Draft Revision

Observation One:
Gossip Girl- Episode: Pilot
Season: One

Background Information: The information is acquired from a show that takes place in
the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The show illustrates the lifestyles if the rich in New
York. The characters depicted are explicitly the main characters. The observations
described are up until thirty-five minuets the remaining five minuets are summarized.

Figured world: A figured world is society as a whole and the regulations and expectations that
are created that heavily influences societal members, setting the standard of social norms that
are accepted as a whole. (The proper way to behave)

The figured world observed is Manhattans Upper East Side in New York City.
Introduced is a group of young teens that have the advantage of being wealthy despite
one that still manages to associate with the inner circle of Manhattans Upper East Side
despite his socioeconomic disadvantage. Gossip Girl illustrates privileged young adults
encounter the hardships of being apart of the upper class.
The figured world is Manhattans Upper East side in New York City. This figured world
is a city in New York. Manhattan is home to many elite members of society, very
wealthy individuals that enjoy lavish lifestyles. Various shops, eatery, high-end real
estate, and upscale events take place in the city. The city never stops and neither do the
festivities and activities available for individuals that would like to partake in the events.
In Manhattans Upper East Side, individuals are expected to have class and
wealth. It is not uncommon to consistently experience fine dinning, or attend high-end
fashion shows, galas or evening brunches. Exclusive shopping, and elegant designer
ensembles are expected for one to wear. One should speak properly exhibiting a high-
level of education and social diversity. An individuals mannerism, shall posses etiquette,
and relay the image that they are someone of high-class. Typically individuals of lower
socioeconomic lifestyles cater to the wealthy and are considered as the “help”. The help
and the wealthy are not equals, however the help is simply a nanny, servant or
housekeeper that handles domestic chores of the household. In order to keep up a high
social status, individuals of this figured world are expected to host and attend grand
events that gain high recognition, and serve as positive publicity in the public eye. In the
Upper East Side of Manhattan money is an object and being wealthy is not a privilege it
is an expectation.
Various communities of practice that is expect to find is the expectation to expand
ones wealth, and provide opportunities for ones self and their family. Ultimately i
believe that one shared idea is money cannot by you eternal happiness however it can
provide you with instant gratification and contentment which is all that matter in the
figured world of Manhattans Upper East Side.


Actor: Someone who has a specific duty in a community, typically an essential role
of a community.

 Blair Waldrof: Blair is the daughter of a successful fashion designer in the upper
east side of Manhattan. She is obsessed with being “Queen B”; she has the
unrealistic desire of complete popularity. She often looks to others as inferiors
and herself as their superior. Her self-infatuation, condescending nature, and
narcissistic tendencies will ultimately counter her efforts to be “powerful”,
leading to her downfall and self-destruction later within the series. In the
community Blair serves as the “tyrant” she is the top of the Hierarchy. Without
Blair and her obsessive ways the balance of power within the popularity structure
will be nonexistence, she is the backbone, she is the leader, she calls the shots,
and she exhibits the true definition of being “Queen B”.

 Jenny Humphrey: Jenny aspires to be a mirror image of Blair Waldrof. Initially
she tends to Blair’s every beck and call, until she realizes how manipulative and
vengeful Blaire really is. Jenny undergoes an identity crisis through the show,
due to her insecurities and continuous struggle to fit in with the upper class of
Manhattan. What’s a villain without a foe, Jenny is the ultimate enemy, and she
is desperate to be apart of the inner circle of Manhattans Upper East side. In the
community Jenny serves as the disruptor of the balance of the balance of power
within the popularity circle. She continuously keeps Blair scheming, on her toes,
and the ongoing wars between the two essentially a highlight within the show.

 Serena Van der Wood: Serena is self absorbed and completely unaware of her
personality and how it affects others around her. She is wild, narcissistic and
undergoes a continuous struggle to find contentment. Her mother is wealthy and
remarries, and her father is a doctor that is absent in her life. Serena plays the
damsel in distress, she has seemingly endless problems at the end of every
problem is prince charming to save her. She serves as the helpless, yet a beauty
that continuously mistakes love for lust giving her the label of promiscuous.

 Dan Humphrey: Dan is obsessed with the lifestyle of Manhattans finest. He
secretly wishes to be apart of the circle. He is in love with Serena, and secretly
works to gain her attention, trust and love. He displays self assuredness, and hate
for the wealthy however this is a front in order to mask his secrete fixation and
want to be apart of Manhattans Upper East Side. Dan is gossip girl; this is reviled
at the end of the show. Blair is the voice, the manipulator, and the social
influence amongst all of his peers. Ironically Dan is labeled as “lonely boy” and
seems useless, and a misfit, however Dan is the driving force behind all social
mishap and is the essential social glue within the popularity structure.

 Chuck Bass: Chuck is depressed, self-absorbed and lost all in which stems from
his mothers absence and misguided relationship with his father. He yearns to be
loved and accepted by his father. His alcohol and drug abuse derive from his
inability to cope. Chuck is whom everyone loves to hate. He seems so spiteful,
and careless however he is pure kindness. Chuck is a voice or reason within the
community as he begins to mature; his love for Blair is a key relationship within
the show.

 Nate Archibald: Nate is uncomfortable with his families’ wealth. He witnesses
his father transform and his lavish lifestyle quickly becomes not ideal. His father
has an addiction and an eye opening scandal that permanently causes an upset in
Nate’s life. His grandfather is manipulative and uses his families name to open
unfair opportunities for Nate, resulting in Nate’s continuous struggle to find his
identity. Nate has the least important role within the community, he is simply the
best friend of Chuck and the boyfriend of Blaire.

Artifacts: Physical property/ objects or Emotional gestures and or context that holds
relevance to a specific community. Artifacts depict important information in order to
explore and provide explicit details of a particular community.

 Gossip girls website: The website serves for the most influential artifact during
the show. The website continuously airs drama between Manhattan’s finest, it
serves as a gossip site, that not only reveals the darkest secrets, but also creates
life changing drama for all characters. The anonymous voice of the website
serves as an antagonist and a protagonist, continually pulling everyone apart,
only to unveil truths and bring them even closer together.

 Text messaging: Text messaging instantaneously keeps everyone connected to the
recent drama that is occurs within manhattans inner circle. At the sound of a text
or alert of miscellaneous gossip, everyone’s attention is diverted egger to read
the latest news that “gossip girl” publicizes. During the course of the series it is
apparent that “texts” are responsible for reviling personal information that causes
numerous social hardships and personal upset between the friends in Manhattans
inner circle.

Communities of Practice: Means of communication, shared ideology, and or
beliefs that are common amongst a group of likeminded individuals.
I .e. at a university: (Swim team, student organizations)

 Popularity: Though all may not be aware but all of the individuals within the
figured world have the desire to be socially accepted and popular. All strive
towards being liked, and accepted by the majority of peers. They communicate to
one another in a condescending way.

Domain: A specific interest or common idea is shared between a community.

 Popularity: Although popularity is found in the communities of practice it is also
evident in the domain. One can find that on the surface not all of the characters
are consumed with the idea of popularity. However below the surface, the shared
goal and obsession between all the characters is the idea of being popular. All
undergo social conformity, and all react as well as behave in a mannerism that is
dictated by the want/interest of popularity.

 The idea to succeed: All individuals within the figured world have the shared
goal to succeed. They have the idea that success and money is key to survival
within Manhattans Upper East Side. Their Parents, peers, and others members of
society stress the importance prosperity.

 Education: Education is heavily emphasized within the figured world; the actors
attend a prestigious prep school. All parents of the actors graduated from
prestigious universities such as Brown, and Harvard with the exception of Dan’s
father. Although Dan does not naturally have the exclusive advantages of his
friends he still values education and strives to be exceptional as well as maintain
his scholarship in order to attend St. Jude’s School for Boys.

The Practice: Conscious or Subconscious learning and incorporating individual
skill in order to develop as a whole with multiple individuals that share the same
interest, field of expertise, and or knowledge.

 Popularity: Popularity is an essential role it enforces the balance of power, it
separates the upper class from the lower class. It is the one thing that all the
actors know how to achieve; it is something that they all know the importance of.

Literacy Practices: Specific accustoms and or practices with in a particular
community (email, texts, books)

 Texts: Texts are essential for communication; they keep everyone intertwined
and up to date with gossip. It is an interconnecting piece between the social
atmospheres of the Upper East Side.

Social norms: Social norms are expectations or laws set forth by members of
society. The laws and expectations are created based on societal conformity and
societal acceptance. “The adequate way to act amongst society”.


Observation:

3:00 Minutes: The show starts off in New York Pen station three characters are
introduced. A guy and his sister and father are seen conversing in the station, until he
spots a seemingly attractive young woman, only then is he swept off his feet and begins
staring at her in awe. The audience is able to see the male’s fascination with the girl. The
family depicted is dressed in average clothing nothing extravagant, it can be seen that
they are not apart of the Upper Eastside inner circle; the girl is dressed in rather
expensive clothing showcasing her wealth. The show quickly alternates scenes
displaying an array of wealthy people, formally dressed while eating finger food and
sipping champagne. Some characters are seen partaking in scandalous behavior. (It is
assumed that his behavior is not deemed as acceptable; the actors are seen practicing
scandalous behavior in a hidden location. The scandalous behavior is sexual activity
which is commonly frowned upon for young teens, sexual behavior comes with assumed
responsibilities that are far to complex for the actors to exercise properly.) Suddenly
everyone abruptly stops when a notification is received by everyone present at the
formal gathering; everyone turns their attention to the notification only to laugh, gossip
and gaze in amazement at the news that an old peer is returning to the scandalous, life of
Manhattans upper East Side.

5:00 Minutes: The character Dan is thus forced introduced, it is seen that his father is
apart of the working class; his mother is absent after a brief separation from his father.
Serena is depicted in the following scenes as accompanying her brother at this rehab
facilitation center. It can be seen that their mother is purposely hiding Serena’s brother’s
reason for staying at the rehab facilitation center. The mother is clearly embarrassed and
wants to protect the families’ image. The scene switches and a day at prep school begin.
Blaire the “Queen B” dressed in prep school attire, accompanied by her “inferiors”.
Blaire is seen sitting at the top of the steps handing out handcrafted invitations. She
clearly has a newfound dislike for Serena and refuses to invite her to her “Kiss of Lips”
party. The audience can see that Blaire feels a sense of superiority and thrives off of
making others feel subservient.

11:00 Minutes: Dan’s sister is found obsessing over Blair. She is extremely egger to
become aquatinted with Blair, and seems infatuated with the thought of also becoming
“Queen B”. Jenny continuously talks about becoming popular and wants to attend the
“Kiss of Lips” party. Dan starts to further display his like for Serena, and begins to step
outside his comfort zone in order to address his feelings for Serena. Jenny Shops for a
dress, as well as Serena. Jenny is so intrigued with becoming popular that she offers to
help Blair with her party invitations. Jenny shows that she is adamant to be friends with
Blair.

15:00 Minutes: The character Nate is introduced along with Chuck. They are seen
walking through the park as Nate begins to explain/ complain how uncomfortable he is
with his lifestyle. Chuck quickly dismisses his discontentment and offers him drugs in
order to clear his mind. The scene switches and Blair and Serena are seen conversing at
a bar over cocktails. The ladies seem to be attempting to resolve conflict, however their
efforts seem disingenuous and misguided.

23:00 Minutes: Blaire and Serena continue to engage in conversation. They are each
venting to one another their personal problems with the other. Dan finally gains the
courage to ask Serena out, despite his awkward proposal Serena accepts and they plan
for a “fun filled” evening. Blair makes arrangements to book an extravagant hotel to
coax her boyfriend to fall for her, however this attempt is not a success, it conflicts with
her wants and ultimately pushes Nate further way.

30:00 Minuets: (The setting is the Kiss of Lips Party) Nate is unimpressed with Blair’s
gimmicks; truthfully he feels chastised by Blair, and wants to escape from her obsessive
grip. Serena passes him his demeanor changes, his mood lightens, and a mirthful grin
plasters over his face. However he is suddenly drawn back to reality by Blair’s whining
and unpleasant complaining. Nate abruptly walks away in order to find Serena. He
dismisses Blair all to eagerly in heavy pursuit for his desire, Serena. He finally sees her,
approaches happily until he is unpleasantly surprised to see Dan Humphrey (lonely boy)
locking hands with her. This is score one for Dan, however this is only the beginning of
disappointment for Nate.


Observation Two
Episode: The Bi*** Blair Project
Season: One

5:00- The show begins with Serena and Chuck (soon to be “brother and sister”)
incessantly feuding over the bathroom; Chuck has no regard for Serena’s upset and
continues to occupy the bathroom. Serena then barges in, only to see chuck perched on
the bathroom vanity leisurely smoking, they exchange sarcastic remarks before Serena
leaves to go to the Waldrof residence in order to rescue Blair from her misery. Blair is
seen wallowing in her self-inflicted sorrow; she has been denounced from “Queen B”
status (this is taking a tremendous toll on her). Reluctantly Blair gets dressed for school,
she is dressed ridiculously with shades and a headscarf an attempted disguise that Serena
forces her to rid of.

11:00 Blair arrives to school only to notice that her peers are discretely talking
about her, she receives dirty looks, watchful glances, and judgmental stares. Just as
all seems to be going down hill it spirals further, Jenny (the new “Queen B”) and her
entourage splatter yogurt all over Blair’s head. The embarrassment is fueled by
laughter and mockery; Blair runs away in furry and Jenny scores extra popularity
points for her merciless deed. Serena and Blair are seen sitting on the steps of
Constance, conversing about Blair’s humiliation. Serena attempts to give honest
advice to help encourage Blair through her hardships (Blair is in dismay completely
appalled of everyone’s hate for her). Jenny and her “friends” are also along the
steps planning their events for the night, however Jenny discreetly devises a plan to
further destroy Blair. Jenny’s “double life” is beginning to be too much; she doesn’t
have the financial means to keep up with the lifestyle of her friends.

15:00 Jenny and her friends are discussing events for the night. After cordially
giving Blair a fake invite Jenny and her friends stand Blair up to further humiliate
her. Blair sits lonely at “Butter” (a restaurant), she exchanges sarcastic comments
with the waitress; suddenly Blair gains confidence and the motivation to regain her
“Queen B” Status. Meanwhile Jenny is at her friend’s house laughing about lying to
Blair about their whereabouts. Amid a phone call Jenny walks into her friends
mother’s closet and steels a special made red gown.

23:00 Jenny is seen at a consignment shop with the red gown that she stole from
her friend’s mother. She rushes to the counter, extremely excited and not the least
bit regretful of her dishonest deed. She speaks to the clerk at the consignment shop
in an attempt to sale the dress she has stolen; she is able to trade the gown for
another gown for her birthday dress. The next day Jenny is seen at school with her
entourage, her friend relays the message that her mother’s costume made gown
has been stolen and police are involved. Blair is seen at Jenny’s father’s art gallery
in an attempt to plan a “Birthday gathering” for Jenny; it is obvious that Blair is up
to no good.

30:00 Serena receives a series of “Inappropriate gifts” from an unknown source; she is
dismayed and insistent that Chuck is the source. Chuck however denies the accusations
however Serena is weary. Jenny rushes to the consignment shop to return the dress
bargained in exchange for the stolen gown; she is unable to exchange the dress because
it is at a lower value. Desperate to return the dress Jenny runs to the fitting room and
puts the gown under her clothes and runs out. Jenny returns to her house only to
discover Blair and her friends gathered with her Father in order to throw a surprise party.
Jenny suddenly scared runs to her room anxious to get the dress off before anyone sees.
The door is left open as Jenny struggles to remove the dress; her friends enter the room
and witness her wearing the stolen dress.


Observation Three
Episode: “All About my Brother”
Season: Two

5:00 Jenny is seen conversing with Blair from afar, Blair seems unenthused. Jenny
abruptly leaves the conversation in order to greet her newfound “Boyfriend”, as the
audience I am unaware of who he is no name or description is given. Serena is with her
brother when a new gossip girl tip is notified indicating Jenny and her new lover.
Serena’s brother relays the message of Jenny’s new affair, Blair and her new entourage
are seen watching Jenny and her boyfriend; Blair suddenly seems intrigued to find
information on Jenny’ new love life.

11:00 Serena and Dan are seen together in the hallway conversing and showing
affection. Dan seems to be increasingly worried about his sister, and seeks Serena for
advice; Dan also wants to introduce Serena to his new “friend” over dinner. Dan’s father
goes to Serena’s mother in order to gain motherly advice on how to speak to Jenny about
her sudden behavior problems. Reluctantly Serena’s mother agrees to aid Dan’s father in
parenting from a mother’s perspective. Dan approaches Jenny’s boyfriend in an attempt
to reveal the person he truly is. Blair and Serna are conversing on the step when
suddenly Dan interrupts their conversation.


15:00 Dan’s father and Serena’s mother are discussing Jenny’s rebellion. Blair and
Jenny are spreading spiteful rumors about one another through gossip girl. Someone is
sending an anonymous tip through gossip girl pertaining to Jenny’s boyfriend. Serena
receives a call from an unknown person that informs her that her old friend has delivered
a package for her to open. Dan’s father is accompanying Serena’s mother to her bridal
dress fitting.

23:00 Jenny’s Boyfriend decides to sit down with Jenny and tell her his true intentions
with her. Jenny decides to spread the rumor that she lost her virginity to her boyfriend in
order to counteract the rumor that her boyfriend is actually gay. Serena’s brother decides
to tell Jenny the truth and let her know that she is making a huge mistake, however she
chooses to disobey because her popularity depends on her relationship.

30:00 There is a socialite event that the entire school attends. Jenny is seen with her
boyfriend, which to her means a boost in her popularity. Blair Then reveals that Jenny’s
relationship is a fake, and only a strategic move the gain “Queen B” status once again.
Jenny is officially hated; her friends have turned their backs on her completely. Blair is
back as the “beloved” tyrant reclaiming her “Queen B” status. Everything seems fun and
games, but Blair ceases to know that Jenny has a vengeful payback plotted. Serena is
still receiving packages from an unknown sender she is furious and demands to know
who is behind the ongoing gimmick.










Interview Questions
The interviewee chosen was one of the main characters of the show Serena Van der
Wood. Serena is heavily depicted throughout the show; she is apart of Manhattans
Upper East Side. She is the perfect candidate to interview simply because she
continuously amongst the drama and disputes that occur during the show. Though I am
unable to directly interview her I assumed the role of “pretending” to be her in order to
answer the questions present. Through indirect/ direct characterization, and watching the
character evolve during the course of the show I was able to answer the questions as
adequately as possible, without a bias response, and with prior knowledge of the show.

1. Living such an extravagant life style I assume comes with many advantages,
however what are some of the cons that emphasize the downfalls associated with
being wealthy?

Indeed living a lifestyle such as mine comes with many perks, however people often
make assumptions of what an extravagant lifestyle in tells. It is very hard being
continuously judged for your advantages, I didn’t choose this lifestyle I was simply born
into it. I tend to get furious when people make varied judgments about me; they think
just because they’ve met one greedy, or selfish “rich” person then all are the same. I am
an individual and I have lack a tolerance for people who judge me based on pure invalid
ignorance. Living in the public eye is also a downfall of being wealthy, my peers and
other members of society scrutinize my entire life, which becomes very tiresome and
discouraging.

2. In what ways do you believe that you are judged based off of your appearance
and socioeconomic status rather than your character and your knowledge?
Explain.

Instead of being asked intellectual questions about politics or my opinion on a particular
subject manner, I’m asked questions about socialite events, or about the shoes I’m
wearing. I appear as “the little rich girl” who has all of her desires and wishes granted at
command. Society often values education because it “inevitably” leads to success,
however I’m already “successful”; people assume that I do not value education because I
do not have to yearn for success or work for success, yet their assumptions are incorrect.
I just as anyone else tend to enjoy intellectual conversations, and maybe if I was taken
seriously I could disprove misconceptions pertaining to my “lack of knowledge.”

3. Do you believe that your personal wealth or status defines you, if not then what
does? I do not believe that my wealth and social status define me or embody me in
anyway.

My social status and personal wealth are just associated with me and commonly
misinterpreted as defining my individuality. I do not believe my circumstances describe
me, instead I believe my actions and my intelligence are what label me. My intelligence
depicts that I am well educated, and I care about my academic success, and my actions
show that I am a spontaneous person full of life, who is not willing to be held back by
others.

4. Out of your friends whom would you label as the antagonist and the protagonist
within your every day life. Explain your answer and tell why you chose each
individual.

Out of my friends I’d label Blaire as the protagonist many may disagree. Blair though
depicted as one that is hateful, or spiteful, is really generous and selfless. She tends to be
consumed with herself however she means well. I believe Jenny has evolved to be the
antagonist she is self-demeaning, and narcissistic. Her narcissism enables her to hurt
others around her without disregard to how her actions negatively affect many.

5. How might you believe that coming from wealth unfortunately instills
narcissistic qualities in a person?

Being wealthy comes with many advantages that many aren’t fortunate enough to have.
Growing up I have only been surrounded with individuals that come from the same
socioeconomic backgrounds as me. Being surrounded by people that are alike often
blinds you from reality, you forget that there are individuals that are impoverished and
that don’t have the same advantages as you. My parents have breed a child that only
receives the luxuries of life, I’ve always received what I have wanted, and I have always
been emphasized that I am truly important. This type of lifestyle tends to instill selfish,
or “narcissistic” characteristics.