individualism vs Collectivism

Collectivism
Individualism


I take a Cultural studios class and we were discussing these two ideas. I was kinda thinking what the community here thought. There are many negatives to both sides and i feel that there are more strengths to Collectivism then there is to Individualism. America for everyone is very Individualistic, and goes as far as to lie and create false ideas to keep it this way.

What is your country's type

What do you think is better and do you think there would be a way to combine the two?  

[margypops]

I was hoping someone would answer first.....I believe in Individualism and I dont believe that America creates false ideas I believe it creates the truth ...

[narla]

Can you explain a bit more what you mean by collectivism?

[Sarajmt]

"America for everyone is very Individualistic, and goes as far as to lie and create false ideas to keep it this way. "

I don't understand what you mean exactly.  Would you please elaborate?

But we are a democratic Republic.  A Democratic Republic protects the rights of the individual.  A Democracy would not.

[margypops]

bump

[Cloudwindgate]

collectivism-emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity

Basicly its saying the group is more important then the indiviaul and in the same instance the group has a responsbility to care for the indiviual.


"America for everyone is very Individualistic, and goes as far as to lie and create false ideas to keep it this way." This is true in the sense that we tell our people that you can make it big the American dream is very indivualistic to be able to come here on your own a make a great life. We tell the poor they can become rich but the truth simply is that its really hard and doesnt happen as often as people think. Its hard to move up one step in your society and even harder to go up twice. Most people born middle class will die middle class. Indivualism supports the idea that i am more important and as such create greed and drug abuse. The stament its my body is a very induvailistic view. While in a collective society that body isnt just yours it has to help support the community.  An example i was given was that in one country(i think india) god owns everything you have. its not really yours you are just lucky to have gotten some of it.

[Cloudwindgate]

sorry bout all the misspelled words

[Sarajmt]

I guess that would put me in the Individualism category!

[narla]

Collectivism is great in theory but there are a lot of lazy people out there who prefer to rely on others,and handouts,that's not to say everyone getting support is lazy there are often extenuating circumstances such as medical conditions which we have no control over at times.
You need to be responsible for yourself and make your own decisions and judgments,I have learned that our destiny is within ourselves.We need to choose our own path in life,I enjoy being an individual.
That being said I also believe we need to be there to help others wherever possible.

[Cloudwindgate]

see thats why i ask do you think theres a way we could have the benefits of both. Just because you live in a collective society doesnt mean you cant be an induvial

I'm in the indvisual group but i would love to have a community whihch had my back and i would try my best to have theres.

Of course and when people get sick it should come on the community to help them. Well Its kinda a damn if you do and damn if you dont there are of cousre positives to both and negitives to both.

[margypops]

Go Individualism ...its what America Is built on .its what I came here for ..and I will help anyone lesser when they need it the same way America has always done ..

[Cloudwindgate]

bump i want more opions. deeper ones why individualism. If you watch people still yern for a community. Church is a community of people gathering for realigious beliefs.