Response to Comments

Original Challenge Question Response - http://jbengson.blogspot.com/2008/11/challenge-question-response.html
Leen’s Comments - http://leenrhee.blogspot.com/2008/11/response-to-challenge-question_12.html

With regard to your question about how an ethnographic scholar is to circumvent inaccuracy and bias, you propose an intriguing method of surveying the fans of the band and maybe even the band itself. As far as accuracy is concerned, can it really exist without bias? How does one define accuracy? Accuracy seems to be subjective in this case, as say for example, Lamb and Lynx Gaede might view an “accurate” depiction of themselves as one that characterizes their pure, separatist ideologies while ABC’s view of an “accurate” characterization of the girls might be one of racism and white supremacy. In this context, I feel like accuracy and bias work in relative opposition, and this is where I think one has to be careful with the method of surveying the fans or the band. Especially for controversial bands like Prussian Blue, although it may seem like direct access to the band and its fan base may prove to be the purest, most accurate source of information, one must consider the alternative viewpoints and the social implications of utilizing information from the primary source. In this context, a primary source may not be as useful as multiple sources. That is to say quantity over quality. Thus, the polyphonic ethnography approach is one way of not only minimizing ethical repercussions relating to racially charged images, but it is also useful for minimizing bias, since the images are perceived from several viewpoints, not from one source of media. You are absolutely right that the media’s influence is not always degrading or controversial, as Prussian Blue is merely an extreme case where the media may have a more influential role due to the increased sensitivity of the issues brought out by the girls’ beliefs.