In any society there is a natural tension between the interests of individuals and the interest of the group as a whole. There is a conflict between what individuals want and what serves their interests and what is needed for the welfare, safety and security of the entire group. Commenting on the many economic and social problems that American society now confronts, Newsweek columnist Robert J. Samuelson recently wrote: “We face a choice between a society where people accept modest sacrifices for a common good or a more contentious society where groups selfishly protect their own benefits.”
It might seem that since all citizens benefit from the common good, everyone would willingly respond to urgings that we cooperate to establish and maintain the common good. But numerous observers have identified a number of obstacles that hinder us, as a society, from successfully doing so.
One obstacle encountered by attempts to promote the common good is that of individualism. Our historical traditions place a high value on individual freedom, on personal rights, and on allowing each person to “do her own thing.” Our culture views society as comprised of separate independent individuals who are free to pursue their own individual goals and interests without interference from others. In this individualistic culture it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to convince people that they should sacrifice some of their freedom, some of their personal goals, and some of their self-interest, for the sake of the “common good.” Our cultural traditions, in fact, reinforce the individual who thinks that she should not have to contribute to the community’s common good, but should be left free to pursue her own personal ends.
How is the conflict to be resolved? In different societies there are different resolutions. In those favoring individualism there may be a great amount of freedom and a great reluctance on the part of government to restrict the liberties of individuals even when they are placing the welfare of others in jeopardy. In other societies that favor the common good over that of individuals there is less reluctance on the part of that government to intervene in the personal lives of individuals in order to preserve the common welfare and provide for the common good.
There are many examples of such conflicts. If you consider some of the social topics of greatest interest and concern today you will probably find this basic conflict involved in it in some way.
Considering the conflict between individualism and the common good, write a 1200-word (minimum) essay in which you discuss your agreement with one of these statements:
A. It is clear that if a person is given the liberty and opportunity to develop, the quality of his or her life will improve and he or she can make a positive contribution to society.
B. If each person were to focus on taking care of others, the quality of life would improve for everyone. This is true even in instances where personal liberty or opportunity is impeded.
You are not required to use an outside source in your essay, but you may use any source you need to in order to make your point. You may also use any of the resources you have viewed or read in our course this term.
You may also use your own personal experiences in this essay. This essay does not have to be a persuasive essay; it can be a personal narrative similar to the essays you wrote for the individual identity and community identity essay.
This essay is due during week 6, on Sunday, May 1 by 11:59pm.
