Our research for this investigation began long before we started the project.  Since moving to school, the late night Boylston scene has always begged me for a deeper look into the people that form the unique setting.  When it came time to perform actual research on the subjects, we realized that no matter how objectively we observed, our viewpoint is only one vantage point of the social collage. I quickly found that observing from the sidelines, while entertaining, is not enough to paint a realistic picture of the social scene.  As observers, we are inclined to look for extreme behavior, which means we probably overlook many other hints that explain our subjects.  In the name of fair qualitative observation, I turned to those who have had far more exposure than myself.

Meet Phillip.  At first glance, a homeless man harassing people on the street for money, but a closer look reveals that he is complimenting instead.  He would call, "May I be the first man to say you look marvelous tonight."  Cops would stop to talk to him, but in a conversational way, never to tell him to stop. This odd behavior prompted me to ask him how people often respond to him. He answered, "You know, you get negativity, it depends on how you approach them, you know some of the guys come out here and go 'Spare change'.  I know what I do and it works.”  As it turns out, he has a game, and he knows how to play it.  He will say nice things and hold doors for women, and has found happiness in doing so for the past ten years.

As Phillip and I were speaking, a police officer came over to chat.  I began asking her questions about her views and thoughts on the people she sees week to week.  She explained that it’s not always the same individuals; officers often see the same types of people. When asked how she would categorize people, she said “stupid”, blaming alcohol and lack of common sense for most the problems. She explained, “I hate to say it but some of the kids who act the worst are from very nice suburban towns and… when they come to the city it seems like they've been sheltered.  And then they act out because their parents aren't there.  Maybe they never had [freedom] before.”  This makes sense, and reveals why many of the patrons who get in trouble with the law are mostly young by comparison.  She also pointed out how fights are always started by guys who do not have girls, “They're not getting lucky so hey have nothing better to do than to cause trouble.”

While talking to the officer, a man walks up the alley carrying a drunken girl over his shoulder.  When he sees the cop, he shouts, "It's ok officer, she's of age".  The girl is sobbing hysterically and he keeps telling the officer and bystanders, "Once he gets [her] into the car they will go home."  Phillip is standing around as usual, calling out to people and hailing cabs when he notices what's going on and walks over.  There are several officers around the couple, and the man keeps apologizing to the officers.  The officer exclaims, "You say she's of age it doesn't matter, it does matter. Clearly if this girl goes home you think she couldn't die from alcohol poisoning?" He responds, "She's not even drunk,".  She is, as the officer described it, ‘shit-faced’.  He keeps apologizing as Phillip interjects to ask the officer a question when the man screams at Phillip, "Excuse me, get the fuck out of here."  The woman cop slaps the man in the face and scolds, "Hey, watch your language."  He keeps shouting at 'the homeless guy'.  Phillip ignores the man and proceeds to yell at cabs to stop blocking the street.