A lot of American marketing these days is aimed at achieving individuality (i.e. buy our products and be "yourself"). So what's more important to you? Would you rather be "an individual" or would you rather be social? I believe that humans need both, but Americans seem to tilt towards individuality so much they may not realize how much they need to be involved in a group.
2007-02-25 13:49:44 · 11 answers · asked by trer 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Both are important. I believe you have to be comfortable with your individuality in order to socialize. Otherwise you would be being social just to assimilate.
2007-02-25 13:58:18 · answer #1 · answered by ladyj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your question but I believe there is some confusion going on here. In the example you used "buy our products and be yourself" what we are really talking about would be more an attempt at what you call being sociable. That is, people succumb to pressure to buy things that or do things because they lack individuality. A person who has reached a true level of individuality would not be easily influenced by the type of marketing tactics you describe. These type of marketing techniques would work best for a person with a strong need for affiliation, one who has not reached an autonomous level,
Personally I have reached a point in my life that I do not have a strong need to affiliate. I can be involved with a group, and I certainly have a few very good friends; but I am not likely to conform to achieve group approval. I will do things that are important or interesting to me whether they are "in" or not. And, I will not compromise my values to be socially accepted.
2007-02-25 22:03:16 · answer #2 · answered by Syrinxsweetsong 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Individuality. I like being ME, with no one else like me.
I get what you mean by Americans don't realize how they should be in a group.
Take Japan. Everyone works together.
Here? A bit different.
But it's our lifestyle, with lots of radiant individuals. ^.^
2007-02-25 22:06:23 · answer #3 · answered by Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As much as I enjoy being with friends and helping people when I can I have to be my own person. I will not be controlled or converted.I will not let popularity or fear of being excluded shape my beliefs. I choose to follow the truth and my conscience as best I can. To quote the legendary song Tom Sawyer: and his mind is not for rent, to any God or government.
Vin
2007-02-25 22:09:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The trick is to be yourself but still be comfortable in any social setting. You don't have to change yourself to fit in with other groups or people but keep in mind that you must be tolerant of differences.
2007-02-25 21:58:05 · answer #5 · answered by ♥☆ Star ☆♥ 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
For me, it is individuality. If you're with a group then it's like you're a robot obeying your master. After all there is always a "master" in one group. You can't avoid it.
2007-02-25 21:53:53 · answer #6 · answered by Rumba 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you already stole my answer in your details!! I am an individual who is very social!! @8-)
2007-02-25 22:42:13 · answer #7 · answered by Dovey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHO WOULD WANT "SELF-LOTHE-RIGHTEOUS-JERK-INDIVIDUALITY PERSON--.
KEEP THE BOBBY BONDS CREAM OF THE JERKERS.
I WOULD NOT HIRE ONE.
NOR TRY TO DEAL WITH ONE
YOU CAN BE YOURSELF AND BE A PART OF THE HUMAN RACE.
MISFITS...LET THE DOGS EAT EM...
but Americans seem to tilt towards individuality so much
I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU GOT THIS FROM..BUT YOU ARE A POOR MISTAKEN CREATURE...
INTO THE SEWER....NORTON......SAYS RALPH..
2007-02-25 22:01:40 · answer #8 · answered by cork 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I prefer individuality.
2007-02-25 22:08:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't get out much, do you? Every bar in town is full Friday and sat nights, not to mention, every stadium ever built, every restaurant, etc, etc. Most people can't function without the social aspect.
2007-02-25 21:55:01 · answer #10 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋