One aspect of American culture that I am interested in seeing play out abroad is our rigid individualism. While it is easy to create or find a community to join in the United States there is still a belief that everything is done for the greater good of the individual even if it is to the detriment of the community. There is nothing wrong with this and it is what a lot of life in the US is structured around. We work jobs in which our individual productivity is the measure of success, we aren’t judged as heavily by how we interact with those around us.
I tend to function with the American model because that is how I was raised and how I have learned to function. I am curious to see how individual identity is formed in a community-based culture. I am curious if there is a decline in petty crime in community-based culture because there is less motivation for individuals to benefit from the detriment of others. I am excited to see if there is an emotional difference to be experienced between the cultures. There are many times where I find that the US is high paced because of this idea that the only way that one can succeed is as an individual. I am curious to see if there is a difference in this pace or in the way in which individuals communicate because of the cultural emphasis on community. I would also be interested in seeing if there is a larger sense of accomplishment among those who have large families or have a close-knit family.
This change in values is sometimes seen as a movement away from traditional ideals where the family or community comes first. I am curious as to whether this is also a result of the decline of religious communities in the US. I have been led to believe that in many parts of the world religion is seen as a uniting force which helps bring individuals together. Many religious organizations take up a collection which is used to better the community and to help those who may need some assistance.
I think that this exercise was beneficial because it gives me solid questions which I can look for the answers to abroad. It also allows me to reflect on my own role in a society and prepare for that role to be altered or changed by the surrounding circumstances.