Project Reflection

Fairfield Country is certainly a unique place in regards to its cultural space. On the surface, it may seem like having the Starbucks cup in hand and tanned skin is what Fairfield County is all about. Sure, maybe that’s part of it, but it is the values that have come to create this culture that deserve to be analyzed. All around the world, United States, and Fairfield County in particular, acceptance is what drives cultural boundaries to be formed. What qualifies people to be considered “socially acceptable” changes from place to place.

After stopping and actually observing the “unwritten rules” of Fairfield County, I have realized that the idea of wealth—or appearing to be wealthy—has come to become an obsession here. Money is very often associated with Fairfield County, and this really isn’t so far off from the truth. It is true that this county is one of the richest in all of the United States. But, what is often neglected, is the fact that not everyone is rich and lives in mansions. In fact, it can be argued that what might be the considered the upper class in another part of the country is considered middle class here in Fairfield County. This idea that in order to fit in here, you must be rich is what causes the preppy attitude that is all too easily found in this area.

This class and wealth situation also has an effect on how we view race. Since this country was founded, white people have often been thought of as the superior race. With this superiority comes the connotation of wealth. In our society today, most people know that this is a racist stereotype, but it cannot be ignored that it still exists in our very own county. In the two physical places I visited—Starbucks and a tanning salon—there was an obvious white majority. I do not believe this was unusual for two fairly upper class institutions within Fairfield County.

Now that I’ve taken a step back to review the inner workings of Fairfield County—my own life here included—the problems we face as a society have become clearer. What we consider to be acceptable should not be based on financial status. Friendships should be made based on who can buy the most stuff, or who has the most expensive clothes that day. I’ve really started to think about whether paying that extra four dollars per cup of coffee at Starbucks is worth it.

In this area in particular, I get the sense that people do not really feel obligated to do their part in bettering society. Most like to go about their daily business, and take little care in worrying about the well being of others. Being on time for that spray tan appointment exceeds all other things at that moment. As critical as that sounds, I believe it to be true for most, but not everyone. Now that I have looked around me, I can start with myself in trying to better society and make Fairfield County a place where everyone can feel accepted. I recognize that I make a conscious effort to fit in here, and I have no problem admitting that. But, after seeing the superficial values make up what I try so hard to be, I think it is time to take a step back. Maybe if I tried to be more of myself and less what everyone expects me to be, others will follow.