My name is Nicole and I am 21 years old, a college student, and a part of Generation X. I am acquainted with the newest technology, utilize all forms of social networks, passionate to connect with others, and motivated by meaning. All these characteristics keep me informed with what’s going on in the world. And in the world, specifically the United States, I maintain my presence in society by investigating and researching what is going on around me. I wanted to interview two individuals from different backgrounds and races to grasp their perspective on gun control in America.
▪ Why did you choose the interviewee(s) you chose with the theme you chose?
I chose to interview my mother, Terryl and my big sis in my sorority Brooke. I look up very much to my mother. She has expressed many words of wisdom throughout my youth and her opinions and views on life I incorporate into our own. We do not usually talk about world issues or social injustices in America. I thought it would be great to interview my mother because I value her attitude and feelings and would like to gather her take on gun control and the Charleston shooting. Brooke on the other hand is African American and represents younger demographic of Americans. I wanted to perceive the traumatic event through her eyes and how this affects her and her family. I believe these two individuals from different demographics and geographic places would have been valuable interviewees.
▪ What was the context of the interview(s) - location, atmosphere, etc.
My mother and I spoke in our home office. It is cozy and comfortable would I thought she would appreciate that atmosphere while speaking on such difficult topics. Brooke and I, however, spoke on the phone. She currently resides in Orange County, CA and I am at home in Northern California. We established a time for our phone call after we were both done with work and had an unlimited amount of time to speak.
▪ What themes emerged from your interview(s)?
The themes I recognized fear and confusion. Fear in the unknown and control of others. We cannot dictate other people’s actions and motives which make us scared to trust our fellow Americans and our government. They expressed a sense of confusion as to why these shooting events occur and why now is the government speaking about it.
▪ What were some difficulties conducting the interview?
The most difficult was maintaining focus with my interviewees. The questions made them really face their moral and values so sometimes they would get off track of questions that were a bit difficult to answer. And technologically, it was difficult to conduct an interview on the phone to see how my interviewee was feeling through her body language.
▪ In what ways did this course prepare you to help tell this composite story?
This course prepared me not to be fearful of speaking my mind when I know I know I will receive backlash. Our reading materials sometimes dealt with social issues and forced us to face our feelings. The unfortunate incident n Charleston, SC is an event that needs to be vented about. For us to move forward and make a change, not only does the government need to express their views but the citizens of America as well.
I chose to interview my mother, Terryl and my big sis in my sorority Brooke. I look up very much to my mother. She has expressed many words of wisdom throughout my youth and her opinions and views on life I incorporate into our own. We do not usually talk about world issues or social injustices in America. I thought it would be great to interview my mother because I value her attitude and feelings and would like to gather her take on gun control and the Charleston shooting. Brooke on the other hand is African American and represents younger demographic of Americans. I wanted to perceive the traumatic event through her eyes and how this affects her and her family. I believe these two individuals from different demographics and geographic places would have been valuable interviewees.
▪ What was the context of the interview(s) - location, atmosphere, etc.
My mother and I spoke in our home office. It is cozy and comfortable would I thought she would appreciate that atmosphere while speaking on such difficult topics. Brooke and I, however, spoke on the phone. She currently resides in Orange County, CA and I am at home in Northern California. We established a time for our phone call after we were both done with work and had an unlimited amount of time to speak.
▪ What themes emerged from your interview(s)?
The themes I recognized fear and confusion. Fear in the unknown and control of others. We cannot dictate other people’s actions and motives which make us scared to trust our fellow Americans and our government. They expressed a sense of confusion as to why these shooting events occur and why now is the government speaking about it.
▪ What were some difficulties conducting the interview?
The most difficult was maintaining focus with my interviewees. The questions made them really face their moral and values so sometimes they would get off track of questions that were a bit difficult to answer. And technologically, it was difficult to conduct an interview on the phone to see how my interviewee was feeling through her body language.
▪ In what ways did this course prepare you to help tell this composite story?
This course prepared me not to be fearful of speaking my mind when I know I know I will receive backlash. Our reading materials sometimes dealt with social issues and forced us to face our feelings. The unfortunate incident n Charleston, SC is an event that needs to be vented about. For us to move forward and make a change, not only does the government need to express their views but the citizens of America as well.