1) Beachbum 2) Libyan woman who alleged rape remains hidden from world 3) CNN wire staff 4) CNN 5) March 28, 2011 6) http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/28/libyan-woman-who-alleged-rape-remains-hidden-from-world/?iref=allsearch
The unrest in Libya is of course an example of Sociological Imagination in itself. Looking at the individual troubles and extrapolating them to the social sphere is exactly what began the revolution. The issues that individual people dealt with became socially understood as one that affected the community as well. One of the most particular examples of this is one that comes from a Libyan woman claiming she had been raped by Gadhafi’s troops. She ran into a hotel and started yelling this, saying "If you don't see me tomorrow, then that's it", then security took her away. The government that took her is claiming she is fine, but she has not been head from at all. This woman was ignored by the crowds and was taken away against her will t a fate that none of us know about. Her individual issue is one that has deeper meaning toward society as a whole.The government in charge is the one that has the ability to keep people from speaking out against them. Even when they are in the wrong,there i no way for anyone to speak out against them. in this sense, the people will seemingly never be able to change the status quo. The government is the highest power and it will be virtually impossible to revolt against them successfully if things like his persist. I wonder if she can see how her issue can be related to a broader political sense, but looking at it with a trained sociological eye, it is obvious that we can take the situation in a broader, more socially applicable way. - C. Wright Mills
The world awaits the outcome of the power struggle in Libya between the rebels and Gadhafi's regime. War and revolution has sparked in North Africa starting with Egypt and the overthrowing of Hosni Mubarak. Now the interference of other countries has sparked the grand debate about political preference regarding the spread of democracy in the name of freedom.
As we can clearly see however, where ever there is an oppressed, impoverished and disgruntle people there is a chance for revolution regardless of political preference. This should be proof enough that no matter what political theory is governing a country there will be those in power, mostly the elite that control the government, the military, the economy and the media. Thus violent revolution is not the answer to solving social inequalities and political unrest. The citizens of a nation should always be well informed, be involved in politics, and there should be open political debates and discussions. I am sure that Gadhafi's regime would not have allowed this, but I guess that is why they are on the brink of civil war.
1. JJBO 2. “As Diplomats Meet in London on Libya, Rebel Advance Stalls” 3. KAREEM FAHIM, DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and ALAN COWELL 4. New York Times 5. March 29, 2011 6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/world/africa/30libya.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
The meeting of 40 governments and international organizations taking place today in London is a mere reflection of steps being taken towards an end goal of Democracy for a country shattered by violence and military control. Although this revolt style revolution is currently taking place within Libya, an idea that makes Marx smug, it is quite unnecessary, as will be demonstrated through this peaceful communicative action, taking place later today. Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi has been dealing with a legitimation crisis for some time now, not meeting individual needs while manipulating the people, thus we finally see some interaction taking place among the oppressed. Their interaction, rebelling along with help from coalition air strikes, is only done so as a last resort in attempts of creating a freely communicative democratic, rational society. This end goal has already been achieved by most of the world’s influential/powerful countries as foreshadowed by this article. These leaders know that violence is not the key determinant in producing results but rather encompassing human thinking, knowledge, and language will better allow a mutual understanding and common action. They understand a dictatorship can only manipulate the people so long before they in turn collaborate forming groups of solidarity that have the same end goal in sight, a democratic nation. The rebels, other nations, and even the Arab League agree free Democratic elections should follow the stepping down of Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi, a notion that will arise from any non-democracy because within modern societies it is inevitable that the oppressed realize their lack of freedom. What is most astonishing is the fact that none of these people needed designated locations (philos/socrates cafes, coffee houses, salons) to engage in communicative action but simply started the talk for a changing of their society, met other groups of solidarity and started their quest for a free country. Although people in Libya may be in an un-necessary revolution stage as of now, communicative action is taking place among the global leaders showing just how powerful and essential this concept is for everyday life and social structures as well as social construction.
1. Niaps 2. “Did Ancient Eruptions Form Life’s Building Blocks?” 3. Flatow, Ira 4. NPR 5. March 25th, 2011 6. http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134855880/Did-Ancient-Eruptions-Form-Lifes-Building-Blocks?ft=1&f=1024
A well-known scientist named Stanley Miller conducted experiments in the 1950’s that were intended to reveal the origins of life. A great deal of his research was left unanalyzed, so when chemist Jeffrey Bada found vials in his office he couldn’t resist using them in further experiments. His findings so far have shown that amino acids are easily created with the combination of raw materials and other reactors to result in complex living things. So with the proper conditions, organic compounds can be made. Therefore, these conclusions would agree with Mills that humans are better understood by looking at the historical structures in which they interact. Mills would also be pleased with these findings because he believed that seeing the relationship between macro-level structures is essential to understanding our individual selves. Investigating the building blocks of life and being able to see the data that supports this creation makes people think about the transformation from the early ages to now. This missing link may be able to explain why cultural and historical processes are the way they are. Mills also encouraged sociologists to study the world critically, so I think he would be pleased with the way these scientists have conducted their research and that they are now explaining their findings to the leaders/the world. -Mills
1.Blessing 2.Food Inflation Kept Hidden in Tinier Bags 3.Stephanie Clifford and Catherine Rampell 4.New York Times 5.March 28, 2011 6.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/business/29shrink.html?_r=1
Indifference to everyday customs and actions is bringing about the domination of the power elite over society. People are so content with the way that things are that they see no need to stay alert. Some things have been taken out of their control and those who control the major institutions of society have continued to abuse their power by manipulating the society into thinking that everything is occurring for a good reason. In the case of this article, prices are being kept constant but portions are decreasing slowly. In some cases, they decrease vastly but an excuse of some made up concern, such as calorie intake, water preservation, or energy preservation, is blinding people from seeing the scheme. Things such as the media and corporations promote false causes—Going Green, smaller portions to stay healthy, less calories, and environment friendly—in order to put on the face of helping the people with no kind of awareness; When in fact they are just covering that they are giving less for the same price in order to keep making a profit.
People have no choice but to keep buying because they are in need of products. They are buying into the lie and being manipulated into becoming content with even drastic change. Each business blames the other business, when in fact it is the whole economic system that needs to be adjusted and debugged for the benefit of the whole society. People need to speak up and take action for change. The lower working class and the white collar are bound to suffer economic and social distress, the concern should be greater and bigger steps should be taken to fight for social change. ~ C. Wright Mills
A. Tebow404 B. Global Health Challenged by Toxic Pollutants C. Charissa Sparks D. Media Global E. March 22, 2011 F. http://mediaglobal.org/article/2011-03-22/global_health_challenged_by_toxic_pollutants
Toxic threats endanger 100 million people worldwide. Although toxins and unwanted chemicals are such a massive problem in the world, they are often overlooked. One of the reasons such catastrophes are overlooked lies in exploitation and class power and struggles. Wealthy individuals who are more inclined to hold government positions are the ones who make the rules. The government, because of their selfishness, does not listen to individuals living in poverty. If these things are not affecting them personally, why bother? Toxic dumping takes place when the government decides to dump their used chemicals and toxins in low-income neighborhoods or even in other countries. This allows them to be completely free of the problems and diseases that are associated with them, and puts the entire burden into the hands of the impoverished people. Although initial exposures to such chemicals may at first go unnoticed, chronic illnesses advance over time. In this article some of the chemicals contributing to this problem are lead, mercury, chromium, arsenic, pesticides, and radionuclides.
The lower classes are being completely taken advantage of. These practices are not fair and continue to further exploit the poor and low-income classes, but they really don’t have any say in the matter. Government officials need to be able to step back from situations like this and look at it from a standpoint of “sociological imagination.” People in positions of authority should be able to un-associate themselves from personal feelings and get a better understanding of what negative effects these decisions have on lower-income people. It isn’t fair for one country to dump it’s toxins in a developing country just because they don’t have rules and regulations against that chemical. Not just the wealthy and people in positions of power should get to make decisions about where to transport waste. Wider society as a whole should be the basis for such fundamental decisions. If our government leaders don’t have the capacity to see society from various perspectives outside their own, nothing positive will ever be accomplished solely for the “greater good.” Education and public awareness are the only hope for bringing about change in this situation.
1. MayBell 2. New graduates look in vain for job opportunities 3. Mara Lee 4. The Hartford Courant 5. March 29, 2011 6. http://www.kansascity.com/2011/03/29/2760021/new-graduates-look-in-vain-for.html
The article above describes how recent college graduates need to start searching for jobs outside of what they studied in college. The employment rate is at highest its been in years and jobs that are hiring are not looking into younger, inexperienced candidates. College graduates have a 9.4 percent jobless rate, a little worse than the year before. Before the recession, it was 5.5 percent for college grads. Young student between the ages 20 and 24 have more than double the unemployment rate of those 45 to 65. As a result these students are extremely discouraged leading to depression and even dropping out of school. They do not see a point to continue education when there are no jobs available. However, these students need to realize its not that they are not “good” enough to get a job it’s the recession that’s causing these unemployment rates! They need to open their eyes are see that their individual experiences are related to and influenced by macro level social, cultural, and historical process. They have to look at the whole picture of history before they blame themselves for not being able to get a job. They must have the ability to understand that whatever happens in their lives are beyond their control, such as the recession. There was a higher employment rate in the past and students must not think poorly of themselves because times have changed. Also, they must not think they have to change themselves as an individual level but rather they must change social institutes to see change. By creating institutional change there will be more success in employment rates rather than individual change. Students must have the ability to see the connection between “personal” troubles and the social issues that underlie them – recession causing them to be unemployed.
1. Cabrini 2. Egypt to Announce New Working Constitution 3. Amir Ahmed 4. CNN World News 5. 3/30/2011 6. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/03/30/egypt.constitution/index.html
The type of power exuded in Egypt right now is that of authority. Being the basis of bureaucratic structures it is attached to positions and is being justified by the beliefs of the obedient, the citizens. Change is happening and it is happening fast. Every change being made in the country on the government level is deeply consequential for both the people in positions of power and for the citizens. With the establishment of the revised constitution, those in power and legitimizing their positions in order to secure the loyalty and obedience of the citizens. There is beginning to be a solution to economic inequality in the country. Through the amendments to the constitution and a new presidential election underway, there is a re-opening of political debate, public discussion, and citizen participation in politics. As long as the ability to see the connection between the personal troubles of the citizens and the social issues that underlie them is present then the country will move forward.
1.FLSHEAIR 2.Foreign Tourists Seek Children for Sex in Acapulco 3.Rafael Romo, Senior of Latin Affairs Editor 4.CNN 5.March 29,2011 6.http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/03/29/mexico.acapulco.child.prostitution/index.html?hpt=T2
This article deals with the rampant issue in Acapulco, Mexico of the prostitution of children and its high demand among foreign tourists. Many of these children selling themselves in order to make a couple of dollars to buy something to eat, worse still is that many of these children are heavily drugged in order to “loosen up” and be more “friendly” with the customers. These children aren’t paid more than $9-$42 for sex and many times they aren’t paid anything because they are so much under the influence of drugs that they don’t notice and are exploited even further.
The article is a good representation of C.Wright Mills’s Sociological imagination because it deals with how these actions and demands being made by the foreign tourists feeds the continuous cycle of children prostitution. Therefore, although these actions of seeking children for sex are on an individual level, they affect the overall livelihood of this industry, which grows richer and richer by the day. This portrays how the decisions and actions of individuals can have serious repercussions on society as a whole. The interaction between the individual and the collective can scarcely be separated. -C. Wright Mills
1) Cupcake 2) Alaska Sen. Murkowski says Planned Parenthood funding fight isn't over 3) LISA DEMER, THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS 4) The Miami Herald 5) March 28th, 2011 6) http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/28/2137650/alaska-sen-murkowski-says-planned.html
Each individual must understand his own experiences only by locating himself within his situation. The sociological imagination, that is, the ability to understand the historical and bibliographical elements that affect an individual's view of the world and society.
Within the ongoing recent debate about Planned Parenthood, it is necessary to consider the three important questions of any social study.
1) What is the purpose of the institution of Planned Parenthood? How is it unique? 2) What has Planned Parenthood's purpose been, historically, for those it has served? How has it impacted the history of society as a whole? 3) How does Planned Parenthood operate and serve men and women today? Are there other institutions that serve that same purpose? What element of "human nature" does Planned Parenthood represent?
For many, Planned Parenthood is a health clinic that provides them the only affordable access to sexual health services. For these individuals, the personal has become very political. While generally, in the social sciences, one must know how to distinguish between "the personal troubles of milieu" and "the public issues of social structure", it is sometimes unavoidable. Objectivity something to strive for when approaching a social issue; detachment is nearly impossible.
The debate over Planned Parenthood funding is personal, moral, and political. Those who are involved would do well to employ the sociological imagination in their consideration of the issue.
1. Captain 2. After 42 years, Libya's controversial ruler faces new threats 3. the CNN Wire Staff 4. CNN 5. February 20, 2011 6. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/19/libya.gadhafi.unrest/index.html?iref=allsearch
Protests and violence have led Libyan people to take a stand, even with their lives on the line. The uprising and protests come after the fall of the dictatorial, Tunisian and Egyptian government. Tunisia is a border-country of Libya. These seemingly chain-reaction-like events have got to raise a question. Why are people making a move now? The current leader of Libya, Gadhafi , has been in power for 42 years. Until now, people remained silent; however, it’s all changed. The people who once feared to even utter a word against the government have now filled the streets and cities voicing their opinions—for Gadhafi to leave. The question remains. Why now? Why Libya? What happens around us is beyond our control. The successful shifts and changes in neighboring countries may have played a critical role in equipping people with the will to stand and fight for themselves. If the individual people had not linked the international, social and political changes that are occurring now with their own selves, we would have never seen the changes in the Libyan people. People saw and heard what was going on around them, and these things empowered the Libyans to unite together against Gadhafi.
1.Lyragirl 2.Court Affirms California’s Marine Emissions Rules 3.Felicity Barringer 4.New York Times 5.March 30, 2011 6.http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/court-affirms-californias-marine-emissions-rules/?partner=rss&emc=rss
If C. Wright Mills were to look at this article, he would notice how as the shipping industry expands and grows, so must the rules and regulations change to meet the changes in environment. What the ships do have an affect on the people living in the area due to the fuel they use. Shipping people are aware of how their work affects the people in the area so they are able to understand the need for using cleaner fuel. By understanding the relationship between ships and the environment of the area, the people who are in charge of the rules are able to make a change. Environment and society always have a relationship or interaction with each other.
1. Gardenia 2. Intellectual life and storytelling 3. Merican, A. Murad 4. newstraitimes 5. March 2011 6. http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/rewo27/Article/
The article, Intellectual Life and Storytelling speaks of the book I wrote in 1959. The Sociological Imagination has a great history behind this book. Society took time to come into being and has constantly changed over time. The biography is the nature of humans. These are the people that live in a particular society. Society is structured by several institutions. They are presented in a hierarchy, which is power-driven. In order to solve problems one may have, they must link the biography of themselves to social institutions. This is a very difficult task. One must be able to look beyond the social structures that surround them and see past the relationship between the history, biography, and social structure of themselves.
Furthermore, human beings cannot be understood apart from the social and historical structures in which they are formed and in which they interact. The number and variety of structural changes within a society increases as institutions become larger, more embracing, and more interconnected. Change has become faster in the modern era. The changes have become far more consequential for all.
The ability to see our individual experiences as they are related to and influenced by macro level social, cultural, and historical processes is known as sociological imagination. “Just when you add blue dye to water, it does not become blue dye and water. It becomes blue water” (Merican, 2011).
1. tribioni 2. Study: Diet May Help ADHD Kids More Than Drugs 3. By NPR staff 4. NPR 5. 3-12-11 6. http://www.npr.org/2011/03/12/134456594/study-diet-may-help-adhd-kids-more-than-drugs?ft=1&f=1024
Many kids in this generation have what is known as ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hypertension Disorder. They continue to feel hyper, impulsive, forget things easily amongst other symptoms until they are prescribed pills. The overwhelming problem amongst kids is ADHD or ADD and it seems that the overwhelming problem amongst adults is depression. With kids if they just can’t sit still, immediately they are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. That’s ridiculous because what if they just should be dancers and you are prescribing them something that will then become harmful to their internal chemicals? Adults say they’re tired and doctors shown here prescribe them depression medication. What if that adult has two full time jobs and children? They’re supposed to be tired. It’s understood that ADHD is a major problem along with ADD and depression. However, society is going over the top with it. It seems that every kid has one of the two now. The findings in this study show the public that a simple diet will calm the children with ADHD down. Perhaps children with ADHD eat a lot of foods high in sugar and caffeine- resulting in hyperactivity and the inability to sit still. Therefore, maybe the doctors/ researchers (or the politics), in this situation should hold back from diagnosing children with ADD/ ADHD and just adjust their diet. If the diet is ignored and doctors continue to prescribe pills for the diagnoses of ADHD, you better believe more and more children will have ADHD and ADD. This will make society feel that children are becoming more and more difficult, leaving parents and teachers baffled as to how to deal with them. The stigma of ADHD should be carefully distributed amongst children who only are unable to be treated without the use of medication. C. Wright Mills
At the top of each post you must list the following information: 1. Your Codeword 2. Title of the news article you choose (see suggestions below) 3. Author of the news article 4. Source of the news article 5. Date of the news article 6. Link (url) to the news article
Those six lines should be followed by your reflection from the perspective of the social theorist you choose from the list of options for each due date. A reflection is not a summary. Instead, what you are expected to do is to thoroughly read the news article of your choice and reflect on it from the perspective of one of the assigned Social Theorists. Note that your reflection may include a bit of summary, but it must not consist entirely of summarizing the article. Good reflections will analyze the issue discussed in the article from the perspective of one of the assigned Social Theorists; outstanding posts will even take the voice (write in the tone and style of) the Social Theorist. Reflections should be a minimum of one paragraph. They must be posted no later than 4pm on the due date below and the article you choose must have been published within two weeks of the due date. There are 3 points possible of Extra Credit for each post.
1) Beachbum
ReplyDelete2) Libyan woman who alleged rape remains hidden from world
3) CNN wire staff
4) CNN
5) March 28, 2011
6) http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/28/libyan-woman-who-alleged-rape-remains-hidden-from-world/?iref=allsearch
The unrest in Libya is of course an example of Sociological Imagination in itself. Looking at the individual troubles and extrapolating them to the social sphere is exactly what began the revolution. The issues that individual people dealt with became socially understood as one that affected the community as well. One of the most particular examples of this is one that comes from a Libyan woman claiming she had been raped by Gadhafi’s troops. She ran into a hotel and started yelling this, saying "If you don't see me tomorrow, then that's it", then security took her away. The government that took her is claiming she is fine, but she has not been head from at all. This woman was ignored by the crowds and was taken away against her will t a fate that none of us know about. Her individual issue is one that has deeper meaning toward society as a whole.The government in charge is the one that has the ability to keep people from speaking out against them. Even when they are in the wrong,there i no way for anyone to speak out against them. in this sense, the people will seemingly never be able to change the status quo. The government is the highest power and it will be virtually impossible to revolt against them successfully if things like his persist. I wonder if she can see how her issue can be related to a broader political sense, but looking at it with a trained sociological eye, it is obvious that we can take the situation in a broader, more socially applicable way.
- C. Wright Mills
1)rambogt
ReplyDelete2)Libyan opposition targets Gadhafi's Birthplace
3)CNN wirestaff
4)CNN
5)March 28,2011
6)http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/28/libyan-opposition-target-gadhafis-birthplace/?iref=allsearch
The world awaits the outcome of the power struggle in Libya between the rebels and Gadhafi's regime. War and revolution has sparked in North Africa starting with Egypt and the overthrowing of Hosni Mubarak. Now the interference of other countries has sparked the grand debate about political preference regarding the spread of democracy in the name of freedom.
As we can clearly see however, where ever there is an oppressed, impoverished and disgruntle people there is a chance for revolution regardless of political preference. This should be proof enough that no matter what political theory is governing a country there will be those in power, mostly the elite that control the government, the military, the economy and the media. Thus violent revolution is not the answer to solving social inequalities and political unrest. The citizens of a nation should always be well informed, be involved in politics, and there should be open political debates and discussions. I am sure that Gadhafi's regime would not have allowed this, but I guess that is why they are on the brink of civil war.
C. Wright Mills
1. JJBO
ReplyDelete2. “As Diplomats Meet in London on Libya, Rebel Advance Stalls”
3. KAREEM FAHIM, DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and ALAN COWELL
4. New York Times
5. March 29, 2011
6. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/world/africa/30libya.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
The meeting of 40 governments and international organizations taking place today in London is a mere reflection of steps being taken towards an end goal of Democracy for a country shattered by violence and military control. Although this revolt style revolution is currently taking place within Libya, an idea that makes Marx smug, it is quite unnecessary, as will be demonstrated through this peaceful communicative action, taking place later today. Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi has been dealing with a legitimation crisis for some time now, not meeting individual needs while manipulating the people, thus we finally see some interaction taking place among the oppressed. Their interaction, rebelling along with help from coalition air strikes, is only done so as a last resort in attempts of creating a freely communicative democratic, rational society. This end goal has already been achieved by most of the world’s influential/powerful countries as foreshadowed by this article. These leaders know that violence is not the key determinant in producing results but rather encompassing human thinking, knowledge, and language will better allow a mutual understanding and common action. They understand a dictatorship can only manipulate the people so long before they in turn collaborate forming groups of solidarity that have the same end goal in sight, a democratic nation. The rebels, other nations, and even the Arab League agree free Democratic elections should follow the stepping down of Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi, a notion that will arise from any non-democracy because within modern societies it is inevitable that the oppressed realize their lack of freedom. What is most astonishing is the fact that none of these people needed designated locations (philos/socrates cafes, coffee houses, salons) to engage in communicative action but simply started the talk for a changing of their society, met other groups of solidarity and started their quest for a free country. Although people in Libya may be in an un-necessary revolution stage as of now, communicative action is taking place among the global leaders showing just how powerful and essential this concept is for everyday life and social structures as well as social construction.
-Habermas
1. Niaps
ReplyDelete2. “Did Ancient Eruptions Form Life’s Building Blocks?”
3. Flatow, Ira
4. NPR
5. March 25th, 2011
6. http://www.npr.org/2011/03/25/134855880/Did-Ancient-Eruptions-Form-Lifes-Building-Blocks?ft=1&f=1024
A well-known scientist named Stanley Miller conducted experiments in the 1950’s that were intended to reveal the origins of life. A great deal of his research was left unanalyzed, so when chemist Jeffrey Bada found vials in his office he couldn’t resist using them in further experiments. His findings so far have shown that amino acids are easily created with the combination of raw materials and other reactors to result in complex living things. So with the proper conditions, organic compounds can be made.
Therefore, these conclusions would agree with Mills that humans are better understood by looking at the historical structures in which they interact. Mills would also be pleased with these findings because he believed that seeing the relationship between macro-level structures is essential to understanding our individual selves. Investigating the building blocks of life and being able to see the data that supports this creation makes people think about the transformation from the early ages to now. This missing link may be able to explain why cultural and historical processes are the way they are. Mills also encouraged sociologists to study the world critically, so I think he would be pleased with the way these scientists have conducted their research and that they are now explaining their findings to the leaders/the world.
-Mills
1.Blessing
ReplyDelete2.Food Inflation Kept Hidden in Tinier Bags
3.Stephanie Clifford and Catherine Rampell
4.New York Times
5.March 28, 2011
6.http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/business/29shrink.html?_r=1
Indifference to everyday customs and actions is bringing about the domination of the power elite over society. People are so content with the way that things are that they see no need to stay alert. Some things have been taken out of their control and those who control the major institutions of society have continued to abuse their power by manipulating the society into thinking that everything is occurring for a good reason. In the case of this article, prices are being kept constant but portions are decreasing slowly. In some cases, they decrease vastly but an excuse of some made up concern, such as calorie intake, water preservation, or energy preservation, is blinding people from seeing the scheme. Things such as the media and corporations promote false causes—Going Green, smaller portions to stay healthy, less calories, and environment friendly—in order to put on the face of helping the people with no kind of awareness; When in fact they are just covering that they are giving less for the same price in order to keep making a profit.
People have no choice but to keep buying because they are in need of products. They are buying into the lie and being manipulated into becoming content with even drastic change. Each business blames the other business, when in fact it is the whole economic system that needs to be adjusted and debugged for the benefit of the whole society. People need to speak up and take action for change. The lower working class and the white collar are bound to suffer economic and social distress, the concern should be greater and bigger steps should be taken to fight for social change.
~ C. Wright Mills
A. Tebow404
ReplyDeleteB. Global Health Challenged by Toxic Pollutants
C. Charissa Sparks
D. Media Global
E. March 22, 2011
F. http://mediaglobal.org/article/2011-03-22/global_health_challenged_by_toxic_pollutants
Toxic threats endanger 100 million people worldwide. Although toxins and unwanted chemicals are such a massive problem in the world, they are often overlooked. One of the reasons such catastrophes are overlooked lies in exploitation and class power and struggles. Wealthy individuals who are more inclined to hold government positions are the ones who make the rules. The government, because of their selfishness, does not listen to individuals living in poverty. If these things are not affecting them personally, why bother? Toxic dumping takes place when the government decides to dump their used chemicals and toxins in low-income neighborhoods or even in other countries. This allows them to be completely free of the problems and diseases that are associated with them, and puts the entire burden into the hands of the impoverished people. Although initial exposures to such chemicals may at first go unnoticed, chronic illnesses advance over time. In this article some of the chemicals contributing to this problem are lead, mercury, chromium, arsenic, pesticides, and radionuclides.
The lower classes are being completely taken advantage of. These practices are not fair and continue to further exploit the poor and low-income classes, but they really don’t have any say in the matter. Government officials need to be able to step back from situations like this and look at it from a standpoint of “sociological imagination.” People in positions of authority should be able to un-associate themselves from personal feelings and get a better understanding of what negative effects these decisions have on lower-income people. It isn’t fair for one country to dump it’s toxins in a developing country just because they don’t have rules and regulations against that chemical. Not just the wealthy and people in positions of power should get to make decisions about where to transport waste. Wider society as a whole should be the basis for such fundamental decisions. If our government leaders don’t have the capacity to see society from various perspectives outside their own, nothing positive will ever be accomplished solely for the “greater good.” Education and public awareness are the only hope for bringing about change in this situation.
-C. Wright Mills
1. MayBell
ReplyDelete2. New graduates look in vain for job opportunities
3. Mara Lee
4. The Hartford Courant
5. March 29, 2011
6. http://www.kansascity.com/2011/03/29/2760021/new-graduates-look-in-vain-for.html
The article above describes how recent college graduates need to start searching for jobs outside of what they studied in college. The employment rate is at highest its been in years and jobs that are hiring are not looking into younger, inexperienced candidates. College graduates have a 9.4 percent jobless rate, a little worse than the year before. Before the recession, it was 5.5 percent for college grads. Young student between the ages 20 and 24 have more than double the unemployment rate of those 45 to 65. As a result these students are extremely discouraged leading to depression and even dropping out of school. They do not see a point to continue education when there are no jobs available.
However, these students need to realize its not that they are not “good” enough to get a job it’s the recession that’s causing these unemployment rates! They need to open their eyes are see that their individual experiences are related to and influenced by macro level social, cultural, and historical process. They have to look at the whole picture of history before they blame themselves for not being able to get a job. They must have the ability to understand that whatever happens in their lives are beyond their control, such as the recession. There was a higher employment rate in the past and students must not think poorly of themselves because times have changed. Also, they must not think they have to change themselves as an individual level but rather they must change social institutes to see change. By creating institutional change there will be more success in employment rates rather than individual change. Students must have the ability to see the connection between “personal” troubles and the social issues that underlie them – recession causing them to be unemployed.
1. Cabrini
ReplyDelete2. Egypt to Announce New Working Constitution
3. Amir Ahmed
4. CNN World News
5. 3/30/2011
6. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/03/30/egypt.constitution/index.html
The type of power exuded in Egypt right now is that of authority. Being the basis of bureaucratic structures it is attached to positions and is being justified by the beliefs of the obedient, the citizens. Change is happening and it is happening fast. Every change being made in the country on the government level is deeply consequential for both the people in positions of power and for the citizens. With the establishment of the revised constitution, those in power and legitimizing their positions in order to secure the loyalty and obedience of the citizens. There is beginning to be a solution to economic inequality in the country. Through the amendments to the constitution and a new presidential election underway, there is a re-opening of political debate, public discussion, and citizen participation in politics. As long as the ability to see the connection between the personal troubles of the citizens and the social issues that underlie them is present then the country will move forward.
-C. W. Mills
1.FLSHEAIR
ReplyDelete2.Foreign Tourists Seek Children for Sex in Acapulco
3.Rafael Romo, Senior of Latin Affairs Editor
4.CNN
5.March 29,2011
6.http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/03/29/mexico.acapulco.child.prostitution/index.html?hpt=T2
This article deals with the rampant issue in Acapulco, Mexico of the prostitution of children and its high demand among foreign tourists. Many of these children selling themselves in order to make a couple of dollars to buy something to eat, worse still is that many of these children are heavily drugged in order to “loosen up” and be more “friendly” with the customers. These children aren’t paid more than $9-$42 for sex and many times they aren’t paid anything because they are so much under the influence of drugs that they don’t notice and are exploited even further.
The article is a good representation of C.Wright Mills’s Sociological imagination because it deals with how these actions and demands being made by the foreign tourists feeds the continuous cycle of children prostitution. Therefore, although these actions of seeking children for sex are on an individual level, they affect the overall livelihood of this industry, which grows richer and richer by the day. This portrays how the decisions and actions of individuals can have serious repercussions on society as a whole. The interaction between the individual and the collective can scarcely be separated.
-C. Wright Mills
1) Cupcake
ReplyDelete2) Alaska Sen. Murkowski says Planned Parenthood funding fight isn't over
3) LISA DEMER, THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS
4) The Miami Herald
5) March 28th, 2011
6) http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/28/2137650/alaska-sen-murkowski-says-planned.html
Each individual must understand his own experiences only by locating himself within his situation. The sociological imagination, that is, the ability to understand the historical and bibliographical elements that affect an individual's view of the world and society.
Within the ongoing recent debate about Planned Parenthood, it is necessary to consider the three important questions of any social study.
1) What is the purpose of the institution of Planned Parenthood? How is it unique?
2) What has Planned Parenthood's purpose been, historically, for those it has served? How has it impacted the history of society as a whole?
3) How does Planned Parenthood operate and serve men and women today? Are there other institutions that serve that same purpose? What element of "human nature" does Planned Parenthood represent?
For many, Planned Parenthood is a health clinic that provides them the only affordable access to sexual health services. For these individuals, the personal has become very political. While generally, in the social sciences, one must know how to distinguish between "the personal troubles of milieu" and "the public issues of social structure", it is sometimes unavoidable. Objectivity something to strive for when approaching a social issue; detachment is nearly impossible.
The debate over Planned Parenthood funding is personal, moral, and political. Those who are involved would do well to employ the sociological imagination in their consideration of the issue.
-- C. Wright Mills
ReplyDelete1. Captain
ReplyDelete2. After 42 years, Libya's controversial ruler faces new threats
3. the CNN Wire Staff
4. CNN
5. February 20, 2011
6. http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/19/libya.gadhafi.unrest/index.html?iref=allsearch
Protests and violence have led Libyan people to take a stand, even with their lives on the line. The uprising and protests come after the fall of the dictatorial, Tunisian and Egyptian government. Tunisia is a border-country of Libya. These seemingly chain-reaction-like events have got to raise a question. Why are people making a move now? The current leader of Libya, Gadhafi , has been in power for 42 years. Until now, people remained silent; however, it’s all changed. The people who once feared to even utter a word against the government have now filled the streets and cities voicing their opinions—for Gadhafi to leave. The question remains. Why now? Why Libya? What happens around us is beyond our control. The successful shifts and changes in neighboring countries may have played a critical role in equipping people with the will to stand and fight for themselves. If the individual people had not linked the international, social and political changes that are occurring now with their own selves, we would have never seen the changes in the Libyan people. People saw and heard what was going on around them, and these things empowered the Libyans to unite together against Gadhafi.
1.Lyragirl
ReplyDelete2.Court Affirms California’s Marine Emissions Rules
3.Felicity Barringer
4.New York Times
5.March 30, 2011
6.http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/court-affirms-californias-marine-emissions-rules/?partner=rss&emc=rss
If C. Wright Mills were to look at this article, he would notice how as the shipping industry expands and grows, so must the rules and regulations change to meet the changes in environment. What the ships do have an affect on the people living in the area due to the fuel they use. Shipping people are aware of how their work affects the people in the area so they are able to understand the need for using cleaner fuel. By understanding the relationship between ships and the environment of the area, the people who are in charge of the rules are able to make a change. Environment and society always have a relationship or interaction with each other.
1. Gardenia
ReplyDelete2. Intellectual life and storytelling
3. Merican, A. Murad
4. newstraitimes
5. March 2011
6. http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/rewo27/Article/
The article, Intellectual Life and Storytelling speaks of the book I wrote in 1959. The Sociological Imagination has a great history behind this book. Society took time to come into being and has constantly changed over time. The biography is the nature of humans. These are the people that live in a particular society. Society is structured by several institutions. They are presented in a hierarchy, which is power-driven. In order to solve problems one may have, they must link the biography of themselves to social institutions. This is a very difficult task. One must be able to look beyond the social structures that surround them and see past the relationship between the history, biography, and social structure of themselves.
Furthermore, human beings cannot be understood apart from the social and historical structures in which they are formed and in which they interact. The number and variety of structural changes within a society increases as institutions become larger, more embracing, and more interconnected. Change has become faster in the modern era. The changes have become far more consequential for all.
The ability to see our individual experiences as they are related to and influenced by macro level social, cultural, and historical processes is known as sociological imagination. “Just when you add blue dye to water, it does not become blue dye and water. It becomes blue water” (Merican, 2011).
--C. Wright Mills
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. tribioni
ReplyDelete2. Study: Diet May Help ADHD Kids More Than Drugs
3. By NPR staff
4. NPR
5. 3-12-11
6. http://www.npr.org/2011/03/12/134456594/study-diet-may-help-adhd-kids-more-than-drugs?ft=1&f=1024
Many kids in this generation have what is known as ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hypertension Disorder. They continue to feel hyper, impulsive, forget things easily amongst other symptoms until they are prescribed pills. The overwhelming problem amongst kids is ADHD or ADD and it seems that the overwhelming problem amongst adults is depression. With kids if they just can’t sit still, immediately they are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. That’s ridiculous because what if they just should be dancers and you are prescribing them something that will then become harmful to their internal chemicals? Adults say they’re tired and doctors shown here prescribe them depression medication. What if that adult has two full time jobs and children? They’re supposed to be tired. It’s understood that ADHD is a major problem along with ADD and depression. However, society is going over the top with it. It seems that every kid has one of the two now. The findings in this study show the public that a simple diet will calm the children with ADHD down. Perhaps children with ADHD eat a lot of foods high in sugar and caffeine- resulting in hyperactivity and the inability to sit still. Therefore, maybe the doctors/ researchers (or the politics), in this situation should hold back from diagnosing children with ADD/ ADHD and just adjust their diet. If the diet is ignored and doctors continue to prescribe pills for the diagnoses of ADHD, you better believe more and more children will have ADHD and ADD. This will make society feel that children are becoming more and more difficult, leaving parents and teachers baffled as to how to deal with them. The stigma of ADHD should be carefully distributed amongst children who only are unable to be treated without the use of medication.
C. Wright Mills