pro·pos·al
prəˈpōzəl/
noun
plural noun: proposals
- 1.a plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration or discussion by others."a set of proposals for a major new high-speed rail link"
synonyms: plan, idea, scheme, project, program, manifesto, motion, proposition,
suggestion, action point, submission, trial balloon"the proposal was rejected" - 2.an offer of marriage.
Students, so sorry for the late post. I hope you all have at least been giving some thought to possible topics for your Memphis, City as Text, semester-long project. Bear in mind that you do not have to have it set in stone this instant, but by February 6th when the proposal is due, you should have formulated a general sense of what you would like to do.
The proposal (for which specifications will come to you via email), should be about a page to a page and a half long, discussing a topic of interest to you that relates to Memphis. Some sort of research question should be taking shape, together with one or two possible answers to that question. As in, how did Memphis become a key site for distribution? It's geographic location says a lot about how the city evolved as a central distribution locale. Or, in what ways did the Memphis music scene bring together white and black musicians during the Civil Rights struggle? One answer might be the Stax Records Company opened its doors to artists of all backgrounds, and created a haven for musical expression. Just some thoughts.
For now, tell me what interests you. Are you drawn to Memphis's cultural history in any way? Memphis business? The geographical diversity of Memphis? Map out some ideas. This is an opportunity for me to hear your thoughts and help you along as you formulate your project goals.
One thing I like about Memphis is the diversity we have here. When I was in high school, we were considered one of the most diversity school in Memphis. I wonder what makes Memphis so diverse. I really don't know much about Memphis so besides the diversity I haven't found anything else that just catches my interest here.
ReplyDeleteThe city's diversity is certainly growing--especially in the last fifty years or so. Often such demographic changes occur as a result of some historical or political change. We are definitely seeing more and more hispanic, Middle Eastern, and Asian populations moving here. One thing to consider might be Memphis's situation as a medical mecca: St. Jude welcomes patients free of charge, many of whom come from various points on the globe. Just some things to think about as you consider the possible causes of this change in diversity.
DeleteI think I am drawn to Memphis's culture and diversity more than the business and geographical aspects for several different reasons. Nothing excites me more than good food, nice people, and music, and what more could you ask for when it comes to Memphis? Bonus points because most of the nice people I have met, also enjoy music and good food too. Memphis has such a ride variety when it comes to food, whether it be rock, rap, country, blues, Memphis has it all, and when it comes to food, there are so man varieties of places to eat.. some places I've explored here range from bbq, ethiopian, thai, chinese, italian, american, etc. Now im starting to get hungry....... ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is the second comment that touches upon the city's diversity! I'm seeing a trend develop here. I mentioned to Florinda that a lot of the diversity we see in Memphis results from changes in the political and historic complexion of not just Memphis, but the world. Why do you think there are more and more restaurants offering fare from places like Ethiopia, Thailand, Korea, Viet Nam--Cuba, even? It might be worth it to zero in on just one or two examples of how Memphis cuisine is changing from its traditional fare in favor of more varied cuisine.
DeleteWhat really drew me in was the different places here in Memphis that people meet now in contrast to where people meet around the world or where Memphians used to gather in the past. I am looking forward to discovering what parks or meeting halls even cemeteries meant and still mean in this city. Maybe what were the reasons they gathered together; were they celebrating, rallying together for something, disputing or even mourning. Hopefully I can maybe narrow it down to one particular place or type of place but so far that is what I am looking into.
ReplyDeleteForgive me if it appears I'm projecting all of my own interests onto you, but I have a suggestion, take or leave it as you please...had you thought of doing something along the lines of Victorian society in Memphis? Elmwood, as I mentioned, was founded as a 'garden cemetery' where wealthy families would visit on Sunday afternoons and pay homage to their loved ones who had passed on. What's interesting is that these families would literally picnic on the grounds of the cemetery and make a regular day outing of it. Further, Victorian society being what it was, the lush ballrooms, sitting rooms, and parlors boasted by the Woodruff Fontaine and Mallory Neely homes give insight into the Victorian emphasis on society, social custom, and gathering. Entertaining was a regular habit of the Victorians, so it was very unusual if a family did not have their own ballroom--with an adjoining room for a musical ensemble that was usually curtained off, as musicians were considered 'low class folk.' Just some thoughts, but if you are indeed interested, I can certainly offer you some places to begin your investigation.
DeleteWhen you grow up here, you are going to hear about the main things Memphis is known for. This could include the MLK assassination, Elvis, the blues, and the best barbecue in America. However, over the years, I have started to dig a little deeper into the heart of the city, and I believe there is much more to know. I want to look into the places that are haunted or places that hold history that people just passing through would never see. Earnestine and Hazel's has a very interesting history that I am eager to look into.
ReplyDeleteWe talked about this after our first meeting, so you know I'm excited about this idea. I do want to point out something here and there and offer a suggestion or two. If you focus on Earnestine and Hazel's exclusively, you might hit a dead end; however, think about 'types' of hauntings, perhaps, or 'haunted restaurants,' or hauntings with specific themes. Also, Memphis also offers haunted tours that you might find interesting, especially when you compare them to those in New Orleans, which builds a percentage of its reputation on such attractions as these...but Memphis? What gives this city a spooky vibe?
DeleteI tried to link you to this book before and it didn't work, but if you look on Amazon.com for Laura Cunningham's book, _Haunted Memphis_, it's a bit of a gem. Not expensive, you can download a Kindle version even, and a very quick read. I'm excited to see this idea develop!
I have a major interest in feminism. Especially radical feminism. I would love to become more involved in women's events in Memphis and learn more about any pioneering women from this city's history. I am sure it will be interesting to compare the differences between the starting out point of a feminist uprising in the city versus the climate of things now. The mistreatment and injustices that women face hits close to home.
ReplyDeleteI dare say I am very eager to see what develops from this combination of radical feminism and Memphis. Is there a considerable feminist presence here? I know at the U of M, there is a palpable sense of social progressivism, social interest, and varying attitudes on women's issues. It may be that you begin there: U of M has a number of professors who teach gender studies, political science courses, social science courses with a feminist leaning. You can even consider Southwest, but as it is not a 'research institution,' you don't see a great deal of colloquia and seminars being held for that purpose. Rhodes College also has speaker series you could investigate. I myself (and, being a feminist I am ashamed to say) do not know of any Memphis-based feminists or activists; however, higher learning is certainly a place I'd go looking first. If you want names of feminist theorists, there's always Judith Butler...Angela Davis...Eve Sedgwick...Susan Sontag...but maybe I'm showing my age!
DeleteGrit and Grind, that is what comes to mind when I think of my hometown Memphis. I have always been intrigued by the cities diversity and generosity. In my opinion, Memphis is one of the most multi-cultural places in the south, while also oozing the world renowned southern hospitality referenced in Tina Turner's “Proud Mary”.
ReplyDeleteAfter attending class last week, and learning that haunted Memphis is an option to focus on for this project I was intrigued to investigate futher. I have a love hate relationship with paranormal happenings, they intrigue me, but they also make me uncomfortable. Luckily, I do not mind being temporarily uncomfortable to uncover a good story.
I was also intrigued by the haunted Memphis option because I have always been interested in learning how abandoned buildings have become that way and why they are staying that way. I would also be interested in going in-depth within the”Grind”or business of Memphis.
Just a word of caution on the paranormal theme: one of your classmates has something similar in mind. You might think about talking to Sophia Hahn and asking her what ideas she has and the direction she is taking. However, you mention something interesting that might depart slightly from what she plans--that of the abandoned building ideas. There are numerous old buildings downtown that are bound to have an intriguing history, but somehow that history, like the structure, has been forgotten. There's something rather sad and romantic about these buildings and what they represent that you might be able to develop something truly fascinating there.
DeleteWhat interests me about Memphis is the nostalgic ways of their attractions, such as Beale Street, Graceland, and many of their restaurants. Even though we are in a totally different place and time now, Memphis still holds onto history through places that will bring the traffic of people. That is why I believe that places like those have so many tourists visiting every year, even if they have already been there before, because those places bring back memories of how it used to be, mostly those "good times." Even though there are so many sites around Memphis that represent nostalgia, what I am heading towards most is Beale street or the Arcade(the oldest cafe in Memphis).
ReplyDeleteI really like this idea, Jaida--particularly the Arcade restaurant. Memphis certainly does retain its past in many interesting--and sometimes controversial--ways. But I really like the idea you are describing: the longing for nostalgia and the 'good ol' days,' as represented in places like the Arcade. I say run with it.
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