Individuality: the particular character, or aggregate of qualities, that distinguishes one person or thing from others; sole and personal nature.
In a world of six billion people, individuality is more important than ever.
It is convenient that the United States is considered to be at the individualistic end of the spectrum of society. Does it matter whether or not individualism is embraced and welcomed with open arms?
I'm going to borrow an excerpt from a Wikipedia article to accompany this post:
At the time of the formation of the United States, many of its citizens had fled from state or religious oppression in Europe and were influenced by the egalitarian and fraternal ideals that later found expression in the French revolution. Such ideas influenced the founding fathers of the U.S. Constitution who believed that the government should seek to protect individual rights in the Constitution itself; this idea later led to the Bill of Rights.
According to Ronald Scollon, the "fundamental American ideology of individualism" can be summarized by the following two statements: 1. The individual is the basis of all reality and all society. 2. The individual is defined by what he or she is not." Explaining the latter statement, he says that American individualism emphasizes that the individual is not subject to arbitrary laws, and not subject to domination by historical precedent and preference.
I'm going to begin by elucidating on how I perceive the two statements made by Ronald Scollon.
1. The individual is the basis of all reality and all society.
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. It reminds me of this metaphor I have for how humanity relates to the cosmic magnificence of the solar system...Anyways, there is needed importance placed on the individual and the efforts of the individual. It takes one person to make a change. It takes one person to start a revolution (which is a theme I'm exceedingly fond of).
I'd like to see society try to function without the individual.
And I think there's a lot to be said by the statement "The individual is the basis of all reality." I might delve into the question of "What is reality" some other time, but for now I'll say this: we, the individuals, as individuals, have the power to create our own individual realities.
2. The individual is defined by what he or she is not.
This may not seem like a powerful statement just by reading it, but when you think about it and contemplate its meaning, a wealth of opinion and information starts surging from the sides. Many humans often ask themselves, "Who am I?" but rarely do I hear people's enlightening commentary on "Who am I not?" Personally, it takes more effort to analyze myself in what I'm lacking and what traits I don't possess. I know I'm not malicious, self-righteous, or idiotic. I'm not conformist, I'm not self-conscious, I'm not unaware. I feel as if I learn more about myself by doing this than listing my skills, qualities, and everything I am (as compared to everything I'm not).
Individualism. It's political. It's social. It's everywhere, and it's necessary. I believe so firmly in the power of a person. Keep in mind, conforming yourself to a group that's a little off-beat doesn't equate individuality.
I look in the mirror. My over-sized, black rimmed glasses are the first thing I see, and they're a moderately distinguishing part of me. I don't wear Abercrombie, Hollister, or anything of the sort. I tend to go for bohemian-esque clothes, not-so-traditional, that somehow make my love for the Earth obvious. I feel like I'm an individual based on how I see the world and what I do with what I see.
This is probably the most scattered and unorganized post of mine, but that's acceptable (and hopefully tolerable). :)
I'd like to close by saying a few things:
-Be yourself, no matter what others think.
-It is in your power as an individual to make a change.
-If you've read through this entire post, thank you very much. Really, I appreciate your dedication. I'm impressed.
Peace. <3
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