Taking It Big by Steven Dandaneau

Taking It Big by Steven Dandaneau The age of postmodernism has brought many privileges with it. Most of the things done around the world could not be done a century ago. This can be attributed to widespread computerization, civilization and modernization. However, this age is also characterized by many hindrances to the human race. In this age, people no longer make independent decisions. They have allowed others to do the thinking for them. This is what has ruined the social imagination of many.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Taking It Big: Developing Sociological Consciousness in Postmodern Times by Steven Dandaneau specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In his book Taking it big: Developing sociological consciousness in postmodern times, Steven Dandaneau identifies the aspect of social imagination as the only way to prevent humans from being controlled by their surroundings. By using the term â€Å"Taking it big,† Dandaneau simply refers to the act of thinking in a broad manner without being under any influence. This is a term that he repeatedly uses throughout the entire book to urge all right-minded individuals to break away from the negligence that has engulfed today’s postmodern world. The author further perceives today’s world as one whose inhabitants have lost total control over their lives. Instead of relying on their own judgments, they let other influential people, and the media to decide the course of their actions. Dandaneau appears pessimistic in his perception of the current world. This is because he hardly makes any sense out of it. In fact, Dandaneau compares the life of today’s humans to that of fish, which are unaware of the happenings in the water around them. Dandaneau believes that the development of sociological imagination in human beings is the only way to save humanity. This is attributed to the fact that it enables one to look at the world from a reasonable point of view. With this type of imagination, Dandaneau guarantees that every person will be in a position to acquire the necessary knowledge and put it into practice. He purports that this particular imagination empowers everybody to act and think in a free manner by enabling them to acquire the myriad dimensions of cultural and social experience (Dandaneau, 2000). Dandaneau further believes that social imagination is bound to bring a revolution to the whole universe upon its inception. It will do this by enlightening the people about what life actually has in store for them. Dandaneau believes that if all youths in the world were to be introduced to the concept of social imagination, then they can transform the world.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to the author, Dandaneau is justified to view the current world the way he does. The writer fully concurs with him that the p ostmodern world has taken a delusional way of life that has ruined the intellectual capacity of many. It is apparent that today’s society hardly makes any significant society without the consideration of what other influential people or groups have to say about it. This has comprised the autonomy and freedom of choice of many. From the foregoing discussion, it is justifiably right to argue that Dandaneau’s book exhaustively explores the elusive culture of today’s society. In addition to that, Dandaneau posits that social imagination is the only remedy to get the world out of this deep slumber. Dandaneau presents his concepts and ideas in a captivating manner which heralds that imagination. Finally, the writer of this essay fully agrees with Dandaneau that today’s world lies in tatters as far as its thinking capacity is concerned. Reference List Dandaneau, S. (2000). Taking it Big: Developing sociological consciousness in postmodern times. California: Pine Forge Press.