This week in class we started to learn about sociological imagination. Sociological imagination is the idea that all these different groups and thoughts are affecting us as an individual. Things beyond our control is included in this sociological imagination and it makes up who we are and how we act. We were able to get deeper into this idea by reading an exerpt about the people of Roseto. This small, isolated, Italian town had an extremely low death rate. When medical researchers went to see why, they discovered that their society was causing a long life. The family-like society where everyone cares for each other, allowed the people in Roseto to live a happy, long life. This also showed that we are affected by sociology and we might not even know it.
The next few days in class, we started to discuss what sociological mindfulness is. Sociological mindfulness is being aware about how we affect others. It's knowing that we are also one of the driving forces that affects others sociological imagination.
The idea of sociological mindfulness has really affected me this past week. It made me wonder whether my small, inconsiderate actions were hurting others. A small action such as laughing when someone is getting bullied can really hurt others. But it also made me think about if my one smile can make another person happy. This can lead to a chain reaction of smiles, and maybe a happier community. It seems so unlikely that a small, effortless action from a small, regular person can change the world.
Therefore, I'm really looking forward to our service project. I've done some minor community services, but I don't think I've ever went out of my comfort zone. I hope through this project I'm able to learn more about my society and the impact that I can make.
I think what your saying is right. I never thought about how a small action such as smiling or laughing can have a big impact in someone else's life. I think we have a bigger impact in our community than we realize.
ReplyDeleteYou really did a good job at summing up everything we did in class today. You are an excellent writer!
ReplyDeleteGood for you youngG! Pay it forward! I think that these small acts do matter. It is like Chaos theory -have you every heard of that in physics? It's the idea that small things - like throwing a pebble into the ocean can affect a tidal wave on the other side of the ocean.
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