2. Fieldwork Day 1
NOTE: These are just my notes. I'll try to get pictures and something worth reading in the future. For now, still getting organized.
Found out my Media Law teacher was ill so no 12:30 class. Had some free time and decided to drive out to Blandinsville (population. 800). Before today, I always thought it was called Blandsville like it was bland but got corrected today. Would've been a weird name for a town anyways.
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{I chose Blandinsvile because about a year ago, I had an assignment for the paper, not to take a picture but just to pick one up from a guy. Turns out he donated some big money to the University and we were doing a story on him.
After leaving halfway though my stress testing class (my teacher knew I didn't care about exercise science by that point in the semester, he was cool) I headed over but got there a lot earlier than I expected. I ended up just driving around, killing time before the guy who's pic I was getting got back to where I was going to meet him.
Maybe I just wasn't used to being in a small town but the whole place looked empty. No one in windows, no cars driving down the street, no one on the sidewalk. I went by a diner and saw the place packed. I guess the whole town shuts down for lunch.}
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Going back again, it looked the same. This time, I went just after lunchtime. Found this small diner who's name I can't remember. I walked in just as a family was getting ready to leave. A few booths lined the wall with a dining table in the front that the family was sitting at. I looked around and grabbed a stool at the bar.
Now here's the problem. How do I present myself? Do I tell everyone I'm a journalist or just lay low? I already left all my camera gear in my car and didn't even bring a voice recorder or notebook. I decided to just not say anything and order some food. Got a cheeseburger, fries and a Mountain Dew.
I didn't ask any questions. Just sat, ate my food, and looked around. After the family left when I got in, I was the only customer. On the wall, there's a bulletin board near the entrance. A few local businesses had fliers and a over-sized calender from HAMILTON, IL with a cowboy, was in the center.
The food was good. The cheeseburger was a lot better than McDonald's. Waitress was friendly as was everyone in the diner.
Going into any small town, I always assume I'll be the only minority around. For the most part, I'm right. That leaves me wondering how people react to me. No matter how hard I try, I'll definitely stand out. Partly because I was raised in the suburbs and second because, well, my skin is a lot darker than most people I talk to. I haven't had to deal with many assholes but like any town you go into, there's bound to be some, big or small. Overall impression of small town people, very friendly. Granted I usually go in announcing I'm a journalist but still, they seem genuine.
Back to the diner, I couldn't think of any questions when i was sitting there eating my burger. I just looked around, tried to take whatever I could in. I paid my bill and gave a larger tip than normal. Last thing I need is to get started on the wrong foot.
Nothing major happened. It was the first time out for some research and wanted to keep it simple, just a starting point.
NOTE: Keep a voice recorder on me at all times. Lot's of ideas go through my head when I'm driving.
Now, just need to start e-mailing social workers and government officials in their respective communities and let them know what I'm trying to do. Plus I really need to start taking pics. It's mostly the reason I'm doing all this.
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After today, I'm pretty sure I'm just gonna announce that I'm a journalist. I've got so many questions and they're not getting answered unless I ask. From here on out, I'll try to talk to as many people as possible. I need to figure out if I want to cover communities as a whole or just individuals within them to make up the whole story.
Main thing is I need access. Need to find people willing to allow a journalist in their homes and lives. This is going to be tricky and I have a feeling I'm gonna be spending a lot more than 3 hours a week on this.
It's 3:15 and I'm in the office for production night so I need something to teach the photographers for today's meeting at 6. Might be getting some new people and I swear to God, news better have photo assignments ready before my meeting.
-adios
