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Pages:
4 pages/≈1100 words
Sources:
2 Sources
Style:
MLA
Subject:
Literature & Language
Type:
Research Paper
Language:
English (U.S.)
Document:
MS Word
Date:
Total cost:
$ 17.28
Topic:

Ethnographic Study of the City of New York

Research Paper Instructions:

Purpose
The goal of this assignment is for you to consider a community you know well through the lens of our readings and discussions this semester. Doing so will allow you to consider your own observations in light of course texts, while also evaluating the claims of these texts in light of your own experiences.
It is also an opportunity for you to engage informally in a kind of ethnographic study of your own community and its institutions.
Step One:
Pick a community that you want to consider for this assignment; it can be any place – city, town, neighborhood within a larger city, or even Temple’s campus – that you feel you know well.
Step Two:
Choose a format for this assignment; options include:
A narrative essay of at least four double-spaced pages (minimum 1200 words)
A PowerPoint presentation with narrative (roughly 5-8 minutes; recorded in Zoom or a similar program)
Another medium of your choice, with my approval
Step Three:
In whatever medium you choose, briefly introduce the community you’ve chosen and then consider these questions:
In this community, are there clear categories of “outsiders” and “insiders”? If so, what defines each category? If no clear divisions exist, why do you think that is the case?
Do people in this place have a sense of community spirit? Is there an obligation to support the community or contribute to its well-being?
Who seems to make the decisions in the community? Are there clearly defined leaders? Are the rules for behavior well-defined, or are there unwritten codes of norms that are widely enforced?
Are there any institutions responsible for cultivating or improving the “common good” in the community? What are they?
As you answer these questions, draw direct connections to at least two readings we have done in this course.

Research Paper Sample Content Preview:
Name
Professor's Name
Course
Due Date
Ethnographic Reflection
The City of New York comprises five regions or boroughs, namely Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and The Bronx. However, in 1898, New York City consolidated. The city is known as the world's cultural capital due to its diverse culture. The New York culture has been influenced by many emigrants, including Jewish, Asian, Hispanic, Irish, and Italian settlers from the 20th century. The culture portrays modern living, with many cultural movements initiated there. Being a metropolitan city, New York is considered a top fashion capital, a center of stand-up comedy and dance, and an arts hub that many creatives prefer.
Are there Clear Categories of Outsiders and Insiders?
New York City community does not have clear definitions of insiders and outsiders. Its inhabitants are culturally diverse as most of them are immigrants from all over the globe who brought along their traditions. For this reason, the city is known as the melting point. Being an international city with a high population of inter-ethnic people, everyone is accommodated in this urban center. The metropolis is also an economic hub, and the port has supported its growth by promoting the transit of people and goods.
As a result of the mixed-up population of New York, there are festivals to celebrate the diverse cultures. For instance, the Feast of San Gennaro, which lasts eleven days, celebrates Italian culture and the Italian community in America. Other festivals include the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Diwali for the Hindus, and Hannukah for the Jews. In some parts, international groups from similar origins have come together to form neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Chinatown. These neighborhoods display traditions and food similar to the origin of the people.
Everyone is accepted irrespective of their origin, race, or religion. Food tours and festivals provide an opportunity for people to explore and appreciate different cultures. Various religions and cultures are represented in New York City, making everyone feel included. Several movements, such as the Harlem Renaissance, have brought about positive reforms to acknowledge various communities in New York.
Do People Have a Sense of Community Spirit?
The people of New York lack a sense of community spirit as most people are from different backgrounds. Capitalism is dominant over communism as many people are mainly focused on engaging in economic activities. Capitalism in this city is evidenced by the soaring architectural structures built to symbolize style and urbanization and maximize the available space. There is also an underlying pressure to rise career-wise, causing people in the city to work extra hours. The increasing class of laborers creates competition, forcing the employees to increase their workload so that their efforts lead to a capital increase (Marx and Friedrich). The busy lifestyle denies people enough time to interact and build relations within the community.
Although NYC lacks a sense of the traditional community spirit, various activities unite different groups of people. For instance, the Harlem Renaissance, which occurred in the 1920s, was an African-American cultural movement to revive their music, ...
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