posted on Jan, 9 2014 @ 04:57 AM
Every time this story goes up on boards (which it does, often and regularly) I find it frustrating that so many simply buy it without question.
Without comment upon Obama’s programs in particular, the principles here, of collectivism, are not being looked at in their entirety.
I live in a country which puts these principles to work, and although not perfect (as no country is) the results are NOT what is predicted here. The
country is extremely productive, and second only to Germany in Europe.
The missing elements in this prediction is culture. The predicted outcomes are correct for a nation with a culture of individualism. For
peoples who will only consider their own comfort and desires.
When a nation has a culture of collectivism, solidarity and the good of the whole is valued higher than that of the individual. It is believed that,
if an individual puts the good of the whole first, than in the long run, it will benefit the individual. (in the same way it is considered in
capitalism that concern for self will ultimately end up being good for the whole- they see an interdependence in the long term, just circulating the
other way around).
They also consider that each man is the keeper of his brother- meaning that peer pressure is a good thing. It is GOOD to listen to the feedback and
reactions of those around you- it gives you important information on your effect within the society, and saves you from the short-sightedness of
There is none of this “don’t follow the crowd” lessons- quite the opposite.
Work is not done for personal pleasure and fulfilment. It is a duty to the society, that each does in order to remain a member and benefit from the
protection, mating rights, and access to resources and trade.
Here, what would happen under these same conditions is that those who did not work hard and brought down the average would get a lot of pressure and
criticism from their hard working peers, and would take that seriously- it would motivate them. Risk of ostracization is a real threat. You would end
up with a B average pretty constantly, due to different capacity and abilities.
Within the group of students, the ones who are carrying a heavier load would also be recognized and given a higher position of respect and power. The
others become dependant upon them. You would be surprised what people will do to get that sort of power over peers!
We americans tend to look for acknowledgement from official authorities, or material gain. The collectivist values much more the esteem and respect of
Also, there is the assumption that people will choose to either be a receiver or a giver….
In a culture which values interdependence, they each see themselves as both. For example, people pay taxes to make it possible for everyone to have
paid sick leave or vacations. Everyone takes theirs at different times. While one is working, another vacations, and then they switch places. They
don’t mind working to pay for another to have a vacation, because that is exactly how they too, will get a vacation.
Identifying with our fellow countrymen, instead of trying to differenciate and compete with them, gives a totally different result!
I am not saying it is a better system of values. I am saying that it is being misunderstood here. I also think that applying the same methods and
systems in the US would not work because of the difference in culture.