Contact Zones In Mary Louise Pratt's Aspen Gym

Sometimes unknown situations can appear to be scary, when in reality we just have to put ourselves out there and experience whatever we can. Mary Louise Pratt once spoke of contact zones, saying that “The idea of the contact zone is intended in part to contrast with ideas of community that underlie much of the thinking about language, communication, and culture that gets done in the academy.” Pratt is portraying the idea that contact zones are cultures clashing together and sometimes through transculturation these zones can be beneficial to the different groups involved. Although we all have preconceived notions about those around us, we do not truly know them until we look through their eyes, and see life as they see it. My chosen contact zone was Aspen Gym, in the weightlifting section. A place that I normally would not set foot in, yet there I was faced with 6 hours of time to kill. Going into the experience I was unsure of what to expect. Being from a town such as Camillus I never had to put myself in any positions that I felt like the “outsider”. I did not have to experience what it is like to be the minority and …show more content…
I thought that the place would be gross, and the people creepy and weird. I have to admit that my expectations were quite low, and I was in fact dreading the experience. When I first walked through the door the smell of sweat and sound of weights dropping and clattering together is what welcomed me. I felt out of place and lost. My first instinct was to run, to get as far away as possible. As I walked in I felt like everyone was staring at me…. judging me. Although I have occasionally been to that gym I never went to that part because I simply don 't fit in. okay, so first I arrived, and I stuck out so much…. Wearing my lululemon yoga pants and neon pink workout tank… I definitely should 've worn something less