Here is the link to our reading for Friday, "Group Minds" by Doris Lessing. Do you agree with the way Lessing suggests we "in the West" perceive ourselves, that we are separate, independent individuals, limited only by our financial capacity to do whatever we choose?
Yes, I agree with this idea of Western Culture being prone to see themselves as individuals, or myself as "a man in nature". In Japanese culture, it is thought that one of the most dangerous ideas that faces the youth today is individualism. It is accepted in that culture that you are one with nature. You are considered part of the greater world and part of life and it is not easily accepted to go outside of the norm or think outside of the box. I appreciate being able to see myself as an individual and think of myself free in the world and "one mind".
ReplyDeleteI do agree to the idea that Western Cultures view themselves as individuals. We've felt that way since the founding of our country. It's what we strive to be but not necessarily what we are. Everything that is in our lives is defined by what another person says is the normal thing. Would the fashion industry be as successful if people were truly individual?
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ReplyDeleteKim Collings
ReplyDeleteI also agree that people in the western civilization think of ourselves as individuals. We like the idea that we have our own voice and personality, but when we get into a group and have the peer pressure going on, I think that the majority of us will conform to the group no matter how individualized we think we are. We do it without realizing it sometimes. If we love being ourselves, why do we try so hard to fit into the crowd and become someone else?
I think everyone loves being themselves but at the same time people love being noticed and getting attention. Most people when their trying to fit in don't do try and fit in with a group who isn't noticed or "cool". Everyone loves just being them and feeling comfortable. But it's hard to deny the fact that people want to be noticed and liked.
Deleteroman v
Deleteis it better then to be yourself or to want to fit into society?
I agree that we the people in western civilization think of ourselves as individuals. We live in a country that is free so everyone is entitled to individuality. However, many people conform to groups and peer pressure and try to be like others.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Kim stated above about people conforming to the group without realizing it sometimes. While in our country we are free to choose and act as an individual, people will often follow what society or the group dictates is acceptable or not. I agree with the author that "we all live our lives in groups--the family, work groups, social, religious and political groups" (Lessing 724).
ReplyDeleteI liked Lessings article on groups minds. Thing that stood out to me was when Lessings said "Icertainly wouldn't give in, I speak my mind...but would you?" (725) so i am curious are any of you like Lessings speaking his mind or go with the crowd and be a follower? with me i feel uncomfortable about speaking my mind because I think people will judge, but it is always good to speak your mind. I like when Lessings says "examine and organize our attitudes accordingly" (725).
ReplyDeleteI think over time I have learned to speak my mind, rather than follow the crowd. At the same time, I probably don't recognize it sometimes when I am following the crowd. You should represent and speak your mind, Bri! I also think it depends on the circumstance and situation someone is placed in before one can decide if he or she will follow the crowd or speak up.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn Carlson
ReplyDeleteI think that people have their own personalities and are different, but we usually alway tend to try to fit into the group.I have seen allot of people through out the past years who are completly different people when they are in different groups and when they are just one on one with you. Does anyone agree that people change when they are around certain people?
I agree the we in a western Civilization see ourselves as individuals. Indviduals in the fact that were divided from other countries. But I think within our western civilization we form groups like almost any society so it's not out of the norm.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn Carlson
ReplyDeleteI think that we form to groups in all sorts of ways, in sports, in school, in church and many other places. We tend to go to the groups that we have common intrests with.
I completely agree with Kaitlyn that people change when they around certain people or groups. I think that is normal and it has always been that way. But do you think this is okay? I feel that people should get out of their comfort zones or out of their groups and either become part of a different group or act as an individual. Do you agree? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think that there is nothing wrong with trying to fit in with the crowd you're in. But,I think they eventually people either sooner or later in life end up where they're comfortable. Look at your grandparents. Don't you think that most people by the time they are older are comfortable in their chosen groups?
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