Isabela Medina
Dr. Kubal
Sociology 176
December 20, 2018
Beauty Queens Backstage
Introduction
I observed the behavior and actions of different members of the Pageant Organization, which is a local branch of the Miss National Pageant Organization. Over two weeks, I attended two community events, as well as a meeting they hosted in the local County. I was able to shadow and analyze behaviors and attitude of the titleholder of Miss Pageant, the Director, and board member/choreographer of the non-profit. Throughout my observation, I discovered that each member has to fill various roles every day. Doing so, they use a slightly different attitude, behavior, and props in order to portray their role and status in different situations they were put to fulfill.
I interviewed a group which is top of the pageant industry whose mission is to empower young women and provide scholarships to support them in continuing their education. I interviewed them within three days to gain knowledge of how the group corresponds to sociological theories. My research includes three days of interviews with three staff members: the supervisor, the lead coordinator, and the student coordinator. I found that all three are comfortable with each other and have positive relationships. I also found out the importance of their group and how it has impacted their lives. The analysis shows five different sociological theories and two-word frequency queries.
I collected a total of 33 documents from the Pageant Organization in which I observed and analyzed the past couple of weeks. The documents indicate information on what the organization has to offer in regards to scholarships, the expectations, as well as newspaper clippings and newsletters from their website. The organization provided these public documents which allowed me to collect more data. This content analysis paper is a useful technique for gathering and analyzing the content of the text. The words, symbols, meanings, ideas, themes, or anything that conveys a message.
Literature Review
Society is developed by interaction, therefore, social reality is more of a constant movement of events in which people interact with one another and without interaction between people, therefore without interaction, society would not exist. Symbolic interaction is a micro perspective and originates from the theorist, George Herbert Mead, but Herbert Blumer developed the overall concept. Social interaction is not more of a theory, yet more of a theoretical framework and a supplemental way of looking at society due to it being focused on individuals. It is made up of society, individualism, agency, as well as a social construction. Within these categories, the core principles are capable of defining the creations of an individual and socialization into a larger community. It is a way to explain social behavior in terms of how people interact with each other with symbols. While humans interact with others, individuals tend to develop their sense of self through the interaction with others. Next, individuals tend to give meaning to things based on our social interactions as well. For example, gestures are apart of the equation in which people use their bodies to communicate with one another people and in every culture of the world, each meaning may vary from one culture to the next in which each gesture may be defined as- known as the significant other. In this case, the significant other may include parents, siblings, authorities, usually during infancy and childhood. During our teen years, our peers may also become our significant others. This will often cause friction between us and our parents during those years. Lastly, the meaning we give something is not perpetual necessarily. We have the capability to change our definitions of things due to everyday experiences. Overall, social interactionism has the ability to examine society on a smaller scale, while giving the individual the same significance and impact as society as a whole.
Phenomenology is quite similar to symbolic interaction, for they are both micro-level studies and include the concept of an agency but they do not analyze individuals and how they react. Sociologist Alfred Schutz branched from Edmund Husserl ideas to study on the social world in detail. Social phenomenologists talk about the social construction of reality. Meaning that we give to different people, objects, things, is all fluid, where the meanings are never concrete. Phenomenological sociologists view social order as a creation of everyday interaction or "here and now" while analyzing conversations to find the methods in which people use in order to maintain relationships. This concept is viewed as common sense or practical knowledge where individuals do things naturally, without having to overthink a concept. We tend to give objects meaning based on our experiences where we classify them in a certain way, while also putting into consideration others' reactions to the objects as well. In some cases, we find that some meanings are universal in which we share different ideas and stories about how a society should function. Regards to diversity, we are constantly surrounded by our in-groups and outgroups. Our in-group is referred to as those where we feel comfortable and we know what to do and how to behave. On contrary, our outgroups are where an individual may feel like a sense of confusion of how to behave, competition or opposition even. This way, it is explained there is no sense of just one reality which exists. Intrigued by social order and the concept of phenomenology came along the idea of ethnomethodology by Harold Garfinkel. This idea focuses on the methods of the people his approach to studying human interaction focuses on the ways in which we make sense of our world, convey this understanding to others, and produce a shared social order.
Erving Goffman's study of one's idea of self is dedicated to the understanding of who we are. What makes you-you? It is all developed of what a role consists of. A role believes all the world is our stage and our social situations are scripts, and we are all actors. Each individual tends to become a performer in any situation they find themselves in while interacting with others. The whole purpose of performing is to have the ability to control their different audiences in order to please them. Goffman portrays self-behavior as different attributes to the Dramaturgical Framework. Other attributions which factor into the roleplaying is feeling compelled to perform for our various audiences. We find ourselves sometimes in situations in which we are unaware of how to behave and go about being "ourselves". Every day we encounter new people which the desired plan of how to please them is unknown therefore becomes uncomfortable. In order to come more into terms of who an individual is, it usually is examined by a self-taken test which anticipates concluding who a person really is. This "Twenty Statements Test" is made up of four modes: A mode- the physical self which is referred by height for example, B mode-which reveals social self which is one's social self, C mode- reflective self or behavior in which we act towards ourselves, and lastly, D mode- oceanic self which involves the different dimensions of the self which does not simply fit into the first three categories, and most likely holistic of oneself. Another concept in which Cooley conducted is the "Looking Glass Self". Within the theory, we tend to think of how we are perceived by others, imagine what other people think of us, and we act to how we believe they expect us to be.
Elements of social exchange take into consideration of self of metaphorically being developed by our performances that play in front of our different audiences. We tend to use people's values to manage the impression of others meaning, we try to give off a very positive, picture-perfect image to create a great image of ourselves as well as maintain it. While surrounding ourselves with others we are not informed of their way of thinking, we hesitate to completely be open we want to perform in the best way as possible to impress our audience. This is known as the dramatic effect. Another concept is in which, we view our self as situated identity. In every different situation, individuals switch roles and have a constant battle of juggling different characters based off of your environments that overall, we have multiple selves. For example, this may be for playing a role in which being a student, sister, daughter, mother, church member, etc. When an individual is at work, they dress professionally in uniform, carry themselves in a professional manner through their props as in their dress attire, language and attitude. The same individual may go to spend time with close relatives where they are much more comfortable in which they do not hesitate to be themselves as much. Although we do have multiple selves does not make it that it is fake, it is just self-concept and its structure in the way we interact with one another.
Methods: Ethnography
Ethnographic research is the first stage of field research where the researcher can discover the cultural characteristics of a group or otherwise, their values, beliefs, behaviors, and language. Choosing the correct setting is vital because this way, you are able to view your group in a natural setting where they are comfortable. In order to gain useful information the setting you choose will determine whether or not, the study will go smoothly. Different factors for the setting you choose is that there is easy accessibility, as in a public space, without an institutional review board (IRB) required, the interest of the potential participants (including the researcher), and the overall cost. Ideally, getting a place to conduct research it is advised to do so where you are already apart of, or in public (Warren & Karner, p. 57).
Having an overall plan of how you are going to be conducting research, it is crucial to be aware of how you plan on presenting your idea to the participants. The first impression is a major part. Your clothing, demeanor, the tone of voice and overall presentation will affect how you will be perceived. It is advised to dress low key (Warren & Karner, p. 62). This leads to Erving Goffman's presentation of self. Social interaction is like a theater, and the people in life are actors play a role on the stage. Goffman portrays self-behavior as various attributes to the Dramaturgical Framework. It is almost as if there is dishonesty in our everyday life, and we are not truly who we really are. He also has the idea that there is not one true self, rather, there are various performing roles which make up a person's true self. (Warren & Karner, p. 63)
Lastly, going "native" or becoming too immersed in a group you are intending to research may be a good thing or even problematic because it may conclude with becoming too sympathetic to the group of people being studied, that objectivity is lost. Because the observer is a participant in the research and events being observed, it is easy to influence other people's behavior (Warren & Karner, p. 88).
I collected my data by observation and participant observation. The data was collected in a building in local County, I observed two different occasions in which the organization was hosting. I observed the Director, the woman who represents Miss County, and a board member who coordinates the girls and trains them for competition (choreographer). I had the opportunity to also shadow each one of the individuals to analyze the different roles that they must portray in and out of the organization. At each event, it gave me a comprehensive understanding of what role and status each member was performing.
Starting off at the Day of the Dead event, October 28th, 2018, in Armona early that morning, I met up with the Miss and she was just out of bed, all natural, to begin seeing what it was like to be a "pageant queen" for a few hours. This observation allowed to identify, and become accustomed to a different way of presentation of one's self, is that as a beauty queen you must uphold specific standards. I helped out before and after the Day of the Dead event to have a better insight into her conveying her front and backstage, as well as to identifying her roles.
My second event on November 8th, 2018, in Hanford, I had the opportunity to observe the Director, choreographer and the Miss. At the informational meeting, they were recruiting a woman to participate in the upcoming scholarship pageant. At this event, I had the opportunity to recognize their different attitudes and behaviors when they are interacting with different people through social interaction. This was an event which I had helped set up tables and chairs to show my interest and appreciation for the organization.
My field notes were incomplete while observing, being that there was a great activity occurring at the events, and it is difficult to absorb everything all at once and formatted into complete sentences in detail and be able to define which theory is being proven at the time being. When analyzing data, I used a qualitative statistics research programming software, Nvivo to organize my collected data with word queries and identify which words were used most often throughout my observations. The word query analysis informed me that the most common words used were: Miss, Director, event, all, and girls. These findings validated who my main observance was.
In general, the group was welcoming and willing to have me there to observe them. The Miss was my gatekeeper and introduced me to every member of the organization, she seemingly was helpful and appreciative that I thought of their group to observe.
Methods: Interview
Ethnographic research is the first stage of field research where the researcher can discover the cultural characteristics of a group or otherwise, their values, beliefs, behaviors, and language. Choosing the correct setting is vital because this way, you are able to view your group in a natural setting where they are comfortable. In order to gain useful information the setting you choose will determine whether or not, the study will go smoothly. Different factors for the setting you choose is that there is easy accessibility, as in a public space, without an institutional review board (IRB) required, the interest of the potential participants (including the researcher), and the overall cost. Ideally, getting a place to conduct research it is advised to do so where you are already apart of, or in public (Warren & Karner, p. 57).
Having an overall plan of how you are going to be conducting research, it is crucial to be aware of how you plan on presenting your idea to the participants. The first impression is a major part. Your clothing, demeanor, the tone of voice and overall presentation will affect how you will be perceived. It is advised to dress low key (Warren & Karner, p. 62). This leads to Erving Goffman's presentation of self. Social interaction is like a theater, and the people in life are actors play a role on the stage. Goffman portrays self-behavior as various attributes to the Dramaturgical Framework. It is almost as if there is dishonesty in our everyday life, and we are not truly who we really are. He also has the idea that there is not one true self, rather, there are various performing roles which make up a person's true self. (Warren & Karner, p. 63)
Lastly, going "native" or becoming too immersed in a group you are intending to research may be a good thing or even problematic because it may conclude with becoming too sympathetic to the group of people being studied, that objectivity is lost. Because the observer is a participant in the research and events being observed, it is easy to influence other people's behavior (Warren & Karner, p. 88).
Once the interview is finished, it is important that you have already created and completed your field notes during the interview that was conducted. Ensure that you have the setting, their actions, and their responses were written down to have to analyze later on. Timing wise, it is crucial to go over your notes because it is very easy to forget. ; any body language that would not be captured in the audio recording; and your interpretation of the respondents' appearance, demeanor, and body language.
There were three separate occasions in which I went to meet with my three participants.
I collected my data by interviewing three participants of the organization I have been working with. Starting off with the director, the titleholder and a board member. I reminded them about their anonymity and gave them consent forms which had regulations during the interview and they the ability to pause the interview at any time if they ever felt uncomfortable. The first interview I conducted was November 8, 2018, with the director at a local hotel which first lasted 6 minutes due to interruption and we finish up with a second recording nearly to 20 minutes. My second interview was at the titleholders apartment, with a total of 30 minutes. The last interview which was conducted at a local coffee shop, with a board member which came to approximately twenty minutes. There were a few different times in which the interviewee had to pause the interview is that there were a few interruptions, or they felt the need to pause and really think of how to properly answer the questions.
Being that each interview must be transcribed I used the campus computer labs to use various resources to be able to pursue the proper results. One website was transcriptone.tk to conduct the process. Next, was to convert each interview from MP4 to an MP3 format being that the website was in that specific format. Afterward, I made sure to download each conversion file into the website to create the full interviews. Being that each interview was more than twenty minutes it took around 13 minutes to be received in my school email. My first one was put into my spam folder but I made sure to let it be known it is not spam so my other interviews are put into my inbox instead. As soon as I received the results of the transcripts it was clear that I would have to edit the transcriptions because some of the wording was inaccurate. The process of relistening to each interview and rewinding and typing took approximately another two days but eventually finished and uploaded it to a computer software NVivo. NVivo allowed me to create five nodes for five sociological theories and two-word queries. I focused on five theories: front stage/backstage, status/roles, the definition of the situation, symbolic interaction, and meaningful action. I also used NVivo to create two-word frequency queries telling me which words were used the most in the interviews- the first one set to be at 1000 words and the other, 100 words.
Methods: Content Analysis
Content analysis is the technique of systematically compressing many words of communication into distinct categories based on explicit rules of coding. Qualitative content analysis tends to be inductive. It likely begins with a research question but uses observations to generalize possible theories about the text. This portion of your research is a significant portion to search for another way to collect useful data from your group.
Ethnography portion focuses on how media is constructed as well as having the ability to use data for analyzing culture. The qualitative content analysis utilizes various tools of theory, from data in the process of conducting research. Qualitative researchers advise to look outside of just face-to-face interaction. For example, actual documents whether it be a magazine, pamphlet, videos, as well as using the Internet as a tool (Warren & Karner, p. 169). Being that advertisements are open to the public it is quite simple to collect for research and analysis. Magazines and the common use of advertisements are quite common while searching qualitative data. Furthermore, they are a also a substantial source of data on idealized cultural representations as well as give a opening into creating changes within social attitudes. In addition, magazines include images and text for analysis. This useful tool may be used to study the change in our societal culture as well. Research with text or images is considered quantitative when focusing on patterns of sales in magazines, but while examining and focusing on the culture it is qualitative. (Warren & Karner, p. 203).
Once finding and collecting the historical documents that may be helpful to determine an analysis for the group you study, you must decide how to sample the documents. The overall development of a valuable analysis requires an interesting topic, thick description, and reflection. Following, you would begin analyzing your documents, the content analysis depends on the researcher's ability to create and record valid variables for classifying each unit of analysis.
I attended two events in which I gathered paperwork which the Director was handing out to the public, which I had given to my professor to scan and send it out to my e-mail to have access to download later on. Other flyers I gathered off of the main website which was much easier to be able to have access to and download upload, later on, to be able to code. Once I gathered all my flyers, I went to transcriptone.tk to have them transcribed, but as in my last usage of the website, the transcripts do not come out clear. Through another source which was offered was an optical character recognition known as OCR. Through this, I was able to gain a better transcription and from there, download the transcripts into NVivo 11.
My next step was to code and analyze all my data. My goal was to have a total of five sociological theories for my nodes, with a minimum of three examples for each, and two-word frequency clouds. For the overall flyers, I found that Ruling Texts, Warrant, Framing, Typifications, and Controlling Images was best to use to organize.
Analysis: Ethnography
Thick Description
This quote clearly depicts a clear image of which the Miss was dressed as. This way, it gives an idea of how the Miss was presenting herself before she threw on her sash with her title and crown -which clearly defines and expresses her status as a pageant beauty queen. With the comfortable clothes, it showed vulnerability, comfort, and her showing more of her backstage, and not expected to necessarily look any certain way.
"Meeting up, she is in sweats, a large t-shirt and some fuzzy pink socks with her hair up in a messy bun. After getting ready, she has her hair teased high, loose curls, long brown hair, full makeup, false lashes, high heels, and large long diamond earrings that definitely screams pageant queen. The way she carries herself is very authoritative just by her presence being upbeat and her up posture. This shows the props allows her to switch from one role to another."
Next, this quote depicts the area and gives a large and detailed description of where the Day of the Dead community event is being held. It allows for imagery of where we were headed to and what the environment consisted of.
"It is now around 10:15 a.m. arriving in the small, rural town of Armona. Around, I see a place called Club Armona, Gas Stations, Raven's Turkey, Tattoo Parlors, Pizza Place, and La Esquinita which seems to be a taco shop. One of the newer places is the Dollar General. In front of the building in which the event is going to be held, there are people setting up booths outside in the dirt area. She quickly drives up to the KCC and parks her Toyota Corolla next to the other cars in the all dirt parking lot. This little town is neighboring Hanford, it is apart of her territory to represent as the County. I also can see that there are railroad tracks, and small mobile homes, a cemetery, a small fire station, a church, and an elementary school. The town is very small and is rural."
Eventually, I followed the Miss around to interpret her behavior as a pageant queen. We ended up in back warehouse where it was full of Day of the Dead decor from top to bottom. Each item that was included in the large altar has some type of symbolism to it and also tied to old traditions of the Mexican culture.
"It consisted of full of photos, food, skulls, Papel Picado which is a decorative tissue paper cut into decorative designs (which is considered decorative art in the Mexican culture) hung, incense, marigolds, candles, and a ton more items which were placed by the KCC and members of the community beforehand to honor their loved ones who have passed. On one of the yellow walls, it was covered with multiple skull drawings and a paragraph in which describes someone they are wanting to honor for the celebration. Full, bright colors filled the room and so many people had their phones, cameras, there were television newscasters, and other catrinas (girls dressed up in the day of the dead bride outfits.)"
Meaningful Action
Meaningful action is the meaning behind the action to the actor, as well as how the action is a reaction to both past and future actions of others.
This presumes to show how people interact with the Miss while she is dressed with her crown.
The girl who took the photo with the Miss tells her "thank you, you're so beautiful!" Miss responds with a sweet voice replying, "Thank you for attending the event, we hope you enjoy your time being here."
Through the confidence of the Miss and her poise, it shows that she has a lot of practice interacting with others.
"Every time that a new person arrives at the building, she greets them and they greet her back with a smile and she gets them to work. At the event, this is one of many events that she has attended throughout the year, this is the one she is responsible for organizing and partnering with the cultural organization. You can tell the Miss has a lot of practice in socializing and talking to people."
This quote is based on meaningful understandings of what she does in response to or oriented towards actions of other people.
"Many people are asking her questions, pulling her aside to get attention. It is now 11:30 a.m. and she places her sash and crown comes on and people are beginning to ask for photos with her."
Status/Roles
A status is a social position that an individual occupies but also defines who and what we are in relation to others. A role is the behavior expected of someone who holds a particular status.
Here, it is explaining that her behavior is very feminine, and bubbly when she is taking photos as the Miss.
When she goes to pose in the photos, she is standing up straight, big white smile, and puts up her right hand on the right side of her hip.
As the status of being director and "pageant mom," her duties include informing the girls what to expect for competition and requirements. She is also their support and number one person in charge.
The director immediately explains she is hopeful to have the same amount of girls to have enough scholarship money for each winner as the same as last year. She explains that this is barely the beginning and she will be there as their coach, support system, and "pageant mom" to help train the girls in practice to do what they're expected to do on stage and what they will be judged on in the overall competition.
I am under the impression that the choreographer wants to be on the same page and go over every little detail to make sure they are on the same age about things.
The choreographer's role is being a second pair of eyes to the director, a choreographer, and friend all at once. This way, it is a mesh of roles coming together.
Front Stage/ Backstage
Frontstage and backstage are concepts used to describe the relationship between the roles actors play at a given moment and the various audiences these roles involve.
This describes how the Miss has different tones of voice depending on which role she is playing as and who she is interacting with.
After thirty minutes of clean up the Miss goes into the building's office and starts talking very casually into about every little mishap, the people, the challenges of the event and what could be improved for next year. Her tone switches from high pitched "queen" to just relaxed tone talking to her co-workers which are good friends, about the event.
Her front stage acknowledges herself with full makeup, sweeter and very formal. Her backstage she is much more at ease and less filtered.
It is pretty given that the Miss has a clear transition in which she is wearing the sash and crown in performing in her "front stage" with those she is not too close with. Whereas with close friends, she is comfortable and more willing to be blunt, honest, and casual with.
The last example is with the Director of the organization: her tone and use of language changes depending on whom she is interacting with.
"Director is whispering with a very soft-spoken voice with the Miss and turns to parents to welcome the girls coming into the hall more with a direct leadership voice. (Front stage is shown with the girl she is much more familiar and close with.)"
Definition of the Situation
The theory is the idea that if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences. In other words, people define social reality through the process of giving and take interaction.
Although she was there as the Miss and representing her title she also role exists as the Miss and becomes another volunteer.
"Once the event ends, the Miss takes off her crown and sash, changing into sweats and Nikes and gets straight to work in getting down the decorations and other booths to begin the cleanup."
The Miss needs to be put together for the event, as well as show up organized and ready for the event. If she does not do so, then there is potential for failure in the event or possible judgment from others.
"She carries herself as a leader, with a demanding, driven, tone. The way she carries herself is very authoritative just by her presence being upbeat and her up posture. With the notebook, it looks like she is very organized, and does not allow anyone to get in the way of what she has to get done. Before arriving at the event, she had her list of people whom she needed to get in contact with to have them work at the booths at the event."
At the informational, the three main women at the front of the banquet hall define what the organization represents. If a girl cannot uphold the standards, they may not qualify to hold the title.
"They both direct the new girls to take a seat, say "welcome in" and has each girl introduce themselves by saying the name, which school they attend and grade, and age. Poise, integrity, and pride" is the motto they begin explaining."
Symbolic Interaction
Relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction.
Although the Director is actually the "one in charge" the Miss has a good relationship enough to also throw in some direction when it comes to leadership.
"Miss informs the director in which is the best way in beginning the meeting with a leadership teaching type of voice and the miss acknowledges the others at the table with her."
People are not a product of their environment; rather the environment is a product of people.
"She knows exactly how to hold the microphone, how to speak both Spanish and English to address the crowd. Her presence is well respected and she thanks the audience for attending the event and for supporting."
People, as in the Miss in this situation, defines situations based on their own personal experiences and sense of self.
"Miss begins talking how special the organization is with a special director because she is extremely well-liked within the organization by all. She also informs everyone to pull out the first forms of the red and yellow packet (with her teaching voice) and uses many hands movements and voice to able to show directness. Once she sits back down, she sits very classily."
Analysis: Interview
Shown below are my two-word frequency clouds that were processed through Nvivo11 and the first one is set at 1000 words, and the second one at 100 words.
Meaningful Action
Data being presented here displays Goffman's idea on meaningful action. These pieces of data give a description to the actions that individual staff and the organization take in general to produce actions that are meaningful.
Reference 1 - 1.01% Coverage
It is a huge part of my life as I stated I've been doing this for 23 years as a volunteer and I live for this organization. I honestly love the young ladies and just helping, watching them grow become better people as well as seeing them succeed in life and taking the skills that I help them with and using them for them to make their life better and the skills that they'll use for the rest of their life.
The director of 23 years in the pageant organization explains how people have the audacity to criticize their organization when they are unaware of the reality of what they stand for. It is crucial that the director stands for what she believes that the organization offers, as in empowering the young women, regardless of how the media portrays the organization.
Reference 2 - 0.52% Coverage
Well, I think the organization comes under a lot of scrutinies but in a Need to strive to continue to empower our women and young women especially when so many demands are made to form a made of them um be a media.
The titleholder describes the overall importance of volunteering, and how her actions as a titleholder allow her to give more while having a larger platform.
Reference 3 - 0.79% Coverage
I'm always expressing how important it is to serve your community, to give back and get involved. Growing up, with my parents, they have always encouraged to give back to our community and never forgetting where we came from, and valuing service as a whole because it always gives warmth in my heart when giving back.
The member of the group describes the major changes that are operating within the group and her their decisions can impact the way that it runs, as well as the members included, how it impacts them.
Reference 4 - 1.91% Coverage
I think those who didn't know that these women are also talented and are working toward educational goals, are passionate about different platforms, maybe were just focusing on the swimsuit portion and didn't understand the organization as a whole. But now we are going through a major transformation to the newer way in which there is no more swimsuit. They are doing that supposed to make it more inclusive for women for women to not only be viewed based on their beauty or what they wear. And what they tell us for evening wear portion, it's not what you wear, not the clothes you put on, it's how the judges view you in the dress or how you present yourself on stage. I think that now that times are changing that the Pageant organization will grow larger in numbers.
Status/Roles
The titleholder describes the overall description of what she does as a titleholder. Attending events, inspiring others, and networking.
Reference 1 - 1.08% Coverage
My role, as the titleholder it is a lot of fun. As the person who won I get to do a lot of community events then um such as the relay for life to March with the cancer survivors be speaker at the events or I get to be their keynote speaker and tell him my experiences at the hospital and when I did in the OB GYN Department, so that was was a lot of fun. The students at school in regards to my background coming from a Latino background.
The titleholder moves into detail in which before becoming the titleholder, there was a feeling of anxieties to approach people, being shy. Once earning the crown, she pushed herself to be someone who was a leader, therefore acquire more leadership skills as in public speaking.
Reference 2 - 1.07% Coverage
I think where I was where I learned to not be scared to approach people and then to ask questions to ask for a donation so that has been a pretty useful skill that I've learned as well as public speaking. I think over time from performing in both folklorico and mariachi growing up, representing my Mexican culture, I believe that has also helped me with public speaking, and always smiling for pictures, because you have to be ready!
The titleholder is in "performance" mode, therefore performing as a community leader, a teacher, and role model and beauty queen.
Reference 3 - 0.72% Coverage
Presentations that they have to do as well as their pageant in Fresno I work with them and going with him under training for interviews and looking for outfits and taking pictures and just spending time with them and helping them and whatever needs they may have to to do their presentations.
Front Stage/ Backstage
Goffman's ideas of the front stage and backstage. The community benefit organization's office is the front stage to some extent. Where the staff comes to perform their jobs and roles on a daily basis.
The titleholder carries a large amount of pressure with the crown and the sash because it tends to draw a lot of attention being that on an average day, it is not the "norm" to see someone in a diamond crown. It is important to
Reference 1 - 1.67% Coverage
So if you're in just like sweats and um a baggy t-shirt at the gasoline station, hence it is not appropriate to be wearing the crown, because when you are wearing the crown, people just look at you more, obviously and you're not only representing yourself with the time is ending in organization of the whole. So there is definitely a time and a place to wear it. So like I was saying, wait, what was the main question? (Laughs) OK so the 4 points of the crown that I try and represent, I try my best to tie in the four points of the crown. Which are style, scholarship, service and success and anywhere I go. They are so meaningful and important to represent as Titleholder.
The titleholder admits that she does not label herself or define herself as the "stereotypical" pageant girly girl. She found herself to be more unique than the other girls running in the pageant competition.
Reference 2 - 1.05% Coverage
was not the typical pageant girl and did not grow up doing pageants. I was my first time I was intrigued by the entire idea of earning scholarship money so I figured I'd give it a try and from then on once I won, as a teen I knew that I definitely wanted to run within the organization again because going through the process of the scholarship competition (AKA pageant) it was definitely a huge growing period for myself
Due to the props of the sash and crown; it gives a sense of a uniform. Therefore, just like having a job uniform, you are obligated to follow certain guidelines, one being honoring everyone with respect. In this case, it is volunteering but you are still expected to behave in a "beauty queen" standard.
Reference 3 - 0.75% Coverage
I think it just comes naturally life I would say I am nicer wearing my sash and crown. I find that I'll use a higher tone of voice, I guess you can call it my customer service voice. Because ultimately, although I am volunteering, it is still a job that I must fulfill and do things at my best abilities.
Definition of the Situation
This is the overall idea that if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences. This pageant scholarship organization has held tradition in having a swimsuit portion included within the competition, and this year, major changes, as in removing that portion of competition has been removed. There was much controversy whether it made for better change or not.
Reference 1 - 0.77% Coverage
Because even though they started with this tradition, I think it's fine that we are moving towards a more inclusive competition for all body shapes. But we also still loved the swimsuit competition, like she was very confident in her swimsuit. I just think having the swimsuit portion just showed your confidence.
The board member had a realization in which every group, there will be some form of conflict. In this situation, it dealt with a different pageant group, outside of their own. In order to avoid conflict in the future, it is crucial to continue major communication tactics and find solutions.
Reference 2 - 1.32% Coverage
I believe there are always ups and down and I think you just have to talk with one another and keep the communication going and work through it, as far as conflicts, there are other organizations which are very similar to ours and try and do the same, which we find it as a disturbance when they steal our ideas knowingly that we have our rules, ways of doing things, and even on legal basis. Sometimes, they overlap where our girls are presenting and other people apart of another organization will come and it gets a little awkward
There are many times in which a female in a bikini is looked at with a negative connotation. Being that girls are walking in heels and a bikini on stage for the public eye is one thing, but being that there is a sense of "purpose" it is usually excused.
Reference 3 - 0.77% Coverage
I think that being that it is known more for the "pageant" they assume beauty pageant not scholarship pageant competition. Some people that are not too familiar with what we do, they may be have the idea the young ladies are being judged on beauty and had having the swimsuit portion, it is much more than that.
Symbolic Interaction
Relies on the symbolic meaning that people develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction. More specifically, people are not a product of their environment; rather the environment is a product of people.
Reference 1 - 1.22% Coverage
Pageant organization we have new national leadership and some major changes have been made in our program like with the elimination of the swimsuit competition you know all the controversy over that. Yet in my personal opinion, I didn't see the swimsuit is something demeaning I saw it as empowering is that a young lady could be confident body, in her own skin for 20 seconds on stage to show her fitness then she could do anything you know so um I think that comes in the way that you handle.
The crown is a huge symbol in the pageant industry, specifically for this organization they have four points, each having a specific meaning. It is a crucial part of the overall concept of the pageant that each contestant has an understanding that the crown has meaning and it speaks volumes, not just something pretty to wear.
Reference 2 - 0.78% Coverage
4 points of the crown that I try and represent, I try my best to tie in the four points of the crown. Which are style, scholarship, service and success and anywhere I go. They are so meaningful and important to represent as Titleholder. In regards to what I speak about is just really depends the event that I am at.
Here, the titleholder is speaking upon the appropriation of dressing up for certain occasions. Being that they are role models to many young girls, and have many expectations to uphold it is important to dress appropriately for each occasion.
Reference 3 - 0.62% Coverage
I usually dress little more professional like in a blazer with heels or I am at an event such as a passing out food to homeless people I'm not going to show up in there in a super fancy outfit you have to kind of dress accordingly to your surroundings.
Analysis: Content Analysis
Shown below are my two-word frequency clouds that were processed through Nvivo11 and the first one is set at 1000 words, and the second one at 100 words. They both indicate the importance or how frequent each word appeared of the documents collected.
Ruling Texts
Ruling texts are different documents, laws, news stories visually: magazine advertisements, pornographic films It is the mission statement of that organization or group usually written by someone who holds leadership and power within the organization.
Reference 1 - 1.10% Coverage
To compete for the title of Miss County's Outstanding Teen you must be at least 13 years of age and no older than 17 by July 31, 2019. As for Miss County, you must be at least 18 years of age and no older than 25 by December 31, 2019 - never married or had children.
The organizations hope and overall mission is to gain poise, professionalism, pride, and integrity. These are different skills that they are able to gain while participating.
Reference 2 - 1.02% Coverage
Representing County with the utmost poise, professionalism, pride, and integrity is instrumental in the success of our year and our program. You will be serving os on ambassador for County and therefore, while in the public eye must be aware of your actions and how they will affect the mission and image of the Miss County, Miss State, and Miss National programs.
The organization makes it clear in which is expected, being that their rules are clear and each person who applies is expected to meet each requirement.
Reference 3 - 1.10% Coverage
Must be a United States citizen are at least years of age by July 31, 2019, No more than 25 years old on December 31, 2019, High school graduate or equivalent on the first day of the State Competition for 10L9 r Female, never married and never have had children. legal resident of California for at least six {6} months prior to local competition. Must meet the specific geographic and/or other e competition
Warrant
Warrants are also part of the rhetoric of claims. Warrants change over time and it shows values and emotions. Warrants are also known as the "why".
Reference 1 - 1.62% Coverage
Organizers revamped the competition, including tossing out the evening gown portion, earlier this year following an outcry over personal e-mails among Miss National leaders and employees that disparaged pageant contestants based on their weight and sex lives. "We will no longer judge our candidates on their outward physical appearance," said Miss National board chair Gretchen Carlson, herself Miss National 1989. "That's huge.
Here, is explaining the "what" in how they are benefitting more young women. Being that they have undergone tremendous positive changes.
Reference 2 - 1.06% Coverage
"I think we're headed in a new, more positive direction that is going to benefit even more girls in our state. And, it will probably encourage more girls to come and compete for that scholarship money because they won't have to compete in lifestyle and fitness anymore," said Ávalos.
Here is an example of a large change the organization has undergone, in moving away from the idea of "objectifying" women through the swimsuit portion of the competition.
Reference 3 - 0.85% Coverage
Yet the decision has been the subject of criticism. Minutes before the nationally televised broadcast began, a comedian warming up the crowd mentioned there would be no swimsuit competition, drawing loud boos from the audience.
Framing
This theory helps groups to communicate their sense of identity. For example, who they are and what they do. It gives an overall sense of agency, empowerment, success and how they reach their goals and accomplishments.
This first flyer is able to grasp the readers' attention right away. They have an enthusiastic tone and using the term "life-changing" allows for engagement and portrays this as a major ordeal and a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to have a prestigious title.
Reference 1 - 0.92% Coverage
Welcome!! You are about to embark on a journey that will be life-changing. . . . . ..I know you have heard that before! But it IS true....every Miss started at an orientation just like this. She is using skills and life lessons she acquired from her experience every day! YOU could be next! MissCounty is a "Closed Competition" meaning that it is only open to residents of the local County.
Next, the organization portrays itself to be advocates for young women who are well rounded and can provide them with an opportunity to grow as a person and enrich in strong values.
Reference 1 - 1.39% Coverage
The Miss Pageant Scholarship Organization fosters opportunities including access to higher education, broader knowledge of the world, and enriching personal experiences. We maintain a strong organization devoted to providing scholarship assistance and creating an atmosphere with its roots in strong values. We serve our contestants and teach them to serve the world.
This informational give proof in the kind of work the organization does within the community and how it serves others yet gives a sense of fulfillment through service.
Reference 2 - 1.24% Coverage
Miss National candidates contribute tens of thousands of community service hours annually and have raised over $17 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and Miss National scholarships since 2007. The Miss National Foundation, a 501(c) (3), provides academic, community service, and other scholarships to young women.
Typifications
Typification is in regards to relying on general knowledge as a way of constructing ideas about people and the social world. Most of what we know of other people does not take the form of direct personal knowledge, but in other words, general knowledge about our social world.
Reference 1 - 4.96% Coverage
What better role is there for a national titleholder than to be an agent of change in organizing our nation to accept our differences and to create an environment that values each person on individual characteristics rather than on stereotypes or assumptions?
The titleholder pursues a great amount of respect and thy flyer announces to be on the lookout for their upcoming events.
Reference 1 - 1.00% Coverage
We are proud of Miss National 2.0 and what the organization stands for in empowering young women across the country to be the best they can be through leadership, talent, communication skills and smarts. Stay tuned for the Miss National 2020 schedule of events soon!
This article indicates the concept of the controversy of the swimsuit portion of the competition. These were the results of the first year without the participants having to walk in a swimsuit. It offers the readers general knowledge of the overall turnout of the major change.
Reference 2 - 0.34% Coverage
Miss National pageant sees a large decline in ratings after dropping swimsuit competition
Controlling Images
These are almost as stereotypes that have become so ingrained in the thought that it becomes a means to control those who are stereotyped and justifies the beliefs of those doing the stereotyping.
This gives the expectations of how the "pageant queen" is required to dress. Typically, queens are in proper attire, and as expected, it is very youthful, elegant and a gown.
Reference 1 - 0.82% Coverage
Opening number - Black cocktail style dress interview - Dress, slacks and blouse or skirt and blouse Evening Wear/Social impact initiative ("Red Carpet") Candidates Choice
- Red Carpet Glamour Talent - Candidate choice appropriate to talent On state interview - Candidates choice: interviewing for the Job!
Reference 1 - 1.27% Coverage
"Not every platform statement will take off after she's crowned Miss Pageant,"
Reference 2 - 1.04% Coverage
The Miss Pageant 2018 titleholder will compete in a different format at the Miss National Pageant in September, which will include an interactive interview. Contestants will be required to wear an evening gown.
Conclusion
Overall, while doing participatory observation at these two events, it allowed me to prove various theories that were created by theorists such as Goffman. It was crucial to be aware in every aspect, analyzing facial expressions, environment, props being used, as well as observing from different angles. Afterward, I went into the lab and completed my fieldnotes, identified my nodes, and created word queries through the program, Nvivo. I analyzed my observations and connected them with a thick description, meaningful action, status/roles, front/backstage, the definition of the situation and symbolic interaction.
Taking everything into account, each individual carries themselves in a specific manner depending on the situation. The statuses and roles are also something that people participate in on a daily basis. One thing which I found most surprising is that the title holder carried so much more pressure than I originally thought, and came to find that it is like a job, having to uphold this status and use a customer service voice. On the other hand, each individual in this organization plays an important role but carries it with a lot of passion being that each of the members is volunteers and have done continued it for many years.
Overall, by coding and sectioning off the data by Ruling Texts, Warrant, Framing, Typifications, and Controlling Images. This process of collecting more data through documents gave me a better sense of what the organization has to offer and how they try and portray themselves as a group who empowers women, advocates for education, and rewards participants in the group who work hard. This process of transcribing, and keeping anonymity, as well as coming to the understanding of the correct terminology being used, it has helped my research indicated how this organization performs.
Bibliography
Dillon, Michele. Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and Their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2013. ProQuest Ebook Central, (p. 63- 69) https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csufresno/detail.action?docID=1566387.
Strykes, Sheldon. "Symbolic Interaction Theory." 2001, pp. 3095–3102.
Montgomery, Rhonda J. V., and Edgar F. Borgatta. Encyclopedia of Sociology. Vol. 2nd ed, Macmillan Reference USA, Gale Group, 2000. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=73898&site=ehost-live. (ch.9)
"CHAPTER EIGHT: The Nature and Significance of the Self." Fresno State Box, fresnostate.box.com/s/p3c0n2ku955y7onjzv8sztviu7say8d7.
"CHAPTER FOUR: The Nature and Significance of the Self." Fresno State Box, fresnostate.box.com/s/p3c0n2ku955y7onjzv8sztviu7say8d7.
Warren, C. A., & Karner, T. X. (2015). Discovering qualitative methods: Ethnography, interviews, documents, and images. New York: Oxford University Press.
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