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SOCIOLOGY
Wow…what a great adventure it’s been so far and we‘re only 4 days in. Technically, I’m an administrator on this trip, but those of you who know me know that I pretty much always keep my sociology lens turned to “on.” To say it’s been all sociology all the time would not fall far from the truth. We’ve had sociological conversations not just during class time or while touring cultural sites, but in the van en route, over meals, late into the evening.
And, it’s been a real joy to have students (and Ken) welcome me into the conversation. Our students are so incredible…a good-natured bunch who are easy to laugh, but they take their learning seriously. When we were all running on empty the other night in Little Rock, we still had post-midnight discussion because we needed to process our experiences…we wanted to do it. Or, last night when we'd planned to come "home" early but got to thinking..."Gee, I wonder how they market Bourbon Street and New Orleans to upper class people. Let's go to the Ritz Carlton and see what we can learn." (And so we did!)
So, parents, know that I think your children are fantastic. As Cory said, we are academic pioneers discovering new lands right here in our own beautiful country.
How great is that?
You all are amazing (insert enormous amounts of envy here)...I cannot imagine a greater USA learning experience!
ReplyDeleteHey Andi!
ReplyDeleteI was just reading/commenting on one of Rashina's posts that made me think about India, and then read your post where you call the group "academic pioneers discovering new lands right here in our own beautiful country." It made me wonder how your experience as a tourist in your own country is different from your experience as a tourist in India/Other parts of Asia/all the other wonderful places you have been? And have your tourist experiences in those other countries shaped your tourist experiences of the US in any noticeable/significant ways?
Hope all is well and that you are all finding time and energy within your action packed schedule to enjoy yourselves!
-Heather
Ooooooh, great question and one that I'll think about as I drift off to sleep. It has been a good experience to look at the US with that "traveler's eye" and a sociological one as well. In many ways, my travels here are similar to those elsewhere...as I am looking for what is unique, interesting, and beautiful...and that's what I am finding. In India, people cooked for me, offered me help, gave me their time and care (such as when I had food-poisoning). So it is here. So, while I think that hope and generosity are two of the defining qualities that are emerging here, they have defined my previous travels, too. So, maybe they are human qualities more so than American ones? Thanks for reading and asking! Would love to hear more from you.
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