Sociological Mindfulness

Sociological Mindfulness is realizing misperceptions, stereotypes, judgements, and assumptions. I find this concept to be very interesting because it allows me to realize how much I completely don't understand society and how most of the time I only revolve things around myself and what would be best for me. Sociological mindfulness will allow me to avoid actions that can leave a negative imprint in society even though it possibly may be beneficial for me.  If people understand their society and the struggles of others and paid attention to their actions, then perhaps people would be more careful on who they choose their role model to be or who they associate themselves with. I also find it very interesting how nonverbal communication, just indirects in jokes or how you talk can have a great impact on the person you are talking to. For example, I am a peer helper so when I'm with people i have just met, i have to be careful of how i word things when i say them because i never know if what i say can be misinterpreted. Such as if i were to ask someone "Where did you travel to during summer vacation?" it would possibly affect their answer since i am generalizing that they went somewhere over vacation when maybe they didn't go any where. They feel that they won't be "normal" if they say that they didn't go anywhere so instead they would make up a story or would not talk to you if you keep making assumptions and generalizations. Other examples may be if you ask someone "how are your parents?" when in reality the person only has one parent, "how big is your house?" when in reality they don't live in a house, they might live in an apartment or a shelter or somewhere else, or "What did you get for Christmas?" when in reality they are Jewish and don't celebrate Christmas or they don't have enough money to afford presents. These are only some of the many examples that i think affect the reactions of the people who you talk to and changes you can make in how you ask questions to make them feel more comfortable with you. People should always realize that not everyone has everything they have, some people have more or less; The important thing is to remember that no one is "normal" , therefore, you must become aware of your surroundings.