"Living Folklore" by Martha Sims/ "The Craft of Research" Chapter 2

"Living Folklore" by Martha Sims helped me realize how common folklore really are in this day and age. The example she used of when people make wishes before blowing out their birthday candles was a really good one, because that is a very common thing that is done, and I never thought of it in that context. It is true that most of the folklore that we know are not learned from school or textbooks. Even though folklore isn't exactly "popular culture," I think that popular culture plays a very large part in the spreading of these beliefs. Most of my knowledge of folklore, I would say comes from movies. Ever since I was young, I loved watching movies, because they taught me new things and gave me new experiences from different points of view. Also, I agree with Martha Sims' statement that tradition gives us a sense of identity. By joining groups to learn new things or share ideas, we learn what we like, and by coming together with people that like the same thing, new traditions can be formed and spread. Other than that, we also get a sense of self.
In Chapter 2 of "The Craft of Research," I found it very interesting when they said that reading a written source is like joining a conversation. Usually when I read a book that I really like, I do feel as though I've formed a connection with the author. If their writing is able to get a reaction out of me, they have succeeded with their goal, and when I meet others that can relate to that written work, it becomes exciting. That is what helps me understand the concept of "joining a conversation." Creating roles is important because as the authors discuss creating roles, I can tell that they put into full consideration the fact that beginners of research would be reading their book.