Saturday September 20, 2008 (3:00pm-4:00pm):
Observation- I live right across the street from the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park which resides in Simi Valley, CA. I thought it would be interesting to walk my dog (Betty) to the park and see what fascinating people/animals we could find on our little excursion.
We crossed the street and entered the park from the soccer field entrance. There were two children kicking around a soccer ball with someone who seemed to be their dad. The father ran to his children and messed his hair with his hand. Any outside viewer could tell that this was a bonding experience between the father and his children. While passing the field and entering the park I notice all of the runners and joggers trying to fit in their exercise for the day. One man in particular was so focused on what he was doing. His eyes where straight forward the whole time (I know this because he lapped Betty and I three times!) As we were walking through the park’s trail I noticed a woman who was walking her two “weenie” dogs of leash. In her hands she was carrying a plastic bag filled with nuts. The woman took a nut from her bag and carefully bent to her knees. A squirrel came dashing over and took the nut from her hand. In no time the creature was joined by three of his other furry friends each taking a nut from the woman’s palm. I have seen the woman countless times before, but never long enough to see what was in the plastic bag until now. As we were continuing our walk I noticed a family of four petting a brown horse behind its fence. The family dog didn’t look to keen on being near the large animal and was trying to pull away. The funny thing about that is that was same dog I saw earlier barking and pulling its owner toward a squirrel thirty minutes before. Seems like the dog only felt dominant around animals much smaller than him.
Analysis- Raymond Williams said that culture can be the meanings generated by ordinary men and women, the lived experiences of its participants, and the texts and practices engaged in by all people as they conduct their lives (Barker, Cultural Studies pg.43). I found that Williams’ examples of culture really came into play with my observations at the park. Every day we live through our experiences. The means of going to the park and exercising for example is generated by ordinary men and women. Some are there because they believe it will relax them, while others may be doing their daily jog in hopes to lose one more inch off their waist. The woman who was feeding the squirrels may come to the park everyday at 3:30 pm and that may be her way of engaging herself with the lives of others, (not humans maybe, but with animals.) The way we live our lives expresses our ideal values of what we believe culture to be. Runners running, children playing, dogs walking on leashes or without, it all is a part of who we are. It is our culture. Example, why are most dogs on a leash? It’s because our society’s culture tells us that it is safer for the animal and for all those around. Why do we even have park or a place where people can gather? It’s because of culture and I finally realized that through my observations.
