Pharlap, the groups namesake
I have found that while the Facebook group Pharlap embraces new members and encourages equality and diversity between the groups participants, I have noticed that in fact if a person expresses an opinion that slightly differs from the norm or may make people feel uncomfortable, they will either quickly find themselves being bullied to change their mind, blocked from certain conversations, or simply deleted from the group. Its seems that one type/attitude of beliefs holds the power within this group, and if you don't conform you will find yourself deleted, which when compared to Stanner's White man got no Dreaming draws a considerable contrast. 'One of the most striking things is that there are no great conflicts over power, no great contests for place and office. This single fact explains much else, because it rules out so much that would be destructive of stability' (Stanner, 1979).
The distribution of this group seems to be mainly focused in the areas of country VIC and NSW, while there are a few members from QLD and SA. As I mentioned in my first blog, admin created a map locating all members whereabouts, however this was not freely shared within the group, and I have had to pay attention to post to work out peoples locations. From my observations, I have noted the power and vital communication is in no doubt controlled by those members who are from the southern states (close to admin locations).
Narrative plays a huge part in this group. People are always sharing their stories and personal experiences with the groups members. Photos are a common occurrence, especially those depicting progress stories. As was mentioned in this weeks lecture by Dr Ariella Van Luyn 'We are drawing on particular events that happen to us, and we're not looking at them objectively, rather we're telling our stories in a way that is causal and a way that is situational' (Van Luyn, 2013).
References
Narrative (n.d). In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 23,2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative
Stanner, W. (1979). White Man Got No Dreaming. London: United Kingdon, Europe, Middle East and Africa: Eurospan Ltd.
Van Luyn, A. (2013, August 20). BA1002: Our Space: Networks, Narratives and the Making of Place: Networked Narratives. Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Image reference
Image 1: Pharlap (n.d). Retrieved from: http://www.racehorsetalk.com.au/racing-talk/bart-cummings-to-be-patron-of-phar-lap/
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