An autoethnography Download autoethnographyis a form of writing that connects personal experiences to broader cultural, social, or political meanings. For this essay, focus on a group that you are a part of, whether it’s a cultural, social, academic, or other type of group. The goal is to analyze how this group has influenced your personal development, values, beliefs, and identity. You need to do this with some depth, using one outside source. Review the Autoethnography Sample Essay Download Autoethnography Sample Essayfor an example.
Essay Objectives:
- Reflect on your personal experiences within the group.
- Analyze how the group has shaped your views, behaviors, and identity.
- Connect your experiences to broader cultural or societal themes.
- Develop a narrative that combines storytelling with critical analysis.
Key Components to Consider:
- How do others perceive your group? What stereotypes exist about the group you identify with? Where do you find these stereotypes? TV? The hallways? Textbooks? Websites?
- How do you perceive your group? Do you like belonging to your group?
- What are the actual perceptions of others as expressed through their writings or through interviews with individuals about your group? This is a good place to incorporate a source!
Essay Instructions:
- Choose a Group: Reflect on the groups you are part of, such as cultural communities, sports teams, academic clubs, religious groups, online communities, workplaces, or even friend circles. Choose one that has significantly influenced you.
- Describe Your Experiences: Choose one or two specific experiences that stand out to you (think events, relationships, traditions, etc.). Use vivid details to give the reader a sense of what it’s like to be part of this group.
- Analyze the Group’s Influence:
- How has the group influenced your values, beliefs, or behaviors?
- Have you adopted certain ways of thinking, speaking, or acting because of your membership?
- Have you experienced any moments of conflict, growth, or change as a result of being in this group?
- Make Connections to Broader Themes:*
- Reflect on Cultural and Social Implications: Consider how your personal experiences within the group connect to larger cultural, social, or historical contexts. For example, if you are writing about being part of a religious community, think about how the group’s traditions reflect broader cultural practices or societal values.
- Explore Norms and Expectations: Think about the social rules or unspoken expectations that exist within your group. What behaviors, attitudes, or values are encouraged or discouraged? For instance, a sports team may prioritize competitiveness, while an artistic community may value creativity and self-expression. How do these norms shape the way you see yourself or others?
- Link to Broader Societal Issues: Consider how your experiences within the group relate to wider social issues, such as diversity, inclusion, gender roles, or social justice. If you are part of a marginalized group, how has that influenced your experiences? Have you encountered stereotypes, discrimination, or microaggressions? Alternatively, if you are part of a privileged group, how has that shaped your perspective? Reflect on how your group’s dynamics may mirror, reinforce, or challenge societal power structures or hierarchies.
*These are examples: you do not need to address each of these themes in your paper.
- Conclude Thoughtfully: Reflect on the ongoing impact of the group. How has your membership continued to shape who you are today? What do you anticipate about its influence in the future?
Essay Requirements:
Length: This essay must be 500-750 words in length.
- Format: Typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins,
- Citations: You need one source for this paper, and it must follow APA 7 citation style,
- Draft: Rough draft is due on Day 5.
- Final: Final draft is due on Day 7.