When I was growing up in the 80’s, I heard stories about the individualization of society. How everything that once was giving us meaning, values and norms, was collapsing around us. It was time for the “ me “ era. I even studied some of that in my Sociology classes at university in the 90’s. Back then, I agreed, but I couldn’t be bothered. I probably thought it was a good development. More attention for me. Yep. Less connection to a collective. Less ties. That had got to mean more freedom!
In those 90’s, more and more, the attention for self development emerged. Magazines, books, TV talkshows, therapists, peer talk, the internet… The message was clear: you are important, explore yourself, find out who you are, personal liberties are priority, you gotta love yourself!
Now here we are. Trying to be “global”. With all that emphasis on the individual, group values are fading. With all that culture of competition, our natural sense to collaborate is fading. With all these ways to connect... But are we then that connected when interpersonal experiences are inferior to our own needs? Sure we have plenty of channels to connect, but never have we been so disconnected from each other. And these “needs” we have, too often seem to have been flavored with consumerism. Want it now. Want more, want something else now. Have it, toss it. Next.
With all that freedom. Are we then free? Yep we have lots of choices, but the choices are no longer built on a common ground, we identify less and less with a community, a group. Who are we again? What is left to identify with? (Or should we just go for the virtual identity? No need to be yourself online anyway!)
And so the choice you make can bring you insecurity, there is an uncertainty of its consequence. And that is scary. Fear feeds our thoughts and decisions.
Now I am not so sure this is a good development.
How and can we/ should we counter individualization?
Is it time to revisit some ideas? A shift from less “me” to more “we” ?
A healthy amount of self reflection is good, but aloofness might not be.
Maybe more collaboration leads to more profit for all?
Are we ready for more tolerance, more patience, more commitment, joint efforts?
Look at the people flocking together in solidarity, sharing values, finding suppport in the collective... sometimes peacefully (the recent “Occupy movements”) sometimes less peaceful (Tahrir square e.g.).
It is happening.
Here is a challenge:
How do we avoid globalization pushing an “instant gratification” and “individualization” culture on us?
If life isn’t about finding yourself, but creating yourself - as G.B. Shaw states - then let’s create!
In those 90’s, more and more, the attention for self development emerged. Magazines, books, TV talkshows, therapists, peer talk, the internet… The message was clear: you are important, explore yourself, find out who you are, personal liberties are priority, you gotta love yourself!
Now here we are. Trying to be “global”. With all that emphasis on the individual, group values are fading. With all that culture of competition, our natural sense to collaborate is fading. With all these ways to connect... But are we then that connected when interpersonal experiences are inferior to our own needs? Sure we have plenty of channels to connect, but never have we been so disconnected from each other. And these “needs” we have, too often seem to have been flavored with consumerism. Want it now. Want more, want something else now. Have it, toss it. Next.
With all that freedom. Are we then free? Yep we have lots of choices, but the choices are no longer built on a common ground, we identify less and less with a community, a group. Who are we again? What is left to identify with? (Or should we just go for the virtual identity? No need to be yourself online anyway!)
And so the choice you make can bring you insecurity, there is an uncertainty of its consequence. And that is scary. Fear feeds our thoughts and decisions.
Now I am not so sure this is a good development.
How and can we/ should we counter individualization?
Is it time to revisit some ideas? A shift from less “me” to more “we” ?
A healthy amount of self reflection is good, but aloofness might not be.
Maybe more collaboration leads to more profit for all?
Are we ready for more tolerance, more patience, more commitment, joint efforts?
Look at the people flocking together in solidarity, sharing values, finding suppport in the collective... sometimes peacefully (the recent “Occupy movements”) sometimes less peaceful (Tahrir square e.g.).
It is happening.
Here is a challenge:
How do we avoid globalization pushing an “instant gratification” and “individualization” culture on us?
If life isn’t about finding yourself, but creating yourself - as G.B. Shaw states - then let’s create!
