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Wondering... the mix of fear and huge emphasis on collectivist behaviours (do 'x' to protect others) reduces the individual, their needs and freedoms. Reducing the needs of the individual always disproportionately affects the most vulnerable...
"In individualist cultures, most people's social behaviour is largely determined by personal goals, attitudes, and values of collectivities.. In collectivist cultures, [it] is largely determined by goals, attitudes & values.. shared with some collectivity (group)"
Triandis, 1988
Triandis, 1988
(Nb. there is a massive literature on this topic which doesn't fit on Twitter. I just wanted one quote to briefly outline a description of each term)
Depending on your politics, one or the other of these might be appealing. Regardless, I think it's important to point out how currently we in the UK are forcing collectivist behaviour on a society which is usually fairly individualist...
In the UK we have made great strides in recognising individual differences, in particular with regard to my focus here on disability and vulnerability...
Sadly, I think this recent shift due to Covid restrictions has led to a growing disregard for the individual, and for any individual differences, particularly where they may preclude the person from joining in with the group, such as 'doing 'x' behaviour to protect others'.
A few examples: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-54911640
The list goes on.
My followers will know how obsessed I am with George Orwell. One of his most famous works, 1984, is about a dystopian regime that can be considered collectivist, & as well as the totalitarian regime presiding over it, focuses on the behaviour of his fellow man.
My followers will know how obsessed I am with George Orwell. One of his most famous works, 1984, is about a dystopian regime that can be considered collectivist, & as well as the totalitarian regime presiding over it, focuses on the behaviour of his fellow man.
In 1984, your fellow man is essentially a state spy, checking you 'do the right behaviours'
I've noticed that much of the abuse people receive tends to be largely about the principle of doing the behaviour, an anger about them 'not following the rules', rather than genuine fear.
I've noticed that much of the abuse people receive tends to be largely about the principle of doing the behaviour, an anger about them 'not following the rules', rather than genuine fear.
I hope we can remember to #BeKind 
. Please assume that you don't know what's going through someone's head. That person in the shop without a face covering is likely to have a heart pounding with anxiety, and can't wait to get out. They are less likely to be smugly not wearing one
. Please assume that you don't know what's going through someone's head. That person in the shop without a face covering is likely to have a heart pounding with anxiety, and can't wait to get out. They are less likely to be smugly not wearing one
As morally right and virtuous as many collectivist values and behaviours may well feel or be, we must not forget the individual, and their needs and freedoms. One does not have to come at the cost of the other.
