The Curse of Individualism
A bit of a rant
As a kid watching American movies and tv series on our monochrome screen, I was seduced by the romanticised, square jawed hero going it alone against all the odds. The lone ranger, the solitary superhero, fighting the massed forces of corruption and criminality. It is a paradox that within a largely conservative and conformist society, the individual reigns supreme. Yet it is a certain type of individual. One that conforms to the American socio-economic status quo. Even individuality has rules and parameters beyond which they dare not go. The rugged individual lives within values that are largely unspoken yet prescribed by the reactionary principles of the unfettered free market.
Think Ayn Rand and her novels. The lone individual fighting the forces aiming to oppress them. But it is also, screwing your brother, or sister, to accrue more wealth for yourself. It is viewed as just a sad yet necessary part of life. It is part of nature, part of our Darwinian struggle for economic survival, forever red in tooth and claw. Or so, we’re told. So get used to it, and join the adults. And as a kid, I didn’t stop to think that although this beguiling loner image may make a good movie, it is anathema to what constitutes good living. At least, for most of us.
