I hear these comments for not wanting to help people, and it feels like we’re worshipping individuality to the detriment of community, which is necessary for survival.
- “I don’t want my money going to ___ .”
- “This is not a democracy, it’s a constitutional republic!”
- “You don’t have any freedoms under socialism/communism.”
- “They’re just looking for a handout because they’re lazy.”
- “I’m a self-made man. I didn’t need anyone’s help.”
- “Empathy is not a virtue.”
- “I don’t see how that’s my problem.”
USA culture has always been this way. It’s what made us different from Europe and a huge beacon for immigration.
The idea that you can just do what you want and fuck what everyone else thinks, esp your community.
Is worshiping community to the detriment of individuality better? You forget that most communities are highly oppressive and discriminatory, they only want the ‘right’ people to be a part of them. If you challenge the tenants of the community, you will be punished, including expulsion or violence.