Week 10: Social Change

One of the major concepts in this class is sociological mindfulness. Although I was never Michael Schwalbe's biggest fan, I'm always going to remember what he first said about the topic-- "Mindfulness is more than paying attention. To be mindful is to see and appreciate its unique qualities...we see beyond stereotypes and prejudices."

I realized after my work in this class just how close-minded I was as an individual who aspired to create social change in her community. I never looked beyond the image and representations I had been raised with, and the assumptions I created were only based on ideas established by the media and historical contexts.

Another aspect of the class that changed my viewpoint on society were my trips to the Buena Vista labor camps. I had no idea who I would meet, how they would see me, if I would be able to even communicate enough with them. Thankfully, I was able to really get to know these kids, and learn so much about them as people, instead of as a group and build friendships that I'll never forget. I hope they were able to learn about me too, and expand their mindfulness as well.

Being sociologically mindful will make me look past the preconceived notions we establish from public institutions (ie: media), group think, and historical/cultural contexts. As an individual, I have already began looking past these notions and questioning why someone is the way they are--what happened in their past? what ideas do they have about society? where do they find their ideas? etc. I want to learn about a person, instead of the group they are placed in. I want to live in a society where we don't have to use race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status as an excuse for anything.

I majored in Communications because one day I want to be able to tell the world about injustice in their own communities, on their planet and around the globe. Hopefully my writings will be able to reflect the mindfulness I exert as an individual, so I can educate my readers about learning and appreciating--instead of judging.

I don't know if I will get a chance to say this again, but taking this class was one of the best decisions I ever made. Everything from driving to Watsonville to arguing with my classmates about football and motherhood has taught me I still have a long way to go before I can call myself sociologically mindful. Thank you Mari, and the rest of my 10:30 section for giving me something to look forward to every M-Th.

peace.