Objective

• Create an understanding for values other than my own
• Explore the idea that values can be represented through the way people behave and dress themselves
• How are different values represented throughout society

I took one of our beautiful Eugene days to sit in the courtyard and watch people pass by. I find people watching to be very entertaining because you can make judgements and assumptions off people simply by looking at their clothing or observing their body language. I was very excited to partake in this activity.

Someone who first caught my attention was a guy on a skate board who came by me pretty fast and grabbed a spot on the lawn. He had tattoos up and down his arm, some were names and one was a lady holding a baby. To me this suggests that maybe he has brothers or sisters and the lady in the picture may have been his mother. This is of course just an assumption because he looked like he could be my age, around 19 and I would not expect someone my age to have a family of their own yet. His skate board may symbolize that he does not walk to class or drive and he is fairly athletic. He came to the courtyard alone and began reading on the grass, maybe for a class or maybe for personal enjoyment. Overall, I got a feeling that he was happy based on his facial expression and his open body movements.

Next, I saw a girl who appeared to be my age with what looked like blonde hair that may have been dyed a few different times. I can relate to dying my hair many times and I did it to fit it, perhaps she felt the same way. She was walking a girl and holding her hand, which implies a possible relationship with another girl. This shows that she is proud of her sexuality and that she is confident in her differences from the typical college girl on our University of Oregon campus.

Finally,  the next person who caught my eye was a man. He was older, maybe around the age of 55-55. He had grey hair and was riding his bike wearing faded jeans and a white short sleeve shirt. I see older people around campus rarely, but to me I see an individual that is coming back to finish their education and accomplish goals they have set for themselves. This man was cleanly shaven and was wearing a backpack with a smile on his face. He seemed happy and full of life, which was very inspiring. We often associate college with kids ages 18-22 and it is nice seeing there is no age limit on your education. I also admire adults who come back to college because they usually are working and going to school at the same time, which is not easy.

Reflection

Being a teenage college girl, this excise was very beneficial for me. It forced me to think about someone other than myself. I got to observe people from a different point of view and try to observe their values strictly through the way they behave in public and dress themselves. Living on a college campus I often find myself thinking that all of us are the same, when really that is not the case.

Future

I hope after this activity that I will continue to have an open mind and acknowledge the fact that not every one is the same. People have different values and I plan on thinking about that the next time I make a judgement or stereotype about and individual.

This photo was take on the lawn where I was sitting when I was doing my people watching. I did not take this photo.