Well, this was a first, the first time I really wanted to continue with a class mandated reading. Cauthen’s excerpt left me wanting to learn more about his law school subjects. I wanted to see samples of their writing, their professors’ comments on said writing, and what types of assertions were gleaned from this ethnographic study. With that said, the second chapter did provide a broad based introduction into what this study was trying to accomplish. Perhaps it is the voyeur in me, but I like to read the descriptions that observers feel are noteworthy to document; I always wonder how similar or different my notations would be if I was given access to that exact same situation. Of particular interest, was the connection between women in law school to words like “open aggression” and “hostile environment” (42-43). In addition, so was the insight into wardrobe choices and the gendered implications of such in the courtroom (44). Given the amount of the reading I was currently privy to, the most fascinating part of this chapter was Dr. Cauthen’s up front description of where he placed himself politically and philosophically. I know that he has verbalized this “up front” approach before, but it was the first time I actually saw this technique used in the context of an academic text. This is a very brave rhetorical inclusion, and I am still thinking about how the inclusion of such information impacts the readers’ final analysis of the study.
I agree with you Cheryl. I haven't had a chance to finish reading the second 1/2 of the paper, but I agree that the language "hostile environment" and "open aggression" is generally considered to be 'male dominant discourse.' However, I know a few female attorneys who eat those words for lunch. I sort of went on a rant about being able to relate, so closely, with the environment of law school that my lack of focus is a bit schizophrenic. I was also surprised about the female lawyerly bow tie blouse requirement because the female lawyers that I know, and who I see in the media don't always dress like that. It would be interesting to see the differentiations of the same study done at smaller, less Ivy League law schools.
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