Looking for particiapnts in an ethnographic study of enhanced individuals

anthro23 · Feb 17, 2009

Hey everyone, my name is Luke Cuculis, I am an undergraduate student at Gettysburg College and I have been assigned to do an ethnographic study of a group of my choosing as a part of an anthropology class. I have competed in a few bodybuilding shows myself, including the NPC Philadelphia and NPC Teen Nationals. I am looking for anyone who would be willing to do a few short interviews about being an enhanced individual, what their motives were for doing so, what effects it has on their daily life, how they are perceived by those around them, etc. Total anonymity will be upheld, there is no need for any kind of personal information, all I am looking for is opinions and thoughts. I have a totally neutral stance on usage, as I do not use myself but respect those who do equally and I hope that this ethnography can shed some light on a population that does not get their side conveyed in a fair, unbiased manner very often. Please reply in the thread or PM me if anyone would be interested. Thank you all for any help!

1.) What were your motives for originally becoming enhanced, and have they changed since you have been enhanced?

2.) Are you open with those around you about your usage?

3.) How have others around you (family, friends, coworkers, etc.) viewed your usage, whether or not you have told them

4.) Have recent events in the media (persecution of professional athletes, major governmental busts of steroid manufacturers) changed the feelings you have towards anabolics/performance enhancers or any aspect of usage?

5.) Does being enhanced place any additional stresses on your life, financially or in terms of relationships?

6.) What sort of control do you think anabolics should be under from a legal standpoint?syntherol Do you think it would be beneficial for the government to legalize their use/possesion and if so, to what degree?syntherol What would be your ideal plan for this country in terms of anabolics?

7.) To what degree do worries towards personal health affect your usage?

anthro23 · Feb 24, 2009

hey just bumping this thread, if anyone could jot down a few quick answers, it would be great!

BigBoyJ · Feb 24, 2009

1. Just to be bigger, stronger, more intimidating. I was a skinny kid and never felt comfortable being that way. Muscle was power in my mind. Although, I was over 240 lbs before I ever used ANY juice.

2. Only those that I KNOW I can trust, which was only ever MAYBE 2 people.

3. Never told any family. As far as they knew, I was always clean.
As far as any friends who knew, they had also used.

4. The media coverage has influenced me to take legal alternatives. It's just not worth the risk to me anymore. Steroid users seem to be veiwed almost on the same level as child molestors these days. It's completely ridiculous, but true. It's worked though, it's been a large part in my decision to be natural.

5. Being enhanced (other than paranoia of legal consequence) had mostly positive effects on my life. There were times when I would make stupid mistakes that caused temporary health issues, but when used wisely, I believe steriods can improve quality of life. As for relationships, it can make them better OR worse, just depends on the person and the decisions they make.

6. From a legal standpoint, I think it should only be available by prescription. BUT, I DO NOT think that the government should decide under what circumstances they can be prescribed. AND I think doctors should be much more well educated on the cosmetic use of steroids.

7. This is where it would be nice if you could TRULY involve your doctor into your usage. Health could be monitored much more effectively if you and your doctor could have an honest and educated relationship about your use.