characteristics that I possess. For example many of the leading people in the field share similar fixed positions as my own. Many are white. it is rare to see a black swim coach or aquatic director though it is common that the majority are white. Gender really doesn't matter in the aquatic world. Both male and females can achieve equally success. Being a young adult has both its pros and its cons in respect to the field. Entering the field at a young age is beneficial for the future but is difficult in the beginning. The typical age range can be between 20 an 60. It covers a wide range of ages. Regional and religious view have no correlation with my subculture. My background within the field, swimming, diving, coaching, officiating, etc, is an advantage because many in the field will lack the certifications and experiences that I possess.

Progress

1. The research I have started so far includes reading several Aquatic Journals and magazines. Also informally speaking with fellow coaches and swimmers about when interview times would be available
2.Questions I plan on asking in the interview vary depending on the person because of the diversity of people I plan on speaking with and listing them would take two day and be way too much repetitious work. Most questions will be to answers I don't already have otherwise there would be no point in interviewing them
3. I have visited my cultural site. I visit it daily so it the shock and awe factor isn't really there anymore. Its a pool. Smells like a pool. Hot like a pool. I listed more description in Essay #1 for the class. Questions in regards to the facility will be asked in the interview with the maintenance director of the facility
4.In response to whether or not I've done academic research refer to my #1 answer
5. And lastly, yes there is a difference between academic and non academic research. Academic research involves reading, books, articles, stuff like that. Non academic research involves personal experiences that more than likely cannot be documented in print

Formation of a thesis

Why should people be interested in my subculture?
I don't care if they're interested or not. There interest isn't the reason I'm righting this; my GPA is the reason I'm righting this. If they want to be open minded and understand something other than football and basketball then they'll be interested

Why is my subculture important?
It important to me because I've spent my entire life around pools and the swimming/diving and the water. My major is Aquatics and thats what I plan to do with the rest of my life; that reason alone holds enough importance

What should outsiders know?
They should know that there is this whole other world out there under the water and that involves that water. More that half of the world is formed of water, as is the human body, one would think people would show more interest fr such a thing that has such an impact on their lives. Granted I'm talking more abot swimming and pool, but doesn't everyone swim or know someone who swims. Shouldn't people understand the importances of the water, how is works, and how to conrol it safely

Research Plan

When will I use the Library?
I'm not really sure when I plan to visit the library, because any sources that I need I already have access too. Aquatics journals, Aquatics magazines, Swimming/Diving rules and regulations, and for the sources that I don't have I would most likely find them from my cultural site or the Aquatics chairperson at the university. I'm not sure how helpful the library would be in reference to swimming and pools

How man interviews will I conduct?
I can think of several people I need to talk to. For example, an aquatics director, swim coach, swimmer, IHSAA official, pool maintenance operator. All of these I have immediate access to as well so interviews will not be a problem

When do I plan to visit my cultural site?
I visit my cultural site everyday. I coach and am at a pool 5 days a week at least.

Fieldsite

The fieldsite I have chosen is more than likely a pool or aquatic facility. Being involved in the swimming world in the past I fully understand what it is I will encounter when I do my fieldwork. Feeling the humidity, smelling the chlorine, and the simple comfort the sound of the water brings is something that I can sense even as I write.
I hope that by visiting different aquatic facilities I gain a better realization of how the subculture of swimmers are influenced by there surrounding as well as how the fieldsites change according to specific pools. Learning the answers to questions such as does their mood change when entering the pool, what things do they look for in aquatic facilities that make some better than the rest, and other pieces of information I pick up while there. Being an insider to this subculture will ease the troubles of some of these things but I'm sure there is more out there I have yet to learn

My Subculture and Postions

Dealing with the subculture of aquatics/swimming I may have some predisposed positions. The reason I decided to choose this subculture is because I have been and still am involved in the aquatic world. Listing any fixed positions that may influence my writing is difficult because age, race, nationality hardly define and limit someone researching the aquatic world. Though participating in the sport in the past is a definite advantage and is probably the most influential of my subjective positions. Other subjective positions I have not only include me being a former swimmer but also my current status of being an Aquatic major, dive coach, and IHSAA Swimming/Diving official. Though these positions influence my writing they should only drive me to understand more about the field in which I’m interested instead of deterring my research.

Making the Ordinary Extraordinary

I want to examine my daily morning routine of waking up, getting ready, and going to class but not in the eyes of just any culture that differs from our own, but in the eyes a culture that proceeded our own. I want to analyze my typical morning in the eyes of someone from the late 1800s and perceive the ways in which I do thing according to their place in time; a time before automobiles, universal indoor plumbing, and many other things that inadvertently lead to the culture Americans as accustom to today.

I awaken at approximately 8:00am, not to the sound of horse hooves on the cobblestone pavement outside my open window, but instead to the ear piercing sound of this boxed shaped object with the time displayed on it. After tapping various buttons end the annoyance, I rise from my bed only to have my bare feet be met by rug that covers the entire floor; I am told this is called “carpet”, instead of the traditional hardwood floor.
I make my way to the bathroom to find something other than a freestanding wash tub. After standing under falling water for several minutes, I get dressed in rather odd clothing, much lighter material than that in which I am accustom, all seeming to display a name of a person on the front, back, sleeves anywhere it will fit; like Hollister or Abercrombie & Fitch.
After making my way to the kitchen only to be disappointed by the lack of fresh ingredients, I simply skip breakfast in its entirety. In order to get to class, I am told that I must take my mustang…though I never did find that horse; I instead rode with a friend in his “automobile” a horseless carriage.
After my arrival on campus I find that people are much more to themselves than expected. Instead of the usual “good morning” or “good day” from most passersby, I receive little acknowledgement if any, noticing that most simply stare at the ground are look right through you. The society I was familiar with is no longer existent. It is as though people’s houses are their islands and they travel from island to island in their cars without any interacting with other people.

My Writing Style

Question: Write about a paper (any paper) you have written in the past. What was your process when writing the paper? (Did you have music playing in the background, did you write the paper the night before, did you outline or just start writing, etc.) What “type” of paper was it? (Creative piece, research paper, lab report, book report, etc.?) What do you feel is the difference between editing and revising?


Response:
Choosing a paper to talk about is difficult, not only have I forgot some of those I have written but mainly because there have been so many. One memorable paper I've written in the past was a trend analysis discussing the ways in which sex, and the discussion of sex, has become less of a taboo subject in American culture.
Understanding that the focus of my paper would be covering many decades I understood that in depth research would be crucial to the papers success. Prior to doing the necessary research, I decided that I wanted to organize my paper chronologically while discussing important situations and people that helped progress the sexual revolution. After retrieving my needed material for the paper I began writing two days prior to the paper's deadline, as I do with most papers.
I don't consider it procrastinating, but more time to allow me to think about the topic in which I'm writing. It makes no since to write a paper as soon as its assigned only to revise it seventeen times before turning it in only to realize that its original content is no longer existent. I allow myself time for ideas and insights to come to me prior to sitting down and writing. Another personal writing style I possess, is writing the paper all at once. I like to sit alone at my desk, usually with calming piano music in the background, and throw everything I have onto paper organizing it as I go along. After everything is one paper I go back and make the necessary editing, replacing simple words with more complex words, and allowing the paper to flow better.
In my opinion the definition of editing lies more with grammatical structure and word usage rather than with ideas and concepts. When I "revise" a paper its usually because I've thought of a different direction I want to take it. Revision, I feel, deals more with the overall paper and the message it is suppose to convey.