Human beings, often respond in a positive, negative, or in a nonchalant manner when confronted by another individual. The type of response that is verbalized is dependent on how passionate the person is about the topic that has been declared, especially when it concerns a chosen profession. Individuals often obtain employment due to certain needs, such as to provide for family members, as oppose to wants. Paco Underhill, a retail anthropologist, is one individual who chose his profession and though Underhill is a man of many talents, may be considered to be a voyeur, by individuals such as Hillary Chatswin. In the article, “The Science of Shopping”, Gladwell uses dialogue, claims made by Underhill’s acquaintances, and references, so that the
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This is done, as Underhill’s personality can be determined through the use of accounts of others, as an acquaintance can often offer insight of the character certain individuals possess. Underhill’s mother’s account offers insight to her understanding of her son’s, Underhill’s profession, as Underhill so calmly states “My mother says that I am the best-paid spy in America”. Although this may appear to have some negative connotation, it can be assumed that as a family member Underhill’s mother would have more knowledge concerning Underhill’s occupation than others such as Chatswin. It is for this reason that the reader can assume that the mother said the quote above light-heartedly, especially since if she would have been opposed to Underhill’s chosen occupation, a greater sense of disapproval would have been depicted in the statement. In addition, the use of the word spy, can be seen as a metaphor for Underhill’s constant surveillance, as his job dictates, for his chosen line of work. It is Underhill’s occupation that provides for his living arrangements, just as Chatswin may depend on a job to provide for her necessities, Underhill’s career provides financial stability. The use of personal accounts, offer the reader an opportunity to assess Underhill’s response that his job does not revolve around the spying of customers for ill-intent but is rather a career that he is dedicated to while simultaneously providing an opportunity for Underhill to obtain the money needed for other
This is done, as Underhill’s personality can be determined through the use of accounts of others, as an acquaintance can often offer insight of the character certain individuals possess. Underhill’s mother’s account offers insight to her understanding of her son’s, Underhill’s profession, as Underhill so calmly states “My mother says that I am the best-paid spy in America”. Although this may appear to have some negative connotation, it can be assumed that as a family member Underhill’s mother would have more knowledge concerning Underhill’s occupation than others such as Chatswin. It is for this reason that the reader can assume that the mother said the quote above light-heartedly, especially since if she would have been opposed to Underhill’s chosen occupation, a greater sense of disapproval would have been depicted in the statement. In addition, the use of the word spy, can be seen as a metaphor for Underhill’s constant surveillance, as his job dictates, for his chosen line of work. It is Underhill’s occupation that provides for his living arrangements, just as Chatswin may depend on a job to provide for her necessities, Underhill’s career provides financial stability. The use of personal accounts, offer the reader an opportunity to assess Underhill’s response that his job does not revolve around the spying of customers for ill-intent but is rather a career that he is dedicated to while simultaneously providing an opportunity for Underhill to obtain the money needed for other