Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 28

Thread: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

  1. #1
    Moderator Optimist's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Location
    House of Aion
    Posts
    8,074
    Thanks
    7,881
    Thanked 5,705 Times in 2,127 Posts
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    "our cult of American individualism is far from a strength; it is indeed a dangerous myth fraught with epidemic pain leading to an all too certain state of anomie and aloneness throughout our country"
    That's a quote from The Lonely American http://thelonelyamerican.com/ It made me wonder if there is such a thing as too much social isolation? A lot of Americans would rather not have decisions made for them by the elders of their community or by their parents, the old school way of life. But maybe we are drifting into social disintegration/paranoia by disconnecting socially to protect and nurture our precious individuality? It seems harder to make friends than ever as people are either predatory or frightened of people outside their circle. A bit of moderation might be in order.
    “What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE

  2. The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to Optimist For This Useful Post:


  3. #2
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    I don't think we need to subvert our Will to another or group approval, to be happy and have social connections.

  4. #3
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Dr. William Pollack, author of Real Boys, Rescuing Ours Sons from the Myth of Masculinity and director of the Centers for Men and Young Men at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.


    What?

    No, really. What?

  5. #4
    Moderator Optimist's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Location
    House of Aion
    Posts
    8,074
    Thanks
    7,881
    Thanked 5,705 Times in 2,127 Posts
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by ArmySGT. View Post
    I don't think we need to subvert our Will to another or group approval, to be happy and have social connections.
    I agree, we don't. That wasn't the question.
    “What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to Optimist For This Useful Post:


  7. #5
    Veteran Member Eye's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Podunk MO
    Posts
    314
    Thanks
    78
    Thanked 290 Times in 121 Posts
    My Mood
    Sleepy

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by Optimist View Post
    "our cult of American individualism is far from a strength; it is indeed a dangerous myth fraught with epidemic pain leading to an all too certain state of anomie and aloneness throughout our country"
    That's a quote from The Lonely American http://thelonelyamerican.com/ It made me wonder if there is such a thing as too much social isolation? A lot of Americans would rather not have decisions made for them by the elders of their community or by their parents, the old school way of life. But maybe we are drifting into social disintegration/paranoia by disconnecting socially to protect and nurture our precious individuality? It seems harder to make friends than ever as people are either predatory or frightened of people outside their circle. A bit of moderation might be in order.
    Here's a bit of my insight. I don't know WHAT is causing it, but I have noticed in my own kids a sense of lack of social skills. I think it comes from technology. The more we can do in our own home, the less we have to leave it and socialize. My son and DIL are the LEAST SOCIAL people I've ever met in my life. They met gaming over the internet, he in MO, she in NC. They met in person, got married, and continue to not be social together. When they get around all of us together, they get uncomfortable, and will leave before we all get too loud.

    Hell, you can even grocery shop online now!
    I just gotta be me!

    taylor_sweet
    all day today i kept saying this aint burger king or mcdonalds u cant have it ur way till u pay then a guy was all i just want a sample im all this aint baskin robins either

  8. #6
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by Optimist View Post
    "our cult of American individualism is far from a strength; it is indeed a dangerous myth fraught with epidemic pain leading to an all too certain state of anomie and aloneness throughout our country"
    That's a quote from The Lonely American It made me wonder if there is such a thing as too much social isolation? A lot of Americans would rather not have decisions made for them by the elders of their community or by their parents, the old school way of life. But maybe we are drifting into social disintegration/paranoia by disconnecting socially to protect and nurture our precious individuality? It seems harder to make friends than ever as people are either predatory or frightened of people outside their circle. A bit of moderation might be in order.
    I took it as an implication that Americans should adopt more communal thinking and less individually. I disagree with that. If anything it is our technology. We are at once having a deep and intimate conversation, while at the same time do not know anything about the other person. Americans have come to form these short, less intimate relationships through technology, as it is convenient and when awkward one can close the browser. Not so in person.
    Last edited by ArmySGT.; 09-06-2012 at 09:32 AM.

  9. #7
    Veteran Member Eye's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Podunk MO
    Posts
    314
    Thanks
    78
    Thanked 290 Times in 121 Posts
    My Mood
    Sleepy

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Yep, what he said!
    I just gotta be me!

    taylor_sweet
    all day today i kept saying this aint burger king or mcdonalds u cant have it ur way till u pay then a guy was all i just want a sample im all this aint baskin robins either

  10. #8
    God/dess Jay12's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hill country.
    Posts
    2,926
    Thanks
    1,653
    Thanked 1,896 Times in 955 Posts
    My Mood
    Stressed

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    I personally don't like this whole individualism thing that's going on in the US.





  11. #9
    Moderator Optimist's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Location
    House of Aion
    Posts
    8,074
    Thanks
    7,881
    Thanked 5,705 Times in 2,127 Posts
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by ArmySGT. View Post
    I took it as an implication that Americans should adopt more communal thinking and less individually. I disagree with that. If anything it is our technology. We are at once having a deep and intimate conversation, while at the same time do not know anything about the other person. Americans have come to form these short, less intimate relationships through technology, as it is convenient and when awkward one can close the browser. Not so in person.
    Yeah, that's not what I was saying. I was saying that we have become a more isolated and paranoid nation because of the disconnection from nurturing the surrounding community. Generally there are less kids playing in the street neighbors chatting with each other, having a meal together, that sort of thing. I did not pose the observation as an either/or choice. It was posed as 'sometimes you can run so far from one problem that you inadvertently create another one'. I think we have gotten out of balance with our neighbors.

    This is something I've talked about with friends and family, that there seems to be that people have a suspicious guard up more often these days than in the past. Community things like block parties, sharing time at a lounge or social hall is a rare thing now and we not really better off for it. I suspect that this has also made it harder for people to network with each other.
    “What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE

  12. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Optimist For This Useful Post:


  13. #10
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by Optimist View Post
    Yeah, that's not what I was saying. I was saying that we have become a more isolated and paranoid nation because of the disconnection from nurturing the surrounding community. Generally there are less kids playing in the street neighbors chatting with each other, having a meal together, that sort of thing. I did not pose the observation as an either/or choice. It was posed as 'sometimes you can run so far from one problem that you inadvertently create another one'. I think we have gotten out of balance with our neighbors.
    From the Dust jacket synopsis. A balanced and beautifully written book, the authors make clear how our cult of American individualism is far from a strength; it is indeed a dangerous myth fraught with epidemic pain leading to an all too certain state of anomie and aloneness throughout our country.

    Personally I don't agree with the author. The premise of "America will be better with Collectivism".

    I understand what your saying. People were more social at one time. The middle class families were active in their communities through social groups like the Elks club, or the Eagles. Middle America participated in philanthropy, and civic action for charitable causes. People sat on the front porch and watched their children play with other children on that street, not move to the backyard away from others.

    I don't think you are advocating the same thing as the authors of this book. That is all.

    Quote Originally Posted by Optimist View Post
    This is something I've talked about with friends and family, that there seems to be that people have a suspicious guard up more often these days than in the past. Community things like block parties, sharing time at a lounge or social hall is a rare thing now and we not really better off for it. I suspect that this has also made it harder for people to network with each other.
    People don't have the disposable incomes for these things, and there is embarrassment in not being as affluent as in the past. It's just hard times.

  14. #11
    Banned
    Joined
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Aboard The Spaceship
    Posts
    4,787
    Thanks
    3,183
    Thanked 10,142 Times in 3,290 Posts
    My Mood
    Breezy

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by Eye View Post
    Here's a bit of my insight. I don't know WHAT is causing it, but I have noticed in my own kids a sense of lack of social skills. I think it comes from technology.
    I think its a combination of a lot of things. Diet as in increased preservatives and gluten. Radioactivity as in "wireless" technology fucking with our brainwaves. I think the combination of the 2 is lethal, to be honest and induces autistic-like symptoms.

    Also, I do agree about the technology thing. We make it way too easy these days for kids to just stay inside... and I think social interaction should really be encouraged (but not pushed bc introverts love alone time).



    Quote Originally Posted by ArmySGT. View Post
    I took it as an implication that Americans should adopt more communal thinking and less individually. I disagree with that. If anything it is our technology. We are at once having a deep and intimate conversation, while at the same time do not know anything about the other person. Americans have come to form these short, less intimate relationships through technology, as it is convenient and when awkward one can close the browser. Not so in person.
    Well heres the thing. American/Western culture is built around the idea of breaking things down down down and individualizing, autonomizing, and seperating. Our brains are trained to instinctively do that in this culture. We're even taught to base our successes on individual accomplishments, rather than group/community/family accomplishments like in other cultures (latino, middle eastern, etc).

    But if you look at many other cultures... latino for example, they often doing things opposite. They try to look for oneness and put things together, while we try to break things down. Lets use Native American culture for this example. Native Americans have a very hard time with "American" culture bc its so opposite. They are taught that families need to stick together and the young care for the old. Probably also the reason a lot of latinos at least, tend to push having kids young.,, bc the grandparents teach and care for the new children and they think its sad if they don't get to do that. Native Americans are also taught to be one with nature, make it apart of you. American culture feels like the earth is for us to use and abuse any way we please. Native Americans see it as a live creature that we are apart of. Perspective.

    And co-sleeping is a good example in Mexican (Mexico) culture. Children sleeping in beds with other siblings or with parents. They look at it as comforting and bonding. They think its sad when American parents keep their children alone in a room bc they have no one there to make them feel secure. Americans thing its sad when Mexican children share beds bc they feel like the children don't have autonomy. Its all in how you look at it. Perspective. I think its the absolute worst in religion though. The very thing that is supposed to bring us together, actually divides us. Sad.

    Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with American culture pushing autonomy. Its great to be self-motivated and do things on our own, but its sad that we lose the whole "feeling ~*apart*~ of something" that we so deeply lack. ...This was the issue we are debating, right?
    Last edited by GlamourRouge; 09-07-2012 at 01:44 PM. Reason: grammar

  15. #12
    God/dess Jay12's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hill country.
    Posts
    2,926
    Thanks
    1,653
    Thanked 1,896 Times in 955 Posts
    My Mood
    Stressed

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by GlamourRouge View Post

    Well heres the thing. American/Western culture is built around the idea of breaking things down down down and individualizing, autonomizing, and seperating. Our brains are trained to instinctively do that in this culture. We're even taught to base our successes on individual accomplishments.

    But if you look at many other cultures... latino for example, they often doing things opposite. They try to look for oneness and put things together, while we try to break things down. Lets use Native American culture for this example. Native Americans have a very hard time with "American" culture bc its so opposite. They are taught that families need to stick together and the young care for the old. They are taught to be one with nature, make it apart of you. American culture feels like the earth is for us to use and abuse any way we please. Native Americans see it as a live creature that we are apart of. Perspective.

    And co-sleeping is a good example in Mexican (Mexico) culture. Children sleeping in beds with other siblings or with parents. They look at it as comforting and bonding. They thing is sad when American parents keep their children alone in a room. Americans thing its sad when Mexican children share beds bc they feel like the children don't have autonomy. Its all in how you look at it. Perspective. I think its the absolute worst in religion though. The very thing that is supposed to bring us together, actually divides us. Sad.

    Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with American culture pushing autonomy. Its great to be self-motivated and do things on our own, but its sad that we lose the whole "feeling ~*apart*~ of something" that we so deeply lack. ...This was the issue we are debating, right?
    Thanks! These are my exact thoughts regarding individualism.





  16. The Following User Says Thank You to Jay12 For This Useful Post:


  17. #13
    Moderator Aurora_Sunset's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2011
    Posts
    6,429
    Thanks
    19,845
    Thanked 18,506 Times in 4,919 Posts
    My Mood
    Breezy

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    I've thought about this a lot, and I agree. I think the individualist attitude is getting out of control. Everyone's out for themselves, and people, like politicians, don't care if absolutely nothing else gets accomplished except that they get to say "they win." Not that politicians or other bigwig leaders weren't always selfish and corrupt, but I feel like it's getting out of hand. People don't even know how to work in teams anymore or trust others... I can't even get the majority of people I know to return a damn phone call or make solid plans because, hey, something better might come along... No, I don't want a society that lets "elders" decide what everyone is allowed to do, but I think we've gone so far in the direction of "look out for number one" that we've become selfish little islands that wouldn't know how to work together for the good of someone besides ourselves if our lives depended on it. I really try to not be all cynical and "you can't depend on anyone else" but when everyone else around you acts like that, how can you help but to live that way? It really makes me sad.
    Don't try to win over the haters. You are not the Jerk Whisperer.

    Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.






  18. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Aurora_Sunset For This Useful Post:


  19. #14
    God/dess Jay12's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Hill country.
    Posts
    2,926
    Thanks
    1,653
    Thanked 1,896 Times in 955 Posts
    My Mood
    Stressed

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by Aurora_Sunset View Post
    I've thought about this a lot, and I agree. I think the individualist attitude is getting out of control. Everyone's out for themselves, and people, like politicians, don't care if absolutely nothing else gets accomplished except that they get to say "they win." Not that politicians or other bigwig leaders weren't always selfish and corrupt, but I feel like it's getting out of hand.
    Many of those politicians that you mention worship the mother of individualism; Ayn Rand. She was an anarchy-capitalist philosopher.





  20. #15
    Banned Melonie's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2002
    Location
    way south of the border
    Posts
    25,932
    Thanks
    612
    Thanked 10,563 Times in 4,646 Posts
    Blog Entries
    3
    My Mood
    Cynical

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    I'll go with a different permutation of Ayn Rand philosophy ... that a good portion of the reason that today's Americans can choose to pursue individualism to the extreme is that they are NOT held personally responsible for the ( failed ) consequences of making that choice. Or put another way, historical tendencies toward 'extended' family or local community support structures have been increasingly replaced by gov't services.

  21. #16
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    I really do not think Individualism is at fault here. One can be a selfish or selfless individual. Ayn Rand's philosophy of demanding value for your own work isn't a part of this either.

    Look at all the individuals that gave up their homes, languages, and culture to arrive on these shores with just a suitcase. Individualism and self determination, to be a success not limited by a King or a Lord. To build with your own hands, your own success, and not have it jeopardized by the whim of some others.

    Individuals dared to risk.

  22. #17
    Veteran Member The Six's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2009
    Location
    San Fernando Valley
    Posts
    499
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 481 Times in 205 Posts

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by ArmySGT. View Post
    I really do not think Individualism is at fault here. One can be a selfish or selfless individual. Ayn Rand's philosophy of demanding value for your own work isn't a part of this either.

    Look at all the individuals that gave up their homes, languages, and culture to arrive on these shores with just a suitcase. Individualism and self determination, to be a success not limited by a King or a Lord. To build with your own hands, your own success, and not have it jeopardized by the whim of some others.
    The thing is most of those individuals did all they could to maintain their homeland's culture once they came to America. Politics may have caused them to flee their countries, but they brought their family values over instead of assimilating into American culture.

  23. #18
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by The Six View Post
    The thing is most of those individuals did all they could to maintain their homeland's culture once they came to America. Politics may have caused them to flee their countries, but they brought their family values over instead of assimilating into American culture.
    Even so, operating as individuals each interacted with another. The Grocer needs the farmer for vegetables, the butcher needs the rancher to sell beef. The immigrant seldom assimilates completely but the second, third, etc embrace American culture wholly.

  24. #19
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Jan 2012
    Posts
    146
    Thanks
    193
    Thanked 402 Times in 109 Posts

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Individualism: the habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant, as opposed to collectivism: the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it is a political arguement. The author is asserting that individualism in the political sense leads to loneliness and isolation, which is not proven to be true. It is possible to be self reliant and independent and not be lonely. It is also possible to live in a society in which the group is given priority and be lonely.

    Personally, I find many people to be assholes, stupid by choice, easily manipulated, and lack common courtesy, so I would rather not bother with most of them outside business relationships. The best communities and relationships are formed by choice, not coercion.

  25. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to jekka For This Useful Post:


  26. #20
    Moderator Optimist's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Location
    House of Aion
    Posts
    8,074
    Thanks
    7,881
    Thanked 5,705 Times in 2,127 Posts
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by GlamourRouge View Post
    I think its a combination of a lot of things. Diet as in increased preservatives and gluten. Radioactivity as in "wireless" technology fucking with our brainwaves. I think the combination of the 2 is lethal, to be honest and induces autistic-like symptoms.

    Also, I do agree about the technology thing. We make it way too easy these days for kids to just stay inside... and I think social interaction should really be encouraged (but not pushed bc introverts love alone time).





    Well heres the thing. American/Western culture is built around the idea of breaking things down down down and individualizing, autonomizing, and seperating. Our brains are trained to instinctively do that in this culture. We're even taught to base our successes on individual accomplishments, rather than group/community/family accomplishments like in other cultures (latino, middle eastern, etc).

    But if you look at many other cultures... latino for example, they often doing things opposite. They try to look for oneness and put things together, while we try to break things down. Lets use Native American culture for this example. Native Americans have a very hard time with "American" culture bc its so opposite. They are taught that families need to stick together and the young care for the old. Probably also the reason a lot of latinos at least, tend to push having kids young.,, bc the grandparents teach and care for the new children and they think its sad if they don't get to do that. Native Americans are also taught to be one with nature, make it apart of you. American culture feels like the earth is for us to use and abuse any way we please. Native Americans see it as a live creature that we are apart of. Perspective.

    And co-sleeping is a good example in Mexican (Mexico) culture. Children sleeping in beds with other siblings or with parents. They look at it as comforting and bonding. They think its sad when American parents keep their children alone in a room bc they have no one there to make them feel secure. Americans thing its sad when Mexican children share beds bc they feel like the children don't have autonomy. Its all in how you look at it. Perspective. I think its the absolute worst in religion though. The very thing that is supposed to bring us together, actually divides us. Sad.

    Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with American culture pushing autonomy. Its great to be self-motivated and do things on our own, but its sad that we lose the whole "feeling ~*apart*~ of something" that we so deeply lack. ...This was the issue we are debating, right?
    Fantastic synopsis!
    “What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE

  27. #21
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by jekka View Post
    Individualism: the habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant, as opposed to collectivism: the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it is a political arguement. The author is asserting that individualism in the political sense leads to loneliness and isolation, which is not proven to be true. It is possible to be self reliant and independent and not be lonely. It is also possible to live in a society in which the group is given priority and be lonely.

    Personally, I find many people to be assholes, stupid by choice, easily manipulated, and lack common courtesy, so I would rather not bother with most of them outside business relationships. The best communities and relationships are formed by choice, not coercion.
    Marry Me.

  28. #22
    Moderator Optimist's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2004
    Location
    House of Aion
    Posts
    8,074
    Thanks
    7,881
    Thanked 5,705 Times in 2,127 Posts
    My Mood
    In Love

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by GlamourRouge View Post
    I think its a combination of a lot of things. Diet as in increased preservatives and gluten. Radioactivity as in "wireless" technology fucking with our brainwaves. I think the combination of the 2 is lethal, to be honest and induces autistic-like symptoms.

    Also, I do agree about the technology thing. We make it way too easy these days for kids to just stay inside... and I think social interaction should really be encouraged (but not pushed bc introverts love alone time).





    Well heres the thing. American/Western culture is built around the idea of breaking things down down down and individualizing, autonomizing, and seperating. Our brains are trained to instinctively do that in this culture. We're even taught to base our successes on individual accomplishments, rather than group/community/family accomplishments like in other cultures (latino, middle eastern, etc).

    But if you look at many other cultures... latino for example, they often doing things opposite. They try to look for oneness and put things together, while we try to break things down. Lets use Native American culture for this example. Native Americans have a very hard time with "American" culture bc its so opposite. They are taught that families need to stick together and the young care for the old. Probably also the reason a lot of latinos at least, tend to push having kids young.,, bc the grandparents teach and care for the new children and they think its sad if they don't get to do that. Native Americans are also taught to be one with nature, make it apart of you. American culture feels like the earth is for us to use and abuse any way we please. Native Americans see it as a live creature that we are apart of. Perspective.

    And co-sleeping is a good example in Mexican (Mexico) culture. Children sleeping in beds with other siblings or with parents. They look at it as comforting and bonding. They think its sad when American parents keep their children alone in a room bc they have no one there to make them feel secure. Americans thing its sad when Mexican children share beds bc they feel like the children don't have autonomy. Its all in how you look at it. Perspective. I think its the absolute worst in religion though. The very thing that is supposed to bring us together, actually divides us. Sad.

    Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with American culture pushing autonomy. Its great to be self-motivated and do things on our own, but its sad that we lose the whole "feeling ~*apart*~ of something" that we so deeply lack. ...This was the issue we are debating, right?
    Fantastic synopsis!
    “What a caterpillar calls the end of the world we call a butterfly.” - ECKHART TOLLE

  29. #23
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    571
    Thanks
    107
    Thanked 445 Times in 203 Posts

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    It certainly seems to be resulting in less personal responsibility. Respect for others and community is losing also. And of course a rise in violence because if my individual choices disagree with yours I must be infringing onnyour rights or insulting you

  30. The Following User Says Thank You to pinups4 For This Useful Post:


  31. #24
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by pinups4 View Post
    It certainly seems to be resulting in less personal responsibility. Respect for others and community is losing also. And of course a rise in violence because if my individual choices disagree with yours I must be infringing onnyour rights or insulting you
    I don't think so myself. This is a "Generation Y" phenomenon. The "Me, ME, ME!" generation. The generation that was not allowed to know failure, even when there was not a success. The abolishment of trophies. No first place, everyone is a winner. Self esteem, must be supported. The children that were not held back a grade even when the requirements had not been met.

    They were not accountable for failure, and not required to take responsibility for their actions or lack thereof.

    That generation is in their 20's now. Look at the young people in the news. Give me! I deserve more! I should have better!

  32. #25
    Banned ArmySGT.'s Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Location
    SW Counter Troll HQ
    Posts
    5,582
    Thanks
    1,589
    Thanked 1,674 Times in 1,043 Posts
    Blog Entries
    13
    My Mood
    Amused

    Default Re: Is Individualism Driving Us to Isolation?

    Quote Originally Posted by GlamourRouge View Post
    Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with American culture pushing autonomy. Its great to be self-motivated and do things on our own, but its sad that we lose the whole "feeling ~*apart*~ of something" that we so deeply lack. ...This was the issue we are debating, right?

    Difference I think is Americans, come together for a reason or a cause. Individuals apply their separate talents, supporting or interacting with another. When the task is accomplished or the crisis is mitigated; that synergy comes apart as a different combination of talent is needed for a different task. Americans are like every tool in the tool box. A screwdriver doesn't turn a bolt, and a wrench doesn't clamp loose parts together. Combine those different tools, each dedicated to its specific task, and you can repair a bicycle or a 747.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Driving on Ice
    By Yekhefah in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 51
    Last Post: 12-10-2007, 08:02 PM
  2. Driving!!
    By pacman in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 38
    Last Post: 06-07-2007, 04:05 PM
  3. Driving Manual vs Driving Automatic
    By GoldCoastGirl in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 48
    Last Post: 03-26-2007, 09:33 PM
  4. Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-29-2006, 01:26 PM
  5. Driving Drunk doesn't mean driving a car....
    By Gynger in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: 06-14-2004, 04:08 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •