In our society, we embrace egalitarianism, which advocates for equality in various ways. Egalitarians hold the belief that people should be treated equally or regarded as equals in some capacity. They generally assert that all humans possess equal inherent worth or moral status (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2002). However, the truth is that equality, particularly racial equality, is a significant falsehood.
The purpose of this essay is to discuss and compare Mills’ concept of “The Sociological Imagination” and the explanation provided by common sense. Additionally, I will examine the key ideas and distinctions between sociological imagination and common sense in order to analyze racism in the UK. Sociological imagination refers to the capacity to recognize the links between personal experiences and societal elements, as introduced by C. Wright Mills, a professor at Columbia University in New York. It encompasses comprehending how our individual lives are impacted by broader social influences, including historical events and external factors (K).
The primary objective and key advantage of sociological imagination is to enhance our capacity to engage in social interactions and then critically analyze the wider implications of events occurring in our surroundings. This enables us to examine our own society from an outsider’s perspective. Mills emphasized the importance for each individual to recognize that their personal circumstances must be viewed in the context of broader societal concerns. It is crucial to go beyond self-interest, unveil hidden aspects, and recognize the potential impact of our individual problems on society.
According to M. Harambolos & M. Holborn (2004), the rising unemployment rates in society can transform individual employment issues into a public concern that requires explanation. It is suggested that cultivating a sociological imagination can help individuals avoid succumbing to social forces and gain better control over their own lives. By comprehending the functioning of social mechanisms, individuals can work towards instigating changes and influencing history (K. S. Stolley, 2005). On the other hand, common sense has a historical origin predating the emergence of sociology. Ancient civilizations such as ancient Greece and Rome pondered various aspects of the world and their societal operations, relying on beliefs in gods, myths, and astrology. This led to the development of common sense, where people accepted certain truths based on collective agreement. In contemporary times, common sense refers to widely known ideas that are considered common knowledge.
Those ideas are closely tied to the beliefs of a specific society during specific time periods. Various societies possess different common-sense notions (K. Brown, 2005). However, common sense and our knowledge are not always accurate. ‘Individuals often fail to realize that their endorsements of common sense stem from the norms they have created with others who share similar characteristics, such as gender, class, education, shared worldview, history, etc.’ (Common sense racism and common sense sexism, 2007).
When comparing sociological imagination to common sense, it is crucial to comprehend that sociological imagination incorporates theory, research, evidence, and conclusions as the foundation for its viewpoint on society. It involves analyzing everyday routines from various perspectives instead of solely relying on “common sense.” Conversely, common sense usually stems from our learned experiences and tends to reinforce societal norms rather than challenging them (E. J. Karlsen et al, 2010).
By utilizing the sociological imagination, sociologists can reassess established assumptions by examining past and present conditions, as well as societal differences. They also take into account potential future changes (K. Brown, 2005). The issue of racism in the UK can be analyzed through the application of both sociological imagination and common-sense approaches. Racism is a prejudiced belief that one racial category is inherently superior or inferior to another, which holds significant destructive power (J.J. Macionis & K. Plummer, 2008). Throughout global history, racism has profoundly impacted society and has been linked to various forms of exploitation such as slavery, colonialism, indenture, and immigration.
H. Athval et al (2010) argue that labor exploitation and racism have always been interconnected, with the economic factor playing a crucial role in shaping and sustaining racism both historically and in modern society. Although racism is prohibited, it continues to be a persistent and hazardous issue in the 21st century. Even countries like the UK, which are known for their racial diversity throughout history, still have individuals who commit acts of violence, use racially charged language, and directly insult those who are different from them. This begs the question: why does this behavior endure?
The text highlights the impact that various factors, including historical context, politics, economy, social forces, circumstances, and common-sense, have on individuals’ behavior and attitudes in the UK from a sociological imagination perspective. This understanding was gained by reading an article titled ‘The killing of Anthony: The boy who died because of the colour of his skin’ (I. Herbert, 2005). Within this article, the case of Anthony, a black student who was murdered by a 17-year-old perpetrator, is examined. According to a newspaper report cited in the article itself, the perpetrator verbally assaulted Anthony with derogatory racial slurs like ‘nigger’ at a bus station.
Anthony tried to find a different route through a park to get to another bus stop. Unfortunately, someone came out of the bushes and attacked him with an axe, resulting in his death. The repetition of these stories makes us wonder if historical events, political factors, and social structures contribute to such incidents or if they are solely caused by the personal issues of the perpetrators. I strongly condemn this terrible act. Additionally, learning that Anthony was not the attacker’s original target, but rather a victim of racially motivated mistreatment, suggests that hostility towards diverse individuals may have been taught or acquired during their upbringing or education.
Why did school authorities and families not intervene when they knew students were engaging in racial harassment for fun? The fact that adults accepted these actions and mindsets challenges the idea that the boy responsible for the killing is solely evil. This narrative can be connected to the historical context of racial violence in the UK, which has persisted for centuries. Numerous incidents of “race riots,” resulting in deaths, have taken place in different cities throughout the country. Despite some opposition to this violence, it has mostly been limited to specific events.
During the late 1960s, racial violence seemed to become a national pastime in impoverished white communities where ethnic minority families were forced to settle due to poverty, lack of decent housing, and limited job opportunities. Community campaigning, including public meetings, marches, pickets, and informal local protection against racist gangs, became commonplace (H. Athval et al, 2010). Consequently, it is not surprising that individuals like Anthony’s killer, who grew up in an atmosphere of tension and were surrounded by role models who propagated or tolerated racial abuse, developed racist sentiments from one generation to the next. The politics and media of today also bear responsibility for racial violence. For instance, under the Blair government, longer sentences were mandated for crimes with a racial element, along with the establishment of a “task force” to address racist crime. Paradoxically, more legislation was enacted against asylum seekers by the same government (H. Athval et al, 2010).
The text emphasizes the mistreatment and discrimination experienced by asylum seekers in the UK. They are deprived of the right to work, isolated from the community, imprisoned, and deported. Those who aren’t incarcerated struggle to survive with minimal support, often becoming homeless and susceptible to racism. The government either accepts or refrains from rejecting racist media portrayals of immigrants as “scroungers” who burden the economy. There is a lack of action against the prevailing racism perpetuated by the press, which frequently connects asylum seekers with terrorism. This example demonstrates society’s underlying racism. When the government and media promote the belief that asylum seekers are unwelcome, illegal, and likely terrorists, it is assumed they do so for the people’s best interest and cannot be lying. Consequently, it can be inferred that asylum seekers don’t belong in the country and aren’t equal; they pose a threat and should be expelled. This racist perspective unjustly blames asylum seekers for hardships faced by impoverished white individuals concerning housing, employment, and social services.
Media is portraying immigrants as the “economic enemy” of the UK, claiming that they arrive and immediately take advantage of benefits, housing, and services (A. Palmer, 21. 03. 2009). However, the actual economic benefit of immigration is minimal and creates additional strain on schools, transportation, and healthcare (T. Whitehead, 14. 02. 2008). When government policies lend justification to this hostility and political parties exploit it for electoral gain, racial ideas become more deeply entrenched and fuel popular racism (H. Athval et al, 2010). In conclusion, racism persists because people fail to utilize sociological imagination and instead rely on convenient stereotypes.
If individuals with racist ideologies were to employ sociological imagination and consider asylum seekers and immigrants from the perspective of their culture and the losses they experience, they would gain insight into the challenges of leaving one’s country, family, language, and culture for a community where they are dehumanized (J. Rothenberg, 10. 05. 2009). Additionally, by utilizing sociological imagination, racists could recognize the shared humanity of all individuals, regardless of their skin color, ethnicity, or race, understanding that we all possess red blood, experience pain, and are inherently equal. Given the state of our faltering economy and the rising number of hate crimes, teaching future generations how to practice sociological imagination is now more vital than ever.
