Cultural Observation Project 2
Name: Rodolfo Cruz
Location of Observation: Brooks City Base Cinema
YOUT 201-Section # B01
What I Learned:
For this 2nd Youth Culture Project I chose to go to Brooks City Base Cinema not only
because I knew there would be a lot of youth, but I would also be provided with a different
atmosphere to observe them. Not only is there a movie theater, but there is also an arcade
attached to the theater, and affordable restaurants nearby that I have seen groups of young
people go to. I also went on a Friday because that is when new movies are usually showing, and
many young people go to since it’s technically the beginning of the weekend.
When I went to Brooks City Base Cinema, I noticed many of the same things as when I
was at North Star Mall. In the evening, the theatre was full of middle school and high school
students. Like at the mall, they were loud and hyper, many of them running around, pushing each
other, and yelling out obscene language. I did not see many of them with adult supervision,
especially if they were in groups. I noticed that, like the mall, many of the young people in groups
were dressed in similar fashions.
To my surprise, when I was waiting outside of my screen for the previous movie to finish,
there was a group of four young people, about 15 to 16 years old, running into several theatres to
scream loudly. When I was seated, there were two young boys, around 12 to 13 years old that
kept making loud obscene remarks and then laughing loudly at the screen. They continued to do
so during the trailers until an older man sat down next to them. Even then, I heard one remark
during the movie and I think it was because one boy had dared the other to say something.
Before participating in the Cultural Observation Project, I did not realize that young
people could act out in public in rude, violent ways. I was also surprised that young adults, who
would be considered adults very soon, also participated in foul behavior with no consideration
for others. I was aware that youth could be self-absorbed, but I was surprised how many were
indifferent to how their behavior affected other people. They were either indifferent to stares or
made aggressive comments directly or indirectly to those looking at them.
I also noticed during both experiences how strong the group/pack mentality was. I think
many young people did outrageous acts for attention and to impress the groups they were with. I
think that they may feel like they do not belong, so would try to fit in with a group even if this
group was composed of toxic people who did not have any concern for their well-being. I also
noticed that when a group would target somebody in or outside of the group, the rest of the group
would join in the bullying and taunting. Although there were many groups of young people, they
did not seem to be engaged in healthy, loving, friendships. Most of these young people did not
seem to enjoy each other’s company. In the arcade area there were many young people on their
phones and not interacting unless it was to taunt someone or physically push them or tease them.
The lack of parents also made me question how family life was for these young people.
They seemed to lack authority and guidance. Even those with parents, at the mall and the theater,
were disrespectful and kept their distance. The projects made me more aware that these young
people probably do not have role models in their lives to learn good behavior from or to hold
them accountable for their actions. I was surprised to see that security at the movie theatre or the
mall did not even tell the young people to improve their behavior. The only thing I did notice was
people looking at them in confusion or disapproval.
These Youth Culture Projects made me think about my own relationships in my youth
ministry and if I am setting an example for the youth I have been responsible over these past
years. Do they trust me? Are they their true selves when they are around me or are they trying to
impress me, and do they act a different way to impress others. I pray that God do a lasting work
in the heart of youth that have proclaimed their faith in Him and that I can be used to bring youth
who do not know Him, to Him so that He may work in their hearts. I know now that there are so
many more young people who need to encounter God and learn of His sufficient love. I have also
learned that I need to pray for boldness and wisdom so that I am able to effectively engage with
the youth of this generation.
Three-Fold Outreach Strategy:
Prayer strategy:
A strategy that I picked up on the mission field that I thought was very effective was that
praying and fasting at least once a week for causes that I have a passion for. Praying and fasting
in a group allows you to come into unity with other members of ministry with the same goal. It
also allows you as a group to impart vision and build encouragement. A lot of time we need to
incorporate praying for ourselves also. Peace and patience are important tool as we want a
ministry grow bigger and stronger also to make sure It’s growing in the directions God wants it
to grow. As Matthew 18:19-20 states: “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything
you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather as my followers, I
am there among them” (New Living Translation). I truly believe that there is power in numbers.
My strategy is to not only pray with like-minded individuals in church but to pray out where
there are lost youth present so that the Holy Spirit will be present in the secular world where they
spend most of their time.
Outreach strategy:
Outreach strategies can always vary according to the vision. So, it’s important whenever
planning an outreach that you have at least a few people that are experienced on some level, and
if you are the one leading it to make sure that you cast your vision, so you can all work towards
the same goal. A good tip is to even do a little research into the area that your reaching out in.
Similar questions may be asked but depending on the culture of that part of town a different
approach may be needed.
When it comes to making personal connections with youth who are unsaved, we would
usually have young people who are saved to reach out to those in their schools and circle of
friends. We encourage building genuine relationships by getting to know the young person and
loving them as they are first. I think it is important to try to establish a real relationship by
getting to know a person’s interests, values, goals and other important things.
After talking to a person and “planting a seed” you can nurture that seed and build trust.
Once a person feels accepted by you, they will be more receptive to what you have to say. When
you share your testimony or ask them if you can pray for them, I think they will be more open to
receiving because they know you care about their well-being. Personally, I have seen many cases
of young people coming to one of our youth nights after someone had been “planting the seed”
for a period of time.
Event strategy:
Whenever there is an event it’s good to try and target all generations. Even if it’s more
directed towards youth most parents are the youth’s only ride. There should also be groups of
people ready to minister to those of young or older age. There are so many events you can have
for youth especially, but it’s important that for all the kids that show up that you acknowledge
their presence and try to get them connected with another group of youth, so they feel more like
a part of the youth community.
I would like to find ways for parents to be involved in some aspects of an event so that
they can establish a connection with their child. As I noticed during these projects, many young
people did not seem to have a strong parent presence. I know that at our church we have had
parents as volunteers to help the youth ministry set up or volunteer to help direct parking.
I think one of the most effective strategies when it comes to planning an event is using
themes throughout the year. For example, one year our youth ministry had a Summer Bash, that
included fun activities such as a water balloon fight, sports, and an outdoor concert and BBQ.
Other popular event ideas could be Back to School events and holiday events such as an Ugly
Christmas Sweater Party. I think that it is important to make sure these events stand out to young
people and are appealing to them.
I believe that group praying, developing relationships, and thinking creatively, would be
greatly beneficial to a youth ministry. I think that it is important to remember that majority of
young people are lost and feel the need to belong. It is possible with God’s guidance, for us to
build a sense of community and belonging for these young people.
Integrity Statement:
I, (Rodolfo Cruz), went to (Brooks City Base Cinema) on (October 5th, 2018)
by myself or with (insert peers) and have followed all the necessary instructions.
