Item 4 – Feeling Welcome
Collected From: In-person interviews (on separate occasions)
Date Collected: March 17, 2021, March 19, 2021 and March 30, 2021 respectively
Informant(s): Connor H., Katy Z., and Paige J.
Collector: Alex Hunt
Connor H.: “My friend and I have made this game to see how often we could just strike up a conversation with somebody kind of ambush them and bum a cig or something and see what happened, just to kind of test the limits on that. Turns out, people will share (laughs). Anyone with a pack of cigarettes that you know or have talked to in the last half hour is going to give you one usually. But that’s just more of a common courtesy thing, you know? But when someone pulls out weed, usually there’s a circle or sesh group or whatever going on. Its possible to infiltrate one of those too (laughs) when you have something to contribute. So, the trick is, bring one thing like bring one joint, you know, you don’t need like $100 worth of weed (laughs). Just bring one joint or something, and you’re in (laughs). One joint and one pack of cigs and you have a roomful of 200 best friends for the night. I’d say there’s a community about it, like, I don’t know if its really cohesive at all but there’s still a sense of like everybody eats kind of thing.”
Katy Z: “People that throw your typical house party are usually somewhat selfish and narrow-minded, whereas this crowd is more openminded and considerate and compassionate. Everybody just seems to be on the same page. Like you get a lot of people from the LGBTQ community that come to these shows, and I feel as though, speaking as a member of this community, that there’s a lot of more of, uh, I guess comfortability? Like I don’t have to hide it as much because there’s not the same pressing, like, discrimination, in a way. I feel like if anyone was homophobic or anything like that or just, like, mean or rude or something it’d probably get shut down pretty quick. It just, feels more inclusive, I guess.”
Paige J: “I mean, typically the crowd you have here is your indie white college-aged man, and this, like, type of person tends to think like hey I’m a good person, you know, like I’m not like the frat dudes or whatever, but I mean there’s still some danger that persists that at these parties. I mean, I wouldn’t say its like better or worse because it isn’t really comparable if its going on at all, but there still is some groping and some guys getting handsy. I tend to stick to my group because of that, but, we can handle ourselves, you know. If someone does get handsy or whatever else we’ll turn around and tell them to fuck off. And guys can be too persistent sometimes with alcohol and all that and just can’t take no for an answer. Overall, though, I feel like there can be levels of accountability where people stand up for someone if they are getting felt up or sexually harassed.”
Analysis of Texture
Connor H. and Katy Z. spoke favorably on the inclusivity of house shows, where they believe them to be totally accepting. Connor H.’s tone was more playful, though he seemed genuine in his assertions regarding feeling welcome during these shows. Katy Z. was more solemn and seemed agitated when describing the “typical house party” attitudes. She became visibly happier as she mentioned her experiences of inclusion, though. Paige J. was passionate in her description, as she seemed to know that others tend to leave out the negative encounters women can have while attending these house shows. Her initial statements seemed to be in response to those men who see themselves as being incapable of doing wrong due to the personality types that are associated with their taste in music. Paige J. still recounts her overall experience at the house shows to be pleasant, though, despite the harmful acts that have the potential to occur.
Context
Being that Connor H. and Katy Z. have been to less house shows than Paige J., I believe it is entirely possible that they have not witnessed or experienced any sort of sexual harassment. Paige J. believes that those who neglect to consider this either have not experienced it or attempt to justify it by asserting that it is not as dangerous as a fraternity party. The context surrounding the disgusting encounters Paige J. has had to experience usually involves men attempting to dance up on her or putting their hands on her waist. With this being the case, she finds herself sticking with her group whenever they need to move around to different locations of the house. Despite the glaring sexual harassment that is apparent at not just these shows but essentially every party in Bloomington, it is important to mention the positives of the house show environment. In a time where so much discrimination consistently occurs, house shows do offer a place where people can truly be themselves without worrying about facing potential hate speech.
Interpretation
I believe the obvious core concept present here is community, as the overall inclusive nature of house shows creates a comforting environment. Even if one does not socially interact with those around them, there is a common understanding that seems to persist. People are able to operate without constantly worrying about harmful biases being projected onto them, and it leads to a feeling of acceptance. After attending one or two house shows, it is easy to feel as though you belong. Love of music ties attendees together, tethering them to each other with threads of shared appreciation. Another core concept that I believe is important to mention here is tradition. Gender roles in America have been flawed since its conception, where the residual effects of consistent sexism perpetuate the persistent acceptance of inappropriate behavior. Though progress is currently being made in changing this behavior, it is still a harmful aspect of today’s party culture. Men still feel as though they are entitled to speak to or touch a woman inappropriately without their consent, and this leads to the pressing dangers mentioned in Paige J.’s comments.