Field Research: Day 28
My first job in America was not really a job. Continue reading
Field Research
100% certified true reports grounded in long-term embedded fieldwork. Most notably: our searing five-part series from inside the Chipotle Corporation
Tipping is Racist, Here’s Why
Field Research: Day 3
On my third day in America, I walk downstairs to get a haircut. The hair-dresser is a pleasant local woman in her early thirties. Continue reading
It’s A Wrap—Swede Spills Beans On Big Burrito (part5)
Field Research: Day 188
I arrived at work and noticed that something was different. The sound of vegetable chopping was muted and anxious. The small-talk was subdued and peppered with dry throat-clearings. A sweaty mechanic was splayed out on the floor in front of me. He was tightening some bolts on the bottom of a sink. Continue reading
American Sign Language
Please DO NOT open this Visa Envelope
Field Research: Day 1
“Shifu, today I am moving to America,” I say as the taxi climbs the on-ramp and careens toward the Beijing Capital Airport. At first, the taxi driver does not respond. Then he mumbles, “Good.” Continue reading
Movie Review: Birth of a Nation (2016)
Field Research: Day 391
Today I went to the Varsity Theater in Seattle and paid $4.00 for a bag of peanut M&Ms and $10.50 for a ticket to Birth of a Nation. Continue reading
What I learned after moving to America and getting a job at Chipotle (part4)
Field Research: Day 135
In March of 2016, I traveled to China for two weeks to officiate a friend’s wedding. Upon my return, the restaurant manager waved me over and greeted me. She was sitting with one of the middle-managers. She said, “We are getting all new furniture for the restaurant. Chairs and tables.” Continue reading
What I learned after moving to America and getting a job at Chipotle (part3)
Field Research: Day 97
On February 8, 2016, all Chipotle restaurants across the country remained closed. Instead, all employees were requested to show up at nearby movie theaters to participate in a live-streaming event with upper management. Continue reading
What I Learned After Moving To America and Getting a Job at Chipotle (part2)
Field Research: Day 79
On my third day at Chipotle, we listened to loud rap music and I was—again—asked to dice a crate of red onions. After finishing, I brought my dirty knife to the dish pit. I scrubbed it clean and accidentally cut my finger. Continue reading
The Real Reason Americans Are ’Anti-Establishment’
Field Research: Day 92
I am requested to mail out a small package so I walk four blocks south and find the post office. The building is a tasteful white stone structure with flush walls interrupted by tall steel windows. The top of the structure is adorned with subtle Greek Revival details and capped with a simple cornice that accommodates neat black letters:
United States Post Office Seattle Washington University Station 98105
What I Learned After Moving To America And Getting a Job at Chipotle (part1)
Field Research: Day 30
A month after my Permanent Change of Station to America, I visited a restaurant called Chipotle Mexican Grill. During the ordering process, I pointed to one of the optional condiments and asked, “Is that some sort of garlic sauce?” Continue reading