The Importance Of Sociological Imagination

Learning about Sociological Imagination has been thought provoking to say the least. Here is this intangible thing that connects people by way of shared experience. Sam Richards talked about suicide in his Ted Talk, and how through the Sociological Imagination, there is the potential to experience relief or support in stressful times through the understanding that we are not alone in our experiences, however personal we may feel them to be. This intangible thing has the ability to actually produce change as a byproduct of its very existence, of which we consciously imagine! I have always relied heavily on Sociological Imagination as a tool to overcome insecurity, instill confidence and nurture a positive emotional perspective of gratitude. For example, when I have traveled out of the country I offset any anxiety about culture shock or unfamiliar surroundings by picturing all of the things I have in common with the people around me: We all use the bathroom, have arguments with our friends and families or drink too much and get hangovers. Mostly generalized things that the majority of people experience in their lives. I use this exercise anytime to dispel anxiety, not just when traveling. It’s kind of like when someone tells you to picture the audience naked to help you feel less nervous about a performance. …show more content…
I know that there is at least one person on Earth who had been in the exact same situation that I am in: feeling nervous, doubtful or unsure. And that OTHER person, they excelled. They were brave. They gave it their best shot and they came out ahead and they achieved their goal. I imagine that person out there and I actually believe, “If they could do it, so can I.” I feel connected and supported by a scenario and person that I have never seen but am only believing through the sociological imagination. It’s kind of like faith isn’t