Directives for Observation

In order to focus our observations of body language, we have developed several directives to help us capture snapshots of American culture. These are only meant to give the observer a direction - not to limit creativity or interest. We encourage our readers to pick a directive, and go out equipped with a focus, pen, and notebook. Hopefully these will provide interesting snapshots for comparison! Please feel free to comment with your brainstormed directive ideas, and your personal observations on these directives.

Please click on the COMMENT section under each directive to read people's observations.

Gestures while Speaking

Observes how people communicate with their bodies while speaking.

Body Language and Food Consumption

Observing body language when people eat, whether alone or in groups.

One baby's take on culture and food consumption:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BqfwcuRZzg

Gender Interactions

This section focuses on the interactions between different and same genders across age groups. Ex: Men/men, women/women, mixed gender interactions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6z1g0NVHYg

Body Language in Passing

We are focusing on body language during everyday encounters with strangers and acquaintences. Examples would be interactions or lack of interactions in elevators, on the street, the Metro, in hallways, and on campuses.

Power Dynamics

In this section we observe situations with power dynamics within body language. Example: interactions between server and patron, professor and student, etc.

Posture: Work vs. Play

This section focuses on the dynamics of body language in work vs. play settings.

Flirting With Body Language

Here we focus on how people use their bodies as tools of flirtation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3xa-g6HeAY&mode=related&search=

Look at how Beyonce uses her body to flirt in this video "Get Bodied." Her body language entices men and says to girls, "this is how to use your body to get a man's attention." In fact, here in another link posted by a woman who wishes she was Beyonce.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVzkSr_aTRA&mode=related&search=

How does alcohol effect Body Language

Here we will post our cultural snapshots of alcohol's effect on body language.

Body Language Video