Bigotry Applying The Sociological Imagination

Bigotry: Applying the Sociological Imagination Bigotry. What is it? It is when someone is “stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own” (dictionary.com). Bigotry is experienced everyday. Whether you’re at the shop, campus, park, or walking outside. It happens. Bigotry, generally speaking, is an individual direct problem. What do I mean? I’m stating that when someone discriminates another individual, it primarily affects that one individual. It is directed towards him or her. That is the general thought. But what if we apply the sociological imagination? What if we take an individual problem and say that is is in fact a social problem. What if we say that bigotry is not only affecting one individual, rather, it is a definite social problem that affects hundreds or thousands everyday? In this essay, I will apply the sociological imagination to examples and stories in my life where I have been discriminated by a bigot. I’ll also define what a social problem really is. Lastly, I will speak about how it affects me and others as well.

From physical social problems, like being disabled or obese, to other problems like racism and even unemployment. But has it ever occurred to you how a social problem is defined or what are the elements of a social problem? There are four main elements of a social problem. The first is that the condition has to exist. Meaning that the social problem cannot be theoretical or by imagination, it must be happening in the society. The second element is that it produces harm. The third is that the problem can be remediated. The fourth and final element is that it must have social