What Not To Wear?

I'm in my last semester of a Master's program at Boise State and it's being delivered in Second Life (SL). For a class project, I'm trying to discern whether or not discrimination exists in SL. Specifically, do people react to me differently when I'm wearing a burqa versus when I'm wearing jeans & a t-shirt?

I chose this particular research question because of the heightened awareness of cultural differences in real life (RL), and to explore the perceptions and myths that surround both Western and Middle Eastern ways of life.

Because "react" is a pretty vague criteria, I've decided to standardize a bit by attempting to ask some of the same questions when I meet folks. Keep in mind that this is certainly NOT scientifically conducted research.

I'm open to discussing anything, but this being an American election year, I'm throwing a bit of politics into the mix. I hope to get the following questions into the conversations. Besides, politics should be a sure bet for a conversation starter!

1. Where are you from (or where are you in RL)?

2. What do you think Western people think of Middle Eastern people? (or vice versa)

3. What do YOU think of Western people? (or vice versa)

4. What is your opinion of America?

5. Who do you think will be the next President of the USA?

6. How old are you?

7. How long have you been on SL?