Overview
Oral history involves interviewing a person, in depth, to get an insider perspective into what it has been like to experience life events from a certain point in history and/or from a certain cultural perspective. In this case, you will be interviewing someone of a particular ethnic/cultural group and learning about how being part of that group (or groups) has affected their identity and life experience. Please note that you will interview someone with a different cultural background than yours. The person you choose may be a friend, a work colleague, a classmate, or anyone you feel you can have a candid and in-depth interview with. You must choose someone with whom you can maintain some degree of objectivity. Your focus will be on their life experience as a person from their social identity living in the United States (as a Middle Eastern American, as a Mexican American, as an older cisgender male, etc.).
Written Requirements
This paper will consist of two main sources of information:
· A summary of your interview responses · A minimum of three references to course readings about the ethnic and/or cultural group background of your interviewee and their assimilation in the United States. o What have you learned about the life experience of this person? What are some of the main factors that shaped this person’s identity? How do their experiences reflect their group or cultural identity? o How does this connect with and support your understanding of how identity develops and shapes each person’s experience and the experiences of groups?ntegrate course related concepts into your paper (i will you take away from this? How will it impact your work with people? Are there specific points that you will carry with you in your work? How did the course readings help you consider this? (e.g. intersectionality, oppression, social identity, internal oppression, colorism).
This paper should be 4 - 6 typed, double spaced pages. You may choose to add photos or other visuals to your 4 – 6 page typed paper. Include a complete reference page in APA format. Sample Interview Questions 1. What is your full name, date and place of birth? 2. How would you describe your social identities? 3. How do the many identities of your interviewee intersect and overlap: sexuality, gender, ethnicity, class, race, history, age, religion, spirituality, education, language, heritage... 4. Please tell me about these aspects of your culture: · History (immigration history, significant historical events, etc.) · Social status of the group in the mainstream U.S. culture (Experiences of oppression, social exclusion as a group? Experiences of privileged status in society?) · Social group interaction patterns: Intragroup (within group relations), and Intergroup relations (between this group and other groups). · Significant values of this group as a whole · Language and Communication (Verbal/Non-Verbal) · Family life (gender roles, traditions, cultural norms, etc.) · Healing beliefs and practices · Religion (if applicable) · Art and expressive forms (dance, music, writing) · Diet/Foods · Recreation · Fashion/clothing 5. What are some of the most powerful memories that you have (good or bad) about being a member of your ethnic and/or cultural group? 6. What is the hardest thing about being a member of this ethnic and/or cultural group? Did your group experience social injustice, if so please elaborate. 7. What are you most proud of as a member of your group? 8. What do you think society misunderstands or is mistaken about your ethnic and/or cultural group? Is there current issues of oppression and injustice being experienced by your group