Value of Individualism?

Question

How important do you think it is to maintain one's individualism? In america we condone individualism, so why are individualist looked apon as misfits?

Answer 1

we are not living alonne on earth' A PERSON WHO CAN BE BLISSFUL ALONE HAS GONE BEYONND AND ANY KIND OF DEPENDENCY. AND HE IS THE PERSON WHO CAN GO INTO THE WORELD AND GIVE HIS LOVE TO PEOPLE. INDIVIDUALISM MEANS U R HAPPY WT YOURSELF

Answer 2

its important to maintain an individuality. But I think that many of the individuals are the main stream breakers. Sometimes things can only be taken so far so fast,... look at rap music 20 years ago it was just black kids listening to it . Now its everywhere and its so main stream... its old. Look at Madonna and her videos .. mainstream .. look at Marlyn Manson ,, getting mainstream ... This is usually a term used for ART and humanities not say science. Because this is in terms of culture its not easy to be the one who breaks the boundaries in any time . The guy who realized that washing your hands killed germs ... died poor and a laughing stock because of social norms .you didn't bathe much then .. This is true because you can only stretch peoples beliefs so far so fast... and an individualist is trying to do that in a minute not a series of years. its too fast for some people because its a big difference in their belief system

Answer 3

Individualism and collectivism are conflicting views of the nature of humans, society and the relationship between them.
Individualism holds that the individual is the primary unit of reality and the ultimate standard of value. This view does not deny that societies exist or that people benefit from living in them, but it sees society as a collection of individuals, not something over and above them.

Collectivism holds that the group---the nation, the community, the proletariat, the race, etc.---is the primary unit of reality and the ultimate standard of value. This view does not deny the reality of the individual. But ultimately, collectivism holds that one's identity is determined by the groups one interacts with, that one's identity is constituted essentially of relationships with others.

So when someone does not fit in, he/she is and individual on the out side looking in. Humanistic politics dictates who, what, when and where.

Answer 4

Because even though we welcome individualism, we are afraid also to stand out or be different. Others are jealous of those of us who do dare to be individuals because they are not brave enough to do so. This is not just an American problem--it is part of the human condition and even in the animal world, there are some animals that are excluded from their own kind because of being different--injured, old, weak, etc.

Answer 5

Individualism is very important, I believe. Without it how boring would life be?! It may be difficult, to the face of condemnation, but it's worth it. I've lived my life as uniquely as possible. Not for the sake of uniqueness, but for the sake of my individuality, for humor, and my own sanity!
Many people are intimidated by anything & /or anyone "different". this is the source of their animosity towards change and people who demonstrate change by being themselves & thinking/acting independent of the status quo.
I say; be true to yourself, be OUTRAGEOUS, you'll make people laugh, think, & yes, even love you, remember you & appreciate you for your honesty & who you ARE.

Answer 6

I find instances when groups of individuals act as irresponsible as still-borns and a common term for a closed group that won't accept others is cult or clique'.

Answer 7

Individualism should not only be condoned, it should be encouraged.