Week Four Response

Kahn's piece wasn't too bad to read. It gave some helpful insight into ethnography that I didn't know and opened possibilities up that I hadn't thought about before as far as resources for writing material. I hadn't thought of using ethnography for the type of writing I like to do and I see now ways that it would be very beneficial.
The part about learning more from firsthand experience than secondhand stood out to me because it put gaining insight into writing material through participation more clearly. It's one thing to read and know, but another to do and understand. That's what leads to remembering and writing that comes from deep connection always turns out more eloquently and profound.
The experience Kahn had when writing about the professor was a good example of the importance to get everyone's perspective. It is something I've been trying to do in my personal life and it makes sense in writing as well. Even if a story is only going to be told from one perspective it will be more authentic if the writer has the proper background.
The information in Kawulich's article gives context to ethnography today by sharing its history and progression. I know from my own experience that simple observation can only tell so much of the story, although the want to understand rather than judge does allow more discovery. But the true story cannot be told without participation. Many changes in society have been accomplished by becoming involved enough to understand the need for change. Similarly, the want to help can be misguided with a lack of truly relating to someone's needs.
Unless writing from only my own feelings, and even so, the need to gain perspective is crucial to writing a relevant story. Although the readings on this subject were lengthy, the content was an important element to strengthening my writing.