Lecture Notes: Interaction in Tacoma Washington Post Office

Introduction

• Location: Tacoma, Washington
• Venue: Lincoln Station Post Office
• Ambient Condition: Over 110 degrees Fahrenheit
• The setting described as weird and the heat as intense

General Observations

• Interaction dynamics between individuals present at the post office
• Issues around recording and photography within the post office
  • Regulations about taking photographs in the post office
  • Requirement of written consent from the postmaster
  • Poster Seven (rules and regulations for the post office) mentioned

Interaction with Postal Staff

• Confusion over regulations and permissions for taking photos
• Postal staff enforcing rules and clarifying misconceptions
• Mention of disturbances during postal operations
• Local branch president of the union gets involved
  • Discussion on federal property and rights

Customers' Reactions

• Mixed reactions from the public
• Discomfort and complaints from customers over being recorded
• Arguments and heated exchanges over the right to record
  • Personal insults exchanged
  • Attempts to read and reference regulations

Confrontation

• Escalation of the situation with tension rising
• Customers feeling harassed and uncomfortable
• Threats and challenges exchanged

Resolution Attempts

• Attempts to get postmaster's contact info for complaint
• Staff hesitant to provide information

Summary

• Interaction highlights issues around public recording, privacy, and federal regulations
• Clear difference in public understanding versus actual rules
• Importance of federal regulations in public spaces like post offices