Ethnography week 0

Group Members:
Patrick Smith
Sung Kim
Alma Lahnum

We are doing our ethnography on the student group Cepheid Variable. We hope to explore some of the numerous small groups that compose the organization and observe the subcultures within them. I have been to several Cepheid meetings myself already. I can tell you that prior to my first meeting I had very few expectations. They advertised a wide range of activities activities an interests that were not traditionally represented in student organizations. So I half expected a large group of very awkward and overly enthusiastic students. This was largely correct.
What we will be focusing on, however, is the small groups within Cepheid. While I have attended meetings I never actually became involved with the organization. In meetings there is a large portrayal of cohesiveness and a large family mentality. It seems somewhat strained or forced at times, but I suspect this is largely the social awkwardness of its members interfering with usual interaction. I suspect that one has to participate in the small programs Cepheid supports to see most of these members open up as people.
Our plan was originally to attend a live action role playing session, but evidently there are no currently running groups this semester. That may change in the future. So for now, I believe we will start with table top gaming, as that is an activity that many Cepheids hold near and dear. My guess as to the atmosphere is that the group will probably know each other quite well, with the exception of the new freshmen. As a result I expect a large amount of inside humor that will likely fly over our heads. I do believe however that we will be readily accepted. While socially awkward most Cepheids seem eager to make new friends.  I believe we will inform them upfront about the project. I think they would respond positively, if at all, at the prospect of someone highlighting their "strangeness". It being a source of Cepheid pride.