Background Information: The information is acquired from a show that takes place in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The show illustrates the lifestyles if the rich in New York. The characters depicted are explicitly the main characters. The observations described are up until thirty-five minuets the remaining five minuets are summarized.
Figured world: A figured world is society as a whole and the regulations and expectations that are created that heavily influences societal members, setting the standard of social norms that are accepted as a whole. (The proper way to behave)
The figured world observed is Manhattans Upper East Side in New York City. Introduced is a group of young teens that have the advantage of being wealthy despite one that still manages to associate with the inner circle of Manhattans Upper East Side despite his socioeconomic disadvantage. Gossip Girl illustrates privileged young adults encounter the hardships of being apart of the upper class. The figured world is Manhattans Upper East side in New York City. This figured world is a city in New York. Manhattan is home to many elite members of society, very wealthy individuals that enjoy lavish lifestyles. Various shops, eatery, high-end real estate, and upscale events take place in the city. The city never stops and neither do the festivities and activities available for individuals that would like to partake in the events. In Manhattans Upper East Side, individuals are expected to have class and wealth. It is not uncommon to consistently experience fine dinning, or attend high-end fashion shows, galas or evening brunches. Exclusive shopping, and elegant designer ensembles are expected for one to wear. One should speak properly exhibiting a high- level of education and social diversity. An individuals mannerism, shall posses etiquette, and relay the image that they are someone of high-class. Typically individuals of lower socioeconomic lifestyles cater to the wealthy and are considered as the help. The help and the wealthy are not equals, however the help is simply a nanny, servant or housekeeper that handles domestic chores of the household. In order to keep up a high social status, individuals of this figured world are expected to host and attend grand events that gain high recognition, and serve as positive publicity in the public eye. In the Upper East Side of Manhattan money is an object and being wealthy is not a privilege it is an expectation. Various communities of practice that is expect to find is the expectation to expand ones wealth, and provide opportunities for ones self and their family. Ultimately i believe that one shared idea is money cannot by you eternal happiness however it can provide you with instant gratification and contentment which is all that matter in the figured world of Manhattans Upper East Side.
Actor: Someone who has a specific duty in a community, typically an essential role of a community.
Blair Waldrof: Blair is the daughter of a successful fashion designer in the upper east side of Manhattan. She is obsessed with being Queen B; she has the unrealistic desire of complete popularity. She often looks to others as inferiors and herself as their superior. Her self-infatuation, condescending nature, and narcissistic tendencies will ultimately counter her efforts to be powerful, leading to her downfall and self-destruction later within the series. In the community Blair serves as the tyrant she is the top of the Hierarchy. Without Blair and her obsessive ways the balance of power within the popularity structure will be nonexistence, she is the backbone, she is the leader, she calls the shots, and she exhibits the true definition of being Queen B.
Jenny Humphrey: Jenny aspires to be a mirror image of Blair Waldrof. Initially she tends to Blairs every beck and call, until she realizes how manipulative and vengeful Blaire really is. Jenny undergoes an identity crisis through the show, due to her insecurities and continuous struggle to fit in with the upper class of Manhattan. Whats a villain without a foe, Jenny is the ultimate enemy, and she is desperate to be apart of the inner circle of Manhattans Upper East side. In the community Jenny serves as the disruptor of the balance of the balance of power within the popularity circle. She continuously keeps Blair scheming, on her toes, and the ongoing wars between the two essentially a highlight within the show.
Serena Van der Wood: Serena is self absorbed and completely unaware of her personality and how it affects others around her. She is wild, narcissistic and undergoes a continuous struggle to find contentment. Her mother is wealthy and remarries, and her father is a doctor that is absent in her life. Serena plays the damsel in distress, she has seemingly endless problems at the end of every problem is prince charming to save her. She serves as the helpless, yet a beauty that continuously mistakes love for lust giving her the label of promiscuous.
Dan Humphrey: Dan is obsessed with the lifestyle of Manhattans finest. He secretly wishes to be apart of the circle. He is in love with Serena, and secretly works to gain her attention, trust and love. He displays self assuredness, and hate for the wealthy however this is a front in order to mask his secrete fixation and want to be apart of Manhattans Upper East Side. Dan is gossip girl; this is reviled at the end of the show. Blair is the voice, the manipulator, and the social influence amongst all of his peers. Ironically Dan is labeled as lonely boy and seems useless, and a misfit, however Dan is the driving force behind all social mishap and is the essential social glue within the popularity structure.
Chuck Bass: Chuck is depressed, self-absorbed and lost all in which stems from his mothers absence and misguided relationship with his father. He yearns to be loved and accepted by his father. His alcohol and drug abuse derive from his inability to cope. Chuck is whom everyone loves to hate. He seems so spiteful, and careless however he is pure kindness. Chuck is a voice or reason within the community as he begins to mature; his love for Blair is a key relationship within the show.
Nate Archibald: Nate is uncomfortable with his families wealth. He witnesses his father transform and his lavish lifestyle quickly becomes not ideal. His father has an addiction and an eye opening scandal that permanently causes an upset in Nates life. His grandfather is manipulative and uses his families name to open unfair opportunities for Nate, resulting in Nates continuous struggle to find his identity. Nate has the least important role within the community, he is simply the best friend of Chuck and the boyfriend of Blaire.
Artifacts: Physical property/ objects or Emotional gestures and or context that holds relevance to a specific community. Artifacts depict important information in order to explore and provide explicit details of a particular community.
Gossip girls website: The website serves for the most influential artifact during the show. The website continuously airs drama between Manhattans finest, it serves as a gossip site, that not only reveals the darkest secrets, but also creates life changing drama for all characters. The anonymous voice of the website serves as an antagonist and a protagonist, continually pulling everyone apart, only to unveil truths and bring them even closer together.
Text messaging: Text messaging instantaneously keeps everyone connected to the recent drama that is occurs within manhattans inner circle. At the sound of a text or alert of miscellaneous gossip, everyones attention is diverted egger to read the latest news that gossip girl publicizes. During the course of the series it is apparent that texts are responsible for reviling personal information that causes numerous social hardships and personal upset between the friends in Manhattans inner circle.
Communities of Practice: Means of communication, shared ideology, and or beliefs that are common amongst a group of likeminded individuals. I .e. at a university: (Swim team, student organizations)
Popularity: Though all may not be aware but all of the individuals within the figured world have the desire to be socially accepted and popular. All strive towards being liked, and accepted by the majority of peers. They communicate to one another in a condescending way.
Domain: A specific interest or common idea is shared between a community.
Popularity: Although popularity is found in the communities of practice it is also evident in the domain. One can find that on the surface not all of the characters are consumed with the idea of popularity. However below the surface, the shared goal and obsession between all the characters is the idea of being popular. All undergo social conformity, and all react as well as behave in a mannerism that is dictated by the want/interest of popularity.
The idea to succeed: All individuals within the figured world have the shared goal to succeed. They have the idea that success and money is key to survival within Manhattans Upper East Side. Their Parents, peers, and others members of society stress the importance prosperity.
Education: Education is heavily emphasized within the figured world; the actors attend a prestigious prep school. All parents of the actors graduated from prestigious universities such as Brown, and Harvard with the exception of Dans father. Although Dan does not naturally have the exclusive advantages of his friends he still values education and strives to be exceptional as well as maintain his scholarship in order to attend St. Judes School for Boys.
The Practice: Conscious or Subconscious learning and incorporating individual skill in order to develop as a whole with multiple individuals that share the same interest, field of expertise, and or knowledge.
Popularity: Popularity is an essential role it enforces the balance of power, it separates the upper class from the lower class. It is the one thing that all the actors know how to achieve; it is something that they all know the importance of.
Literacy Practices: Specific accustoms and or practices with in a particular community (email, texts, books)
Texts: Texts are essential for communication; they keep everyone intertwined and up to date with gossip. It is an interconnecting piece between the social atmospheres of the Upper East Side.
Social norms: Social norms are expectations or laws set forth by members of society. The laws and expectations are created based on societal conformity and societal acceptance. The adequate way to act amongst society.
Observation:
3:00 Minutes: The show starts off in New York Pen station three characters are introduced. A guy and his sister and father are seen conversing in the station, until he spots a seemingly attractive young woman, only then is he swept off his feet and begins staring at her in awe. The audience is able to see the males fascination with the girl. The family depicted is dressed in average clothing nothing extravagant, it can be seen that they are not apart of the Upper Eastside inner circle; the girl is dressed in rather expensive clothing showcasing her wealth. The show quickly alternates scenes displaying an array of wealthy people, formally dressed while eating finger food and sipping champagne. Some characters are seen partaking in scandalous behavior. (It is assumed that his behavior is not deemed as acceptable; the actors are seen practicing scandalous behavior in a hidden location. The scandalous behavior is sexual activity which is commonly frowned upon for young teens, sexual behavior comes with assumed responsibilities that are far to complex for the actors to exercise properly.) Suddenly everyone abruptly stops when a notification is received by everyone present at the formal gathering; everyone turns their attention to the notification only to laugh, gossip and gaze in amazement at the news that an old peer is returning to the scandalous, life of Manhattans upper East Side.
5:00 Minutes: The character Dan is thus forced introduced, it is seen that his father is apart of the working class; his mother is absent after a brief separation from his father. Serena is depicted in the following scenes as accompanying her brother at this rehab facilitation center. It can be seen that their mother is purposely hiding Serenas brothers reason for staying at the rehab facilitation center. The mother is clearly embarrassed and wants to protect the families image. The scene switches and a day at prep school begin. Blaire the Queen B dressed in prep school attire, accompanied by her inferiors. Blaire is seen sitting at the top of the steps handing out handcrafted invitations. She clearly has a newfound dislike for Serena and refuses to invite her to her Kiss of Lips party. The audience can see that Blaire feels a sense of superiority and thrives off of making others feel subservient.
11:00 Minutes: Dans sister is found obsessing over Blair. She is extremely egger to become aquatinted with Blair, and seems infatuated with the thought of also becoming Queen B. Jenny continuously talks about becoming popular and wants to attend the Kiss of Lips party. Dan starts to further display his like for Serena, and begins to step outside his comfort zone in order to address his feelings for Serena. Jenny Shops for a dress, as well as Serena. Jenny is so intrigued with becoming popular that she offers to help Blair with her party invitations. Jenny shows that she is adamant to be friends with Blair.
15:00 Minutes: The character Nate is introduced along with Chuck. They are seen walking through the park as Nate begins to explain/ complain how uncomfortable he is with his lifestyle. Chuck quickly dismisses his discontentment and offers him drugs in order to clear his mind. The scene switches and Blair and Serena are seen conversing at a bar over cocktails. The ladies seem to be attempting to resolve conflict, however their efforts seem disingenuous and misguided.
23:00 Minutes: Blaire and Serena continue to engage in conversation. They are each venting to one another their personal problems with the other. Dan finally gains the courage to ask Serena out, despite his awkward proposal Serena accepts and they plan for a fun filled evening. Blair makes arrangements to book an extravagant hotel to coax her boyfriend to fall for her, however this attempt is not a success, it conflicts with her wants and ultimately pushes Nate further way.
30:00 Minuets: (The setting is the Kiss of Lips Party) Nate is unimpressed with Blairs gimmicks; truthfully he feels chastised by Blair, and wants to escape from her obsessive grip. Serena passes him his demeanor changes, his mood lightens, and a mirthful grin plasters over his face. However he is suddenly drawn back to reality by Blairs whining and unpleasant complaining. Nate abruptly walks away in order to find Serena. He dismisses Blair all to eagerly in heavy pursuit for his desire, Serena. He finally sees her, approaches happily until he is unpleasantly surprised to see Dan Humphrey (lonely boy) locking hands with her. This is score one for Dan, however this is only the beginning of disappointment for Nate.
Observation Two Episode: The Bi*** Blair Project Season: One
5:00- The show begins with Serena and Chuck (soon to be brother and sister) incessantly feuding over the bathroom; Chuck has no regard for Serenas upset and continues to occupy the bathroom. Serena then barges in, only to see chuck perched on the bathroom vanity leisurely smoking, they exchange sarcastic remarks before Serena leaves to go to the Waldrof residence in order to rescue Blair from her misery. Blair is seen wallowing in her self-inflicted sorrow; she has been denounced from Queen B status (this is taking a tremendous toll on her). Reluctantly Blair gets dressed for school, she is dressed ridiculously with shades and a headscarf an attempted disguise that Serena forces her to rid of.
11:00 Blair arrives to school only to notice that her peers are discretely talking about her, she receives dirty looks, watchful glances, and judgmental stares. Just as all seems to be going down hill it spirals further, Jenny (the new Queen B) and her entourage splatter yogurt all over Blairs head. The embarrassment is fueled by laughter and mockery; Blair runs away in furry and Jenny scores extra popularity points for her merciless deed. Serena and Blair are seen sitting on the steps of Constance, conversing about Blairs humiliation. Serena attempts to give honest advice to help encourage Blair through her hardships (Blair is in dismay completely appalled of everyones hate for her). Jenny and her friends are also along the steps planning their events for the night, however Jenny discreetly devises a plan to further destroy Blair. Jennys double life is beginning to be too much; she doesnt have the financial means to keep up with the lifestyle of her friends.
15:00 Jenny and her friends are discussing events for the night. After cordially giving Blair a fake invite Jenny and her friends stand Blair up to further humiliate her. Blair sits lonely at Butter (a restaurant), she exchanges sarcastic comments with the waitress; suddenly Blair gains confidence and the motivation to regain her Queen B Status. Meanwhile Jenny is at her friends house laughing about lying to Blair about their whereabouts. Amid a phone call Jenny walks into her friends mothers closet and steels a special made red gown.
23:00 Jenny is seen at a consignment shop with the red gown that she stole from her friends mother. She rushes to the counter, extremely excited and not the least bit regretful of her dishonest deed. She speaks to the clerk at the consignment shop in an attempt to sale the dress she has stolen; she is able to trade the gown for another gown for her birthday dress. The next day Jenny is seen at school with her entourage, her friend relays the message that her mothers costume made gown has been stolen and police are involved. Blair is seen at Jennys fathers art gallery in an attempt to plan a Birthday gathering for Jenny; it is obvious that Blair is up to no good.
30:00 Serena receives a series of Inappropriate gifts from an unknown source; she is dismayed and insistent that Chuck is the source. Chuck however denies the accusations however Serena is weary. Jenny rushes to the consignment shop to return the dress bargained in exchange for the stolen gown; she is unable to exchange the dress because it is at a lower value. Desperate to return the dress Jenny runs to the fitting room and puts the gown under her clothes and runs out. Jenny returns to her house only to discover Blair and her friends gathered with her Father in order to throw a surprise party. Jenny suddenly scared runs to her room anxious to get the dress off before anyone sees. The door is left open as Jenny struggles to remove the dress; her friends enter the room and witness her wearing the stolen dress.
Observation Three Episode: All About my Brother Season: Two
5:00 Jenny is seen conversing with Blair from afar, Blair seems unenthused. Jenny abruptly leaves the conversation in order to greet her newfound Boyfriend, as the audience I am unaware of who he is no name or description is given. Serena is with her brother when a new gossip girl tip is notified indicating Jenny and her new lover. Serenas brother relays the message of Jennys new affair, Blair and her new entourage are seen watching Jenny and her boyfriend; Blair suddenly seems intrigued to find information on Jenny new love life.
11:00 Serena and Dan are seen together in the hallway conversing and showing affection. Dan seems to be increasingly worried about his sister, and seeks Serena for advice; Dan also wants to introduce Serena to his new friend over dinner. Dans father goes to Serenas mother in order to gain motherly advice on how to speak to Jenny about her sudden behavior problems. Reluctantly Serenas mother agrees to aid Dans father in parenting from a mothers perspective. Dan approaches Jennys boyfriend in an attempt to reveal the person he truly is. Blair and Serna are conversing on the step when suddenly Dan interrupts their conversation.
15:00 Dans father and Serenas mother are discussing Jennys rebellion. Blair and Jenny are spreading spiteful rumors about one another through gossip girl. Someone is sending an anonymous tip through gossip girl pertaining to Jennys boyfriend. Serena receives a call from an unknown person that informs her that her old friend has delivered a package for her to open. Dans father is accompanying Serenas mother to her bridal dress fitting.
23:00 Jennys Boyfriend decides to sit down with Jenny and tell her his true intentions with her. Jenny decides to spread the rumor that she lost her virginity to her boyfriend in order to counteract the rumor that her boyfriend is actually gay. Serenas brother decides to tell Jenny the truth and let her know that she is making a huge mistake, however she chooses to disobey because her popularity depends on her relationship.
30:00 There is a socialite event that the entire school attends. Jenny is seen with her boyfriend, which to her means a boost in her popularity. Blair Then reveals that Jennys relationship is a fake, and only a strategic move the gain Queen B status once again. Jenny is officially hated; her friends have turned their backs on her completely. Blair is back as the beloved tyrant reclaiming her Queen B status. Everything seems fun and games, but Blair ceases to know that Jenny has a vengeful payback plotted. Serena is still receiving packages from an unknown sender she is furious and demands to know who is behind the ongoing gimmick.
Interview Questions The interviewee chosen was one of the main characters of the show Serena Van der Wood. Serena is heavily depicted throughout the show; she is apart of Manhattans Upper East Side. She is the perfect candidate to interview simply because she continuously amongst the drama and disputes that occur during the show. Though I am unable to directly interview her I assumed the role of pretending to be her in order to answer the questions present. Through indirect/ direct characterization, and watching the character evolve during the course of the show I was able to answer the questions as adequately as possible, without a bias response, and with prior knowledge of the show.
1. Living such an extravagant life style I assume comes with many advantages, however what are some of the cons that emphasize the downfalls associated with being wealthy?
Indeed living a lifestyle such as mine comes with many perks, however people often make assumptions of what an extravagant lifestyle in tells. It is very hard being continuously judged for your advantages, I didnt choose this lifestyle I was simply born into it. I tend to get furious when people make varied judgments about me; they think just because theyve met one greedy, or selfish rich person then all are the same. I am an individual and I have lack a tolerance for people who judge me based on pure invalid ignorance. Living in the public eye is also a downfall of being wealthy, my peers and other members of society scrutinize my entire life, which becomes very tiresome and discouraging.
2. In what ways do you believe that you are judged based off of your appearance and socioeconomic status rather than your character and your knowledge? Explain.
Instead of being asked intellectual questions about politics or my opinion on a particular subject manner, Im asked questions about socialite events, or about the shoes Im wearing. I appear as the little rich girl who has all of her desires and wishes granted at command. Society often values education because it inevitably leads to success, however Im already successful; people assume that I do not value education because I do not have to yearn for success or work for success, yet their assumptions are incorrect. I just as anyone else tend to enjoy intellectual conversations, and maybe if I was taken seriously I could disprove misconceptions pertaining to my lack of knowledge.
3. Do you believe that your personal wealth or status defines you, if not then what does? I do not believe that my wealth and social status define me or embody me in anyway.
My social status and personal wealth are just associated with me and commonly misinterpreted as defining my individuality. I do not believe my circumstances describe me, instead I believe my actions and my intelligence are what label me. My intelligence depicts that I am well educated, and I care about my academic success, and my actions show that I am a spontaneous person full of life, who is not willing to be held back by others.
4. Out of your friends whom would you label as the antagonist and the protagonist within your every day life. Explain your answer and tell why you chose each individual.
Out of my friends Id label Blaire as the protagonist many may disagree. Blair though depicted as one that is hateful, or spiteful, is really generous and selfless. She tends to be consumed with herself however she means well. I believe Jenny has evolved to be the antagonist she is self-demeaning, and narcissistic. Her narcissism enables her to hurt others around her without disregard to how her actions negatively affect many.
5. How might you believe that coming from wealth unfortunately instills narcissistic qualities in a person?
Being wealthy comes with many advantages that many arent fortunate enough to have. Growing up I have only been surrounded with individuals that come from the same socioeconomic backgrounds as me. Being surrounded by people that are alike often blinds you from reality, you forget that there are individuals that are impoverished and that dont have the same advantages as you. My parents have breed a child that only receives the luxuries of life, Ive always received what I have wanted, and I have always been emphasized that I am truly important. This type of lifestyle tends to instill selfish, or narcissistic characteristics.