Why Society Need Dissent Analysis

In source one, the writer evaluates how one must hold regard for others rights and freedoms and respect them and source three holds the opinion that collectivism on a small scale is acceptable but on a large scale it is dangerous. Both of these sources speak about how without collectivism, individualism can not prosper. Source two is different however, in that it shows a much more collectivist opinion. Although the views may not be in line with individuality, there are still some aspects of this ideology. If in an ant colony, One individual feels like they are more important than the others it will leave for chaos. However you also can not treat individuals as though they are nothing. You must be careful not to promote enough individualism so that the ideology spreads, but also be sure to provide enough so that each individual feels important. All three sources agree with the idea that collectivism and individualism are like ying and yang: Without one you can not have the

It brought us the Civil Right Movement to help black people get their rights and help destroy some of the cultural divides in america causing overall equal treatment . So individuality maybe seem hard and impossible but people have done great things with it. In conscience in the novel The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier showcases a story about a Jerry and showcases some of the negative of individuality with how it affects his personal,social life and the social expectations and pressures he

Being in a group effects others individuals causing them to stop thinking rationally, they make decisions to fit in with the rest of the group. In the article “The Monsters

In conclusion there has been evidence to show that groups have both a negative and also a positive effect on its members. It has been demonstrated that some people will cope with the negative effects in an unproductive way by changing their behaviour in way that was detrimental to the well being of themselves and its other members. However the positives can have a very powerful effect on a person in that it can promote a sense of identity, loyalty and

In the essay, “The Common Life” by Scott Russell Sanders, Sanders studies the connection between the individual and society. However, this leads to the question, what is the relationship between the individual and society? Individuals and societies may be in opposition but this helps to develop both the individual and society. The decisions that an individual makes reflects on how society views him/her. The overlook of the community can be reverted back to the individual within the society. Society and individuals are a package deal.

This is modeled by the fact that people being in groups, causes them to act and think differently than they would have if they had been alone. In her essay, Tavris uses many examples of this: In the case of Kitty Genovese or the late Rodney King who was beat to death by police officers. People have a tendency to act differently in groups, others suffer due to people not wanting to “rock the boat” or they do not want to “embarrass themselves or others if they are wrong” (19). Tavris offers a solution to the way people act in groups, “By understanding the impulse to diffuse responsibility, perhaps as individuals we will be more likely to act. By understanding the social pressures that reward group-think, loyalty and obedience, we can foster those that reward whistle blowing and moral courage. And, as a society, we can reinforce the belief that they also sing who stand and watch” (19). If civilization can solve the dilemma of people acting differently when they are in groups with others, the world could be a much improved place.

A world where slavery is still widespread, genocide is an everyday occurrence, and the voices of the common citizen is silenced. This would have happened if we only disagreed over such matters and not dissented. In the Decline of Radicalism, by Daniel J. Boorstin, he asserts that “disagreement is the life blood of democracy, dissension is its cancer” and that dissent is negative word. Boorstin also claims that “disagreement produces debate”, which is true, but could have all conflicts been solved with diplomacy? Dissent is the life blood of democracy and it is not negative; it is vital to how our nation came to be.

It allows people to flourish as individuals instead of forcing them to be identical in every way. Individualism celebrates differences such as levels of creativity and ability or interest in certain areas. Because of this, individualism moves society forward and allows for advancements (unlike in Anthem, where science and technology had in fact regressed).

Collectivism is the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual (Merriam-Webster). Those who believe in collectivism think having society working towards the same goal or outcome is the most productive. Supporters of this theory feel it creates harmony and a sense of belonging (Andrews 1). Collective societies tend to be dependent on others in the group or institutions to meet their needs. Members of a collective society expect absolute loyalty to the group and have a “we” mentality (Andrews 1). As Ray Bradbury pointed out in Fahrenheit 451, when a collective society is present, “...they all say the same things and nobody says anything different from anyone else.” (31) The individual has no self-identity and is lost to the group. Although aspects of this argument are enticing, it ultimately fails to be a stronger argument because individual responsibility nor moral responsibility is present. There is no incentive for any individual to step up because everyone receives the same reward. Through collaboration and collective thoughts are great tools, we must remember that the original thought was generated by the individual and he or she should benefit from

“Why fit in when you were taught to Stand Out!!” -Dr.Suess. Individualism is greatly discussed by many viewpoints, many for it, as well as against it. “Dead Poets Society” is a film that shows why individualism is needed in our society. Another great example is “What to a slave is the Fourth of July” -Frederick Douglass. Individualism is a great deal in the world, and people should understand what it is like to be an Individual to see that the world wouldn’t be the same if everyone was alike. People should know that we are all meant to be our own person in life and if we were all the same as everyone else in society, the world would be dry and lame.

In the following paper, I will be supporting Nietzsche’s theme that being part of a group can be harmful to individuality. I will support this claim by showing that a person’s behavior changes based on the groups they identify themselves to be in. In the book Subliminal, Leonard Mlodinow discusses different studies at length to prove that unconsciously, people are apt to behave differently once they identify themselves to be in a group. Studies have shown different cognitive biases and unconscious forms of behavior are heavily influenced by external factors. One factor that is especially influential is being part of an in-group or out-group, which creates a dynamic where perception and overall behavior towards self and others is greatly changed. In this essay, I will first show evidence from Nietzsche’s writings that support the claim, including his ideas on conformity and the herd versus the higher man. Then, I will discuss the article Nietzsche’s Sociology by Patrik Aspers, where he deliberates the sociology of Nietzsche’s ideas and discusses his contempt for groups, and shows that although there was an inevitable evolution of humanity that needed groups, they do not serve humanity beneficially. Afterwards, I will present empirical evidence of human behavior changing based on the groups they feel they are a part of. Finally, I will conclude by tying Nietzsche’s ideas on conformity with the observed changes in human behavior to

As human beings, each person on earth possesses a desire to belong. In order to meet this need, one must find a way to fit in with a group. Yet somehow, once a group has been joined, humans tend to take on the ideas and opinions of the group without analyzing the situation for themselves. Doris Lessing, in her essay, “Group Minds”, proposes the idea that humans spend their whole life going along with the group because they fail to analyze the reasons behind their actions. While Lessing’s idea is valid, no one has yet successfully implemented her plan.

Another example could be the ending of racial segregation. People like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa parks fought individuality to stop segregation. Today’s society is better because of what a couple of individuals did to make it this way. This could also be supported by this quote, “And while the law [of competition] may be hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it ensures the survival of the fittest in every department.” (Carnegie). Individuality was greatly used when defending the right for equality in between the races. Society today has progressed over the centuries due to the bravery of several individualists. People pride themselves in their individuality to make the world better, memorable and unforgettable. Consequently, individualism is the key to making the society better and turn something that could benefit towards others.

do not like to stand in in a crowd. This is not always a bad thing. Rebecca Saxe says that “Groups create important social institutions that an individual could not achieve alone.” Meaning that even though some bad things can occur so positive might also come along.

One of the facets of living within civilized society is that there are certain norms and social conventions that people must follow. Frequently, there is a large effort on the part of government, financial, and social institutions to keep people doing most of the same thing as others going to work, driving cars, buying homes, etc. Despite the fact that people engage in these efforts individually, the simple fact that they are all attempting to do the same thing, in much the same way, is indicative of the fact that they are engaged in collective behavior. THESIS: Those who are able to overcome collective behavior and allow for their individuality to determine their own outcomes exemplify the best of human nature.