- Define and discuss “reflexivity” in your own words. What are some ways that you will consider “reflexivity” in your project? How might you “bend back?”
Based off the passage reflexivity involves a “bending back” by going more deeply into the self in order to understand others. I interpretative this as in order to better understand those around you and other people in general you have to understand yourself. You have look deep within yourself to truly understand yourself and others. When you take a step back and look at yourself you become more aware of your prospective and the limitations of it. When Tagchi said “experience is actually made and taking place in the very telling of the experience.” Meaning that in telling an experience there is an experience. Based off of our intersections and personal life the way we all experience the same one situation is different. Reflexivity can work within my project because I think there can be limitations to my thinking at well. I feel like reflexivity is kind of like the saying “think outside the box” when you “think outside the box” there are no limits or boundaries. The “bend back” is more like self-awareness. When doing this project, I have to be aware why I’m doing this, what I want people to get from it and I have to make sure my message comes across clear.
- What do you think about Tuck’s argument about damage-centered research? What role do “damage” and “desire” play in your project?
Damage centered history reminds me of secret/hidden history. This is history that was forgotten or ignored by established scholars. History of countries and communities that was never told or even acknowledged. I loved how Eve talked about her own community and how it is “damaged”. The two readings for the week are related in the way that Eve does use reflexivity in the way she examines herself and different communities. I think the role of “damage” and “desire” will play an informative role in my project. I will use it to identify the problem within the community.
Hey Alyssa! I love your interpretation of what “bending back” and reflexivity is to you. Thinking outside the box is the way most people should be doing. I’m also trying to be self aware of my project when it comes down to it and why I’m doing it. But mainly, I like what you said about how damage centered research reminds you of hidden history and it was forgotten or ignored by scholars, you’re absolutely right. But as people, mainly women, we also have a part of bringing light with our own research to show that our communities won’t be damaged anymore.
Great discussion of reflexivity– I especially love this sentence: “Meaning that in telling an experience there is an experience.” This captures so much of what reflexivity is about, which is an awareness of the process of doing research, our own position, our own interpretations and how this feeds into what we know.
I’m so glad that you liked the Tuck piece-it’s one of my favorites. And, I agree that uncovering the lost/secret histories of our communities is so important and why many of us do the work we do. But, Tuck is making a slightly different argument here- which is that by focusing on the ways that communities as “damaged,” we also participate in keeping them “damaged.” She says that it’s been important for us to show the complex ways that communities have been harmed– but then do we become defined only through oppression? Tuck says that “desire” offers a different way in to understanding communities.