As a…
With our advance nearing, I acknowledge the different identities I embody along with their accompanying attitudes and postures I’ll bring with me.
As an ethnographer, I look forward to finding the opportunity to connect deeply with the true Londoner and the true Brit. Hargraves provides some perspective as he outlines the three different “Londons”. First there is the “London of the imagination” depicted on the screen and in novels. This is the London of those who have never experienced it. Second, there exists the “tourist London” experienced by millions of visitors each year, and finally there is the “London that is home for six or nine million people, depending on how you count them (Hargraves, loc. 301). I hope to work my way from the first to the third as a student of the people and culture. I have found that people connect deeply through shared meals, shared experiences, shared laments, and shared laughs. I’m curious, in particular, to experience the latter, as a culture’s use of humor intrigues me. I’ll be ready to observe, firsthand, the self-deprecating jokes, the tongue-in-cheek comments, and the inward-facing put-down (Tan, p. 57).
As an epicurist, I’m skeptical at best to find appetizing local fare. When culturally savvy authors label the cuisine “bland and stodgy” (Tan, p. 171), one’s hopes are measured. London’s achievement of a global city, however, promises the tongue something to anticipate. I’m intrigued by global cities like New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and London. Sociologists argue that these cities can often have more in common with each other than other cities in their same region and country.
As a history buff, I await the feelings, observations and thoughts that accompany a rich history. Whether the buildings on Oxford’s grounds from the 12th century, the British civil war before the US was even a nation, or the rich linguistic heritage, Great Britain’s history is complex, and runs much deeper than the (Western) history of the US. I’m eager to see how such a heritage impacts the life and worldview of the British, especially in such an upsetting time as the current climate. I get this sense of heritage even when I travel to the east coast of the US with less than 400 years of (again, Western) history, so it will be hard to imagine the pontifications and feelings when I consider centuries and centuries of history and stories. I also look forward to seeing the evidence and implications of Britain’s history being “inextricably linked with religion” (Tan, p. 26). The bloodshed, turmoil, and division certainly plays itself out today, especially when I consider the greater United Kingdom. How will I experience that dynamic?
As a missiologist and someone working with global missions – sending college students to reach other college students, I am particularly interested in the anecdotal title of Western Europe as “A Graveyard for Missionaries.” Also anecdotally, Christian leaders us Western Europe as a warning for what the US might become if it doesn’t awaken. Tan attributes the decline of the Christian faith to the “breakdown of extended families, moral laxity and general disillusionment brought about by unemployment and urban stress” (Tan, p. 32). I would add, with its proximity to the locus of the Enlightenment, this approach to viewing the world has run its course. I will be ready to hear stories of perspective, postures, and practices that challenge generally accepted assumptions. I don’t anticipate the time or opportunity to interview or talk with undergraduates, but I would also be curious to compare and contrast the average US and British student’s worldviews.
As an aspiring innovator, I await the opportunity to observe, learn, and glean from those who are trusting God with a fresh way to impact those around them. Jesus’ description of a teacher of the law moves me to anticipate meeting those who “like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matthew 13:52, NIV). What are those new and old treasures that would be a blessing for the peace and prosperity of London and beyond? In particular, what innovation theory is being employed in that process? Is it largely (or to what extent is it) under the influence of the US’s silicon valley, or are their unique approaches of change and innovation from which to glean? I’m also interested to corroborate Tan’s experience that has led him to believe that the British are, “by and large, creatures of rather fixed habits” (Tan, p. 84). What challenges might this propensity add towards embracing the new – new approaches, new ideas, new paradigms? Or perhaps, a fresh take on the old might honor that heritage and leverage that tendency and reframe it as a strength.
Finally, as a member of cohort ten, I’m perhaps most eager for those shared meals, shared experiences, shared laments, and shared laughs with new comrades, or rather, new chums, mates, or chaps.
About the Author
Shawn Cramer
8 responses to “As a…”
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We are all definitely packing a variety of lenses and perspectives for this journey. What I appreciated most about your post was the thoughtful way you named some of those perspectives and how they might enhance or impede your experience. The reminder to stay self-aware is helpful to me.
It is also helpful to remember all of the different levels on which our learning will take place. This journey is not merely about helping me take steps in my profession. I’m hoping to see fruit from this experience in every aspect of my life.
Thank you for sharing a bit of who you are and where you’re coming from and what you’ll be looking for.
John, I’ve been enjoying getting small peeks into the varied perspectives, stories and background of our cohort. I’m sure the veil will be lifted more through our time together coming up soon!
Shawn,
Epicurist is the same as a foodie, yes? If so, then I completely resonate….BUT with most Londoners not speaking English I would think there best be some taste bud tinglers amidst!
What are you hoping to learn from this trip?
Blessings,
Nancy
Nancy, I hoping to gain an overall vision for what God might want to do in and through me in the process. I don’t expect Him to lay out every step (that’s where faith comes in), but some tracks, a north star, more direction. I’m also hoping to grow in my ability to enter a space and place as a learner and how to challenge assumptions.
Shawn, thank you for sharing the various lenses you will be viewing this new cultural context through. It has definitely made me consider what mine are, as well. I have never met an ethnographer, so I look forward to learning more about that passion of yours. And I appreciated when you said, “I will be ready to hear stories of perspective, postures, and practices that challenge generally accepted assumptions.” As the books mentioned, we have so many assumptions that we enter into Great Britain with. From books, to movies, to interactions with Brits in an American context, I have formed many assumptions. I hope to be able to learn more about this most influential land and its people, and allow those beautiful truths to form how I interact with others in this world.
Darcy, I’m as much of an enthnographer as you are. haha. I mostly meant as a learner of customs and people. I’m eager to jump into the “Visual Ethnography” text together.
As a missionary within my own country, I believe this is going to be an eye opener to cultural differences. Now with different food, mode of transport and interaction. lets hope we shall all experience some difference, I mean to those of us who have never been to Britain
Shawn thanks for the poet post discussing your many faceted views on culture. I am sure we all carry within ourselves multiple faceted expectations of our up and coming advance. For me the challenge will be to embrace each moment as they come and allow the Holy Spirit to guide my heart through the process. As a self proclaimed over thinker I look forward to rolling with the punches and learn from others like yourself,.