Towards Gonzo Anthropology : Ethnography as Cultural Performance

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Abstract

This essay provides an" ethnography of ethnography" through investigating and advocating certain research methodologies referred to as "Gonzo Anthropology." Ethnography is viewed as a process entailing both actual research, especially participant observation, and discourse, i.e. some form of cultural representation. In this way the ethnographic process can be seen as a form of cultural performance; the ethnographer is an actor, director, recorder of events, writer, artist and audience all in one. These ideas will be explored through an analysis of the work ofHunter S. Thompson, the founder of gonzo methods. The application of performance theory will be illustrated through brief cultural descriptions of Hare Krishnas and deaf people in Japan. This essay is a product of years of study, application, consideration and reconsiderations ofethnographic research that aims to provide important, relevant and interestingdialogue for multiple and multivocal actors and audiences.

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  • 研究論集

    研究論集 98 55-70, 2013-09

    Kansai Gaidai University

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