Taking Anthropology this semester was ovbiously a good choice – I was able to comprehend most of the vocabulary in this essay. Lindquist labels herself as an ‘ethnographer,’ or a person who studies communtities based on observation. Her study was composed at a familiar bar called the Smokehouse Inn. She was a barteneder there – thus, she was able to participate AND observe in conversation. This location was described as “a place to seek out a stable society of friends and coworkers and to engage these others in coversation and debate about current issues and political events.”

Much of the debate that took place was about presidents and their past, present, or current contributions and their meaning to the people. This type of information was shown through dialogue – with a main character, Jack. Lindquist gained her position at the bar by arguing a different position or view point from other individuals. A quote that I found intriguing is one by Erving Goffman (it pertains to the others’ performances), “….agreement is stressed and opposition is underplayed.” This is specific to society and culture today. In many occasions, people do not contradict one another or form their own opinion on a subject or matter. Instead, they agree with others no matter the circumstance to avoid confrontation of any sort. I shamefullty admit that, at certain times, I am one of these people.