Some field-notes thus far:
Roller derby is pretty well-known for the great outfits/uniforms we get to come up with - our bouts are definitely a fun time to dress up a little. In our rec league, we come up with different team themes for each big game - Senoritas de los muertos, Rockabilly Rumblers, Naughty Ninjas, and so forth. However, during practice, most of us wear shorts and a t-shirt - nothing too elaborate - comfort and flexibility are key. It's interesting though - a fair share of the new girls definitely start out in the league "wearing the part" - brand new skates, crazy tights, makeup, and fancier outfits. Yet it doesn't usually take too long for the newer skaters to start wearing work-out clothes that are a little more practical (i.e. stuff they don't mind getting sweat all over.)
I think this might say something about the image of roller derby - from the outside it may be perceived as more about appearance and sexualized-show, but when it comes down it, I think a lot of us wear short skirts or shorts largely because they're easier to skate in...However - I'm interested to explore this some more. We don't have set uniforms in the rec or professional league - the outfits can range from glittery spandex to jean shorts and a t-shirt.
And thanks for your comment Amanda! I think it's a really interesting debate - what does it mean for women to "reclaim their sexuality"? What does that look like? How does one go about that? It's something I'm definitely looking forward to discussing and learning more about through my ethnography.
Savage Minds is dead! Long live anthro{dendum}!
7 years ago
This is a great start, Zoe! I would like to see you fill it in with actual observations (not necessarily for the blog, maybe for your private field notebook/file). Fill this story with details, an example from an actual girl, etc. Make it come out to life (use the examples in the yellow book as inspiration). I think your instincts are right on, trying to pay attention to this boundary between the inside and the outside of the group, how it isn't perfectly clear and sharp, but how it both becomes apparent/real and is produced in practice, by people doing and saying things.
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