The Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth, Texas! I chose this public space as my Unit 1 topic. There are an endless number of reasons why I chose the Stockyards, but the bottom line was I've been in many public spaces of Fort Worth and many of which I've people watched while I was there except I haven't spent much time at the Stockyards. I find historic places particularly interesting because I always wonder to myself, "what made this place historic?" Some places earn the title of being "historic" while others arguably may have not. Because I have not spent hardly any time in the Stockyards I will ask myself this question when I get there. In my observation I expect to find a lot of stereotypical "Texans" but I also believe I'm going to find many other groups of people. I expect to find "real" ranchers and cowboys but I also expect to find the people who simply bought a pair of boots for the sole reason of "being in Texas." I've heard that the Stockyards are a tourist trap but I don't quite believe that. If they really are then why do I hear so many Fort Worth natives talking about them with such high regard? I believe myself to be neutral when it comes to a target audience of the Stockyards. I am not a cowgirl but I am also not a girl who sits by and let's a chance at riding a bronco or bull slip through my fingers. My plan of action is to go into the Stockyards as a neutral observer as well. I want to keep my eyes open to every detail and possibility so I have no biased opinions towards the things I may be observing. As for now I will sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride that the Stockyards is going to take me on.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Unit 1 Proposal: How 'bout them cowboys?
Posted by Claire M at 7:28 AM
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3 comments:
I think the stockyards is a great idea! I love the pictures you've added to your blog as well. Coming from Colorado I'm sure you'll get a true texas experience. I like how your writing has a lot of personality and it makes it interesting. I'm sure you will find plenty of good arguments and make an interesting paper.
Hey Claire, the stockyards is a great place for social interaction, especially around here in Fort Worth. Most of the people down there are really country so I think it'll be pretty cool to see how they all interact with each other. Billy Bobs and all those other bars and clubs down there I think would be great places to watch how people socialize and I think you'll get a lot of good info. Good luck on on it!
Claire,
You've chosen an excellent location! And I enjoy your inclusion of a photo-- it's good to use all the capabilities of the blog. I haven't been to the Stockyards much either, and I think your unfamiliarity with the space could benefit your project. When we approach a project with a genuine sense of inquiry, we generally produce surprising and compelling results.
AI
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