Ethnography

Ethnography

September 7, 2015

Hold the Sandwich


I entered the sandwich shop around 12:30. As I walk up to the door I notice an older woman and what I am assuming is her daughter walking towards the door as well. I opened the door for them and they expressed their gratitude for my kind act. As I walk in and sit down at a corner table I scan the area. I notice a teenage boy laying in a booth near me with his eyes glued to his cell phone. There is a long line leading to the counter where you order that consisted of three men that are probably construction workers, I gather this from the way they are dressed, the women that I held the door for, an older gentleman on his cell phone, a father and his two children, and several teenagers in a group chatting amongst themselves. The father and kids are at the front of the line. His children, a young boy and a slightly older girl seem to be having trouble deciding on what to order. Already sitting down around me are two college-aged girls on laptops probably doing homework and taking advantage of the free Wi-Fi. There is an old man across the room with his own laptop and notebooks and wrappings of whatever food item he ordered strewn about his table giving the impression that he does not want company. The line is slowly moving as the man and his kids seem to have reaching a decision on lunch. The older man on his cell phone is next and judging by the brief words he just exchanged with the shop worker I am assuming that he has been here many times. As the older man starts to leave the three workers start placing orders. They seem to be in a hurry as they all take their food to go and leave the shop. During this time a young couple have made their way in to the shop and are having a quiet conversation between themselves as they wait in line. The father with his kids have found a spot near the teenager who was laying in the booth. Apparently the teen was not alone, a woman who I can only assume is his mother has come from the restrooms and joined him at the table. The group of teenagers in line have almost finished bombarding the shop worker with their various orders. At this point I realize that being the only person here without food may seem strange so I get in line behind the young couple. As my turn arrives I order a sandwich and a large drink. After I have paid I return to my seat and continue watching other customers. The teenager and his mother have left and the group of teens have taken a large table near the older man about halfway across the room. The groups’ conversation has escalated to a loud discussion on a new movie in theatres that they are apparently going to go see sometime this weekend. The old man is clearly annoyed by the teens as he cleans up his area and decides to leave the establishment. The father and two kids seemed to have finished their meal by now and are gathering up sandwich wrappers and disposing of them. The young couple have also finished their food, but are still sitting down talking. A woman dressed in athletic attire walks in and goes right up to the counter orders her food, pays, and leaves. By this time I have finished my food and continue to try to look busy. The girls on their laptops are suddenly met by a boy whom they apparently know very well. I start to gather my things to leave when the group of teens decide to vacate. On my way out another couple are making their way in. I hold the door for them and make my way to my car.

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