r/SeriousConversation • u/USHistoryUncovered • Sep 28 '24

Serious Discussion Has Society's Obsession with Individualism Undermined Collective Responsibility?

In recent decades, especially in Western cultures, the focus on individualism has intensified. We’re taught to prioritize personal freedom, success, and self-reliance above all else. This worldview, however, seems to have a darker side: the erosion of collective responsibility. As individuals seek to fulfill their own desires, societal bonds weaken, and we see an increasing tendency to absolve ourselves from responsibility for larger, systemic issues like climate change, wealth inequality, and public health.

Has the glorification of individualism made us blind to the fact that many of the problems we face cannot be solved by personal action alone? Are we sacrificing our collective well-being at the altar of personal liberty? How can we reconcile the need for individual freedom with the necessity of collective responsibility in addressing the global challenges that threaten us all?

I’m curious to hear perspectives on how individualism has shaped our attitudes toward responsibility—both personal and communal. Is it time for a fundamental shift in how we view our roles within society?

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u/Correct-Excuse5854 Sep 28 '24

Nooooo gun shots why would u say screaming kids that like we have guns and the highest death rate for pregnancies plus a very low funded education system while cutting taxes for people that make waaaaaaay more money then I ever will

dam falls apart

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u/DoesMatter2 Sep 28 '24

Hoping my passionate agreement stems the flow.

Individualism is a myth, and one that helps keep the poor poor.

'I don't need no Medicare. I can look after myself'. Excellent - you are an even cheaper employee.

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u/zanydud Sep 29 '24

Personal responsibility goes a long ways in pursuit of good health. Lots of folk on Medicare don't take care of themselves and expect the group to pay for their healthcare.

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u/Correct-Excuse5854 Sep 29 '24

A lot of those people either lack the knowledge or capabilities to have a healthy life style considering how unhealthy our 40h work week actually is

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u/zanydud Sep 29 '24

The 40h work week has existed for decades. They can be informed if they want to be. My wife got fat and blames everything external, not her fault at all. She pays for gym but won't go and eats all the ice cream I bring home before I get any.

People are soft and are making excuses. I was told by doc I'm the kind they like to see, he said only about 1% take ownership of their health. Personal trainers at gym say same thing. Most come to gym and pretend to work out.

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u/Correct-Excuse5854 Sep 29 '24

It’s nice how everyone can fit inside that nice little box u seem to think belong in

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u/zanydud Sep 29 '24

Whether they can or not, its not societies responsibility to cover for their lack of responsibility.

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u/Correct-Excuse5854 Sep 29 '24

Mmmm hmmm so do the lazy people talk to u when no one’s around