Additionally, many were on their cell phones; it seemed like they were purposely trying to find ways to keep them from interacting with each other. This showed a clear disconnect between the different subgroups that are in such close proximity of one another. Only a few actually spoke to each other, and when this was observed it was typically using only brief statements. Social manners say a lot about a society's culture. Watching what interactions that did take place showed the clear signs of what is acceptable within this society. People would ask each other questions with polite statements ending in "please" and "thank you." This signifies a sense of manners, but also a sense of coldness that only is present within interactions between strangers. The interactions between these individuals were very formal, showing a use of language that separated the individuals from other members of society who might otherwise belong to different sub-groups. Although these members belonged to the same society, they may have been from different class backgrounds, which complicate their ability to relate to one another. There were some individuals dressed in professional attire, who seemed in more of a rush and less likely to engage in conversation with the strangers around them. Others were dressed more casually, and seemed...
This shows how behaviors can be tied to the construction on individual identities. How one looks helps one decides on how to behave. Thus, our understanding of ourselves in consort with the world around us is an important factor in how we determine our actions.
Overall, the subcultures within the larger were on display that morning in the coffee shop. Everyone was part of the same society, yet they were so distant from one another based on their own understanding of their identity and how their class and ethnicity played into it. This exercise was an interesting one because it showed more of the divisions within our society that we deal with on a daily basis, rather than the commonalities we share.
References
Eichberg, Henning. (2010). How to study body culture: Observing human practice. International Society of Eastern Sports & P.E. Web. http://www.isdy.net/pdf/eng/national_04.pdf
Engel, Claudia a. & Ebron, Paulla a. (2004). Mapping key concepts in cultural anthropology. Concept Maps: Theory, Methodology, Technology. Web. http://cmc.ihmc.us/papers/cmc2004-029.pdft
O'Neil, Dennis. (2006). What is culture? Palomar University. Web. http://anthro.palomar.edu/culture/culture_1.htm
