Yeah, ok. That is what I thought would happen. It would appear a good portion of my Wondering happened at the same time as my Watching. I believe since I already had so many stimulating potential topics (as related in my first post, maybe that should be retitled), it made my Watching phase last about 30 seconds. So, let me see if there are any aspects of Wondering left that I can include in this post.
Ok, here is one. What do I already know about rites of passage? I know they typically boil down into three stages. First, there is a separation of some kind. Boy is taken from his mom and family and gathered with the older males. Second, there is the training. Lessons passed down from the elders and experienced community members. Third, some kind of ceremony or test or recognition that symbolizes the training is complete. Now, is this the formula across time and place, or simply the most well-known version?
What are the potential rites that already exist in America? Receiving your driver’s license is a big step towards independence, but that is not THE event. High school graduation…ehh…that is so much of a cultural expectation that the specialness is lacking. Now, COLLEGE graduation (or finishing graduate school) would be significant. But, I am sure we all know someone who spent their studies drunk half the time or not truly applying themselves. The degree means you can do the work…not if you can do the work in an emotionally/socially balanced way.
Ok, let us look beyond or concurrent to college. Except that is pushing the rite into your twenties, and that is too old. Moving out of your parent’s home is a huge transition. Learning how to keep house, pay all these new bills, would certainly add adult responsibility. Similarly, having a professional full-time job could be a rite, provided you prove successful at it.
Perhaps the ability to attract a mate? Having enough intelligence, social skills, and charm to attract and marry a girlfriend/wife would be good evidence for a mature guy. Except your pet dog can find a mate and surely your mind is more complex than that.
What is the ultimate focus for this inquiry? The master question. I find myself leaning towards a two-part inquiry: Is there a current rite of passage alive today in Western culture? If not, then what would such a process look like?
On the Graphic Inquiry website, there was a list mentioned by Koechlin and Zwann to evaluate research questions.
Focus - Does your question help to focus your research?
Yes. I am not concerned with assigning blame or breaking down why the rites went out of style.
Interest - Are you excited about your question?
Very much!
Knowledge - Will your question help you learn?
Yes. A new definition for adulthood and maturity could result from this.
Processing - Will your question help you understand your topic better?
Yes. It will help me see what themes and lessons are enduring across various different cultures.
Eduscapes. “Graphics and the Inquiry Process.” Graphic inquiry. Accessed on Sept 11, 2011 at http://eduscapes.com/sessions/graphic/graphicinquiry.htm
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