The Life Stories of the Urban Minstrels of Modern Days
| Autor: | Chia-Wen Wu, 吳嘉雯 |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2009 |
| Druh dokumentu: | 學位論文 ; thesis |
| Popis: | 97 This thesis focuses on exploring the everyday life experiences and the life-shaping stories of the drifting urban minstrels of modern days in Taipei. The researcher attempts to thoroughly understand and describe the world of the musicians and singers who earn their livings by performing at various clubs and hotels in the greater Taipei area. This ethnography-oriented research was conducted with participant observation and in-depth interviews. The five interviewees were chosen through normal sampling and the data collected was analyzed by using narrative analysis methods. The research reveals that the lives of the urban minstrels are comparable with surrealistic paintings, with hidden ironies and metaphors. The world in which they live and work is filled with conflicts, confusions, discontents, struggles and discordance. Torn between their aspirations and the realities, they gradually lose the motivation to achieve a better future or to fulfill their dreams. Their seemingly glamorous appearance on stage and the lonely private life contrast sharply. Despite the great applause and considerable monetary compensations they may get, they are mostly considered to be entertainers and expected to be at customers’ service. In addition to the usual short-term working contracts and unstable working environments, they are sometimes exposed to life-threatening risks at night clubs where physical fights or confrontations are not uncommon. Although music remains a passion and the biggest part of their lives, they see themselves more as modern minstrels drifting around the city and their musical talent as a means to make an honest living. |
| Databáze: | Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations |
| Externí odkaz: |
|