Wednesday, 13 May 2009

3 hours 41 minutes and Freaking!!!

Ok so I know I said before (back at a luxurious 31 hours) that I'd be popping on here with updates before then end.....


...I did not predict I would be still having so much information to put into the proposal with only a few measly hours remaining however, so you will have to wait for the juicy updates - I'm sure you're clinging to the edge of your seat. 

Whilst the proposal will be completed on time, doing it at this rate is predictably resulting in me identifying gaps in MY OWN literature; how very annoying. I'd love to say I'll manage my time better from here in, but 27 years of history is not working in my favour unfortunately. 

Anyway, the quick point I did want to make before blog submission and a return to the amazing race against the clock (and I swear the clock is cheating!! - it keeps going faster!) was that the process of writing the proposal has indeed given me a great starting point for the commencement of my research for here on (ok, so maybe 'commencement' will be in a week... or so). 

I've identified several population statistics that need analysing in regards to ethnic divisions and will be looking to gather more information on both the creativity and diversity indexes as I could not find sufficient at this stage. I've also found a few policy documents related to cultural regeneration I can start to code as I continue to read in the early stages of summer before the primary research begins. 

Ok, would love to write more, but there's deadlines a calling so I'm signing out.

Ciao. 

  

Monday, 11 May 2009

31 hours and Counting

Oh how that clock ticks ever faster forward! Taunting me to type faster. 

So after much deliberation and consultation with James, my research objectives and questions were finally set in stone yesterday.

RO; To critically analyse the role of events in cultural regeneration in urban spaces

RQ1; To investigate the social impact of cultural events in areas of cultural regeneration
RQ2; To analyse the relationship between cultural events and cultural regeneration strategy and policy

My methodology is a multiple-embedded case study with inner East London as my subject. It was a round-about way we got there as I was first looking for a specific event as my 'case' but I am much happier with the locale at the centre of the paper instead as I can envision more angles from that viewpoint. 

Now that I've got there after months of dancing around catch phrases and key terms it all seems strangely logical to me; so blatantly obvious in fact that I'm slightly perturbed that it took till the wire to get it out of me! (it always damn well does) 

Looking at the majority of my colleagues topic choice the reflection of self and personal history is an undeniable theme. 

My initial response to the notion of writing something 'close to home', were less than favourable. I wanted to reach further afield, challenge myself more, learn something new! I mean, for Christ's sake, I wanted to go to Serbia! 

And then I realised the importance of two things. Passion and understanding. Yes, if I wanted to spend a couple of years researching, learn the language, immerse myself in the culture, take up residence for a time I could probably write an truly insightful and critical paper on Exit, or Carnival or Avignon for that matter, and yes, the purpose of research IS to learn and discover. 

However, the depth I will get from writing on something I've already been immersed in, have an opinion on and have unwittingly researched in daily conversation over the last 5 years will undoubtedly be better. Particularly with consideration to the fact this is my first time doing any research of this nature and not starting from total scratch is probably a good thing. 

There is no way a paper of mine would compare to Beka's on Bonnaroo or Muriel's on Taiwan Aborigines simply because of their past experiences would place them in such an advantageous position over I. 

So yes, it makes sense to me now, and I'm happy I'm on that path. 

That all being said though, those of us writing on the familiar or affiliated, must maintain a close monitor on ourselves that our research remains as authentic and objective as possible. I suppose an element of subjectivity will always slip in somewhere and will have more tendency to do so if writing on an area of personal connection.  I personally don't believe true objectivity exists to be honest - it's unachievable in totality as we are influenced subjects ourselves, however, it can be strived for. 

The most important element to me however, is passion. I do believe you need to care about what you're writing on, even from an objective perspective. Perhaps not by birthright, but a proud east London resident all the same. I've lived everywhere from Stoke Newington to Stepney, Hoxton to Haggerston and a few more stops in between and have a genuine care and interest in the history, culture and society of this part of London, and that is why I'm happy to have finally arrived at the decision to write on it.... oh... and events of course. 

Oh those minutes are still a ticking so the queen of cram must once more put her head back down and get back to writing.... you will undoubtedly see me again before the final deadline falls. 


The Beginning of the End

11th of May hey? Would someone kindly inform me how the hell that happened?! 

So I sit, with 48 hours to go,  The Final Countdown on incessant internal repeat, upon a sea of highlighter scrawled papers and illegible notes ready to write. Apparently. It's clarity through chaos. I just have to get that first word out. 

I willfully admit that the dissertation slipped to the wayside in the face of the blinding wall of coursework that has been the last month but that was to be expected I suppose. It's back to the forefront and I am ever so glad to no longer be segmenting my brain as were it an orange feeling as though there were only 6 pieces to feed 10 hungry mouths clawing at my legs. 

Finally, one thing to focus on.