Video Response – Kavita Sawh

I think the interview with Brandon Stanton, the creator of Humans of New York, was quite interesting. He states that he does not intend to be the political voice of any of the people he interviews. The people themselves are the story. He is only interested in what they have to say and what makes them who they are. This made me really think about what our project will be like based on narrative journalism. Contrary to what Stanton stated Humans of New York is all about, our project is using “sociological imagination” to see how and where one story fits into the overall picture. I mean think about it every person’s story is special and extraordinary in one way or another but ultimately they are a part of something much greater. I do understand that Stanton wants to treat the individual as an individual but ultimately if someone is reading a piece, they will generate thoughts and ideas about issues at large, from that one piece. Hence, I think Stanton’s approach of just listening to what an individual has to say is a great way to go about an interview since it is without bias and as a result makes people comfortable in sharing their individual story. However, the political message will automatically happen on its own, with or without intent. This is because people will perceive a piece based on how they see fit and how their values, beliefs, and political views make them see it. Perception is what will allow others reading a narrative piece, like a Humans of New York post, to decipher how that story fits into the underlying issues of society and basically allow it to have a political message.

Both videos touched upon the technique of ethnography and what makes a good ethnographic study. Based on my understanding of both videos, I think to be a good ethnographer means that you have to develop the ability to really connect with your subjects and have a mindset which allows you to become your subjects. Becoming a part of their environment allows you to get a true sense of who they are. In the second video which focused primarily on ethnography, it also stressed how important it is to observe the subject’s environment and not just rely on what the subject says to you. This is because they will not always be fully aware they are doing something. However, interviewing people who are close to them or even looking at artifacts in their home might say otherwise. Being flexible in ethnography is also highly important. An interviewer has to know when their subjects are giving pre-constructed responses and be able to change their questions in a way that allows their subjects to give realistic responses, as Stanton points out in the video. Lastly, establishing good rapport from the very beginning is what will allow ethnography to be successful. Charisma, charm, being genuinely interested and keeping emotions and responses to the subject’s answers consistent, all help to illicit real responses from subjects. I was surprised that even a small action such as singing can allow an interviewee to be comfortable with you. Moreover, I believe to be a good ethnographer you have to make your subjects feel that “Hey, I am human and I can empathize with you. I can be your friend and your confidante.” That way, they can truly express what they feel.