@Smilesgalore, I can't speak for anyone but myself, but you didn't make me uncomfortable, nor did I think you were trying to hurt my or anyone else's feelings. But perhaps that misses the point of engaging in this type of discussion. Often, the most valuable and transformational revelations come about in the midst of being uncomfortable. Attempting to box discussion into a comfortable, non-threatening framework tends to keep people so comfortable that they not only avoid allowing their own presuppositions to be challenged to the point of transcendence, but being driven by the desire to keep everyone else comfortable as well as part of the social agreement translates into the equivalent of a nice back-rub in an upscale spa: sure does feel good, but no learning takes place -- and the recipient tends to go right back out into the world making the same mistakes they made that led them to need a massage in the first place.
I get that you're here to engage in some interactive field research. I've had my own share of sociological-type coursework. Find another culture to observe. Do the observation. Then write about it as if one is just an omniscient non-participant. Or, in some cases, like your assignment appears to be, the observer also engages in a little directed commentary in which the observer doesn't remain entirely aloof. Given that you're not just taking notes on us, though, maybe the experience would be more enriching for all of us if you would give us more of a window into your own soul. You've let us know you're observing us; how about making it reciprocal by telling us a lot more about yourself.
what are your hobbies and interests?
