SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (Professor Roche)

Overview

This assignment will ask that you choose a strategy for aligning yourselves with a marginalized group. This means that you should try to “other” yourself from some social circles in subtle or not-so-subtle ways. You will do this by wearing something that supports a group of people who are structurally marginalized. We will discuss this extensively in class and I will ask you to share your choice long before the paper is due. Please note, you need my approval before moving forward! I will have the final say on what constitutes an ally strategy. Your task is to consider what it is like to be a member of a marginalized group – many of you already belong to such groups, so you might think about choosing a strategy that allies you with someone different from yourselves – but it’s up to you. We will spend plenty of class time reviewing examples of goods strategies so don’t fret! While I understand that this may be out of your comfort zone a bit, please trust me. Getting out of our comfort zones is a good thing! First and foremost, your efforts to be an ally must be presented and worn in a respectful manner. Regardless of your own personal stance on the topic you choose, this experiment is intended to honor the experiences of those who might be marginalized outside of the social milieu. I will ask that you wear something to distinguish yourself as in support of a group of people who are marginalized, then write about it and then offer a sociological analysis of your experiences.

Bear in mind that you should NOT wear something:

• In a setting that might put you at risk • As a joke or a way to make fun of particular groups
• That requires you to dress up, or “fake” who you are

You should wear something as a strategy to:

• Spend time as an ally to a group who is marginalized.
• "Get uncomfortable." When we step out of our comfort zones we are more open to learning.
• Shed light on the experiences of a group that may be marginalized.

Be sure that the strategy that you choose supports a group that may be marginalized. Once you have chosen your strategy for being an ally you must wear it at least three times (some of you will need to wear it more). If you have difficulty engaging about your chosen topic you will need to think of ways to start conversations! Simply walking around the mall or gym may not elicit enough data. When wearing your chosen strategy you will take detailed notes about your experiences as soon as you are able. You may need to find time to write up notes immediately after your experiences, but not during! Your notes should focus on YOUR experiences as well as the reactions of others. You will need to collect two sets of notes to turn in. Your notes about your experiences should be typed, spell-checked, in narrative form (not bulleted), and appended to the back of your paper. In addition to gathering data by wearing your ally piece, you must also connect to the scholarly literature, and locate local resources that address the broad topic associated with your ally piece. More support will be offered to you in class. Our paper will culminate into a group discussion to be held in class towards the end of the semester. We will sit in a circle and share experiences and ideas. You will lose 3 points on your paper if you miss the share back