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Philosophies of martin luther king. jr
Individualism vs collectivism
Describe the importance of individuality in society
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The structure of society has been long debated over . The values that are associated with one ideology that pushes a more collective perspective on how society should be structured always conflicts with the idea of individualism. This issue is raised in the source provided that states, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity”. This source clearly reflects a strong collectivist ideology because of the anti-individualistic references made. The Martin Luther King quote displays his ideology by saying “an individual has not started living”, which implies that the individual has not reached his or hers full potential until they appeal to the needs of a group. Martin Luther King’s again reflects a collectivist ideology when he uses wording like “narrow confines” to
When the focus is put on the unique concerns of every individual, societies always work for the better. The principles of individualism become more apparent in a society once we put our focus on every unique human being rather than the collective. The economic freedom associated with individualism allows for more competition in the market place, an important aspect that always leads to higher quality products. Although equality is more present in collectivism, individualism creates an equal environment where everyone has the chance to act according to their own goals and eventually benefit the collective. Individualism also allows for private property, where individuals own the land rather than the government. This principle allows for companies to be established and for the economy to grow as a result. All these values support the superior ideas of individualism and how the associated characteristics are better than those associated with
Throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful and courageous excerpt, “Letter from Birmingham City Jail,” many tenets of transcendentalism are apparent as he wrote in the margins of a newspaper sitting in jail. Out of the ten tenets of transcendentalism, the three that are displayed the most in the excerpt are Society and Corruption, Intuition, and Self-Reliance. The uses of these three tenets, Society and Corruption, Intuition, and Self-Reliance, are all displayed and included to show the fact that Martin Luther King Jr.’s writing and opinions were against racial segregation.
“I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues against “outsiders coming in” (738)”, exclaimed Martin Lutheran King Jr. in his essay,” Letter from Birmingham Jail”. King believes in the fact that people’s free will is being oppressed by his society’s authority and
The word collectivism often makes people cringe. Overall, there is a general fear of not being able to make personal decisions in America. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, collectivism can be defined as; emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity (“Collectivism”). In Anthem, Ayn Rand describes an extreme collectivist society. Although Anthem’s society seems extremely surreal, aspects of its collectivist society closely mirror today’s society.
Essay, Philosophy 115, St. Louis. University of California, Berkeley, 1995. Rottenburg, Anne. A. & Co. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Letter From a Birmingham
Comparing the past to the present, one of the things that have not changed in the economy is the people’s love for money. Lots of money. There have been many attempts to further increase the amount of money that an economy or an individual can gain. Whether this is through ideas like welfare state where the government supports its people by providing things such as financial support or individualistic ideas like pursuing your own self-interest. The source provided wants all of us to believe that by supporting the ideologies of collectivism through welfare state, it will only result with us depending on the government instead of striving for our own success. The statement from the source, “The welfare state arose out of a misguided desire to
...society must be voluntary only” (Social Darwinism in American Thought, Hofstadter, 50). America is the place to go to make your dreams come true. As an American, you develop the get-more-want-more phenomenon. This means that no matter how much you have, you will never be satisfied. Are you the type to make others dreams come true, or are you the type to go for your dreams at any cost? Do you know who you are, or did you not realize it until you read this essay? There’s nothing wrong with being either one, individual or collective. We tend to go with the more socially acceptable option because we are so obsessed with what the majority thinks that there is not even a split second when we get to decide for ourselves. The next time you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and decide. Decide who you want to be. Individualist or collectivist, which one are you?
Individualism and collectivism are conflicting beliefs with the nature of humans, society, and the relationships between them, however, these ideologies are not diametrically opposing since both are essential towards balancing beliefs from becoming extremes. The first source represents the idea of collectivism and suggests that the society must focus on moving their viewpoint from ‘me’ into ‘we’ in the interest of survival and progression. This perspective presents the idea that the individual’s advantage belongs not only to the person, but to the group or society of which he or she is a part of, and that the individual’s values and goals are for the group’s “greater good.” Likewise, Karl Marx’s principle of communism emphasizes in the elimination
The first basic issue confronting all societies is to define the nature of the relation between the individual and the group. This dimension is frequently labeled as individualism versus collectivism (Hofstede, 1980, 1991). In cultures at the Conservatism pole of the dimension, Schwartz (1994) noted that the person is viewed as embedded in a collectivity, finding meaning in life largely through social relationships, through identifying with the group and participating in its shared way of life. Schwartz (1999) noted that this value type emphasizes maintenance of the status quo, propriety, and restraint of actions or inclinations that might disrupt the solitary group or the traditional order. Exemplary specific values are social order, respect
The idea of Individualism can be traced all the way back to England before America’s existence. As we know, individualism has been interpreted in many forms throughout history. The 19th century is no different, taking hold of its own idea of individualism, called transcendentalism. Transcendentalism suggests freedom should not be confined to those focused on money and superficial gains. Instead, people should depend on no one but themselves. This movement focused on “greater individualism against conformity” (Corbett et al.). Heavily influenced by the Romantic period, transcendentalism adopted the belief that reason was more important than logic as Benjamin Franklin has believed. Reason must also include unique emotion and spirit (Corbett et
Understanding the relationship between self and society should base on both individual perspective and social perspective. Wright Mill gave
All in all, individuality and conformity plays a major role in society and it is up to the people to balance these two factors to maintain order. A society without a balance of these factors will only be disastrous in which it will cause individuals to think selfishly and groups to dictate over individuals. Maintaining the balance between individuality and conformity will be the key to maintaining order in society.
"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." (S. King 17) These are the words made famous by a man who was one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time.
“Altruism — the sacrifice of self to others. This tied man irrevocably to other men and left him nothing but a choice of pain: his own pain borne for the sake of others or pain inflicted upon others for the sake of self.” This dramatic definition of altruism, from The Soul of an Individualist by Ayn Rand, provides a backdrop for similar ideologies. Along the same philosophical vein, one can examine the principles of collectivism, a way of life that puts priority on a group instead of a single member. Individualism, on the other hand, is the complete rejection of these two ideas and a way of thinking that stresses living on one’s own terms instead of being dictated to by a group. As shown
Transcendentalism is a movement that was brought to the global horizon in the nineteenth century through prominent leaders such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. The adoption of this movement took a great role in New England, touching upon a variety of categories including, religion, philosophy, and literature. The need for this movement came about as a response to the world’s rapidly changing society. Many were in search of a source to redefine man and wanted an element that would bring about greater self-sufficiency and a more naturalistic view of life. As many started to take on the role that was associated with the adoption of a transcendentalist lifestyle, the far most pivotal element of the Transcendentalism movement arose: Individualism.
Civilizations are typically broken up into two categories: collectivist. Individualist cultures, like those of the United States and Western Europe, highlight personal accomplishment regardless of the expense of team goals, causing a powerful awareness of competition. Collectivist cultures, including these of China, Korea, and Asia, emphasize work and family team aims above desires or individual needs.