Denison and Reinhart's Introduction: Imagining Sociological Narratives discusses Denzin's opinion on narratives. Denzin believed that "scholars haven't gone far enough" further adding he was dissatisfied with the "progress" made in researching and studying human social relations (p.1)." Furthermore, he added that "social science had come up short and was letting people and not fulfilling its promise." Although, writing a truly effective sociological narrative Denison and Reinhart discuss possibilities to achieve an effective narrative.
This reading caused me to think of such moments in my life that would possess both sociological as well as physical activities typical of a narrative. After thinking for some time one certain event in my life stuck out. My high school football career was quite successful as a junior at Avon Lake High School we won the Ohio Division II State Championship going an incredible 15-0. I started in the last 5 games that season due to an injury to a player who I looked up to and mimic due to his mannerisms and on field success.
The following season we returned 4 starters from the previous season and were not expected to do much. However, we completed the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record. Then began a playoff run toward the state championship. For 29 consecutive weeks the Avon Lake Shoremen were victorious then finally in the state championship on a freezing night in December the powerful Shoremen were defeated by a tremendous Columbus Brookhaven team which featured 11 Division one college signees. Although, being defeated this game represented the highlight in my high school career and to presents a perfect example to write a sociological narrative.
You should definitely write about some of these moments for your epiphany. When did you play at Avon Lake? As I may have mentioned, my sister lives there and I have two nieces and a nephew who went to school there. Small world:-)
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely something that you will probably never forget. It would be something great to write about I think- to hear how you interpreted it then an now. Have your feelings about the game changed from what you initially felt after the game to how you feel about it now? I did not read your epiphany but did you write about it in your epiphany?
ReplyDeleteChellsie,
ReplyDeleteI did write about this for my epiphany and I am hoping to continue it in some form for my master's project. My feelings have not changed that single game defined the journey that was my high school football career. However, I did learn that being in that game was the only reason that I was able to attend Fordham. Their staff came to watch our runningback and after the game asked to speak with me and to make things short is the reason I got the opportuntity to attain such a fine education.
Though now that I look back almost a decade later it there wasnt that single play in that game I remember as much as the whole experience. I will never forget getting ready to get on the bus ride home and my brother looking at me and going I am so proud of you bubby. What we call each other it took everythin I had not break down right in front of him. However, as soon as he was out of sight I balled like a baby. It wasnt because I was sad but had never been more proud in my life.