Christian Gregg Green Rhet.

406 The idea of a fundamental importance in the individual is widespread in the United States of America, embodied in the spirit of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. However, with constant peer pressure forcing a common desire to fit in, we are often left at a loss as to how to locate ourselves. Are we an individual, or are we part of something bigger than us? Individualism deserves greater promotion in society over Collectivism, with its ideas of individual agency and happiness, and truly being an equal member of society, not simply another part. Individualism presents a prevailing sense of agency and worth for the individual, opposed to standard conformity. Each individual deserves to regulate [their] life not according to law. . . but according to his own needs and personal aspirations (Armand, Anarchist Individualism). Though this proposed disregard for law may seem shocking, it embraces the core of individualist policy. Each man should be his own judge, learning from his own mistakes and past. Collectivism enforces popular values through fear of punishment, not any good will mustered within oneself. Just as an individualist seeks to keep their human rights upheld, they too should uphold them towards others, creating an amiable society in the process. While collectivism upholds the morals of a society, individualism shines light upon the constituents of that society: every individual. The importance of individual happiness is far greater than that of group happiness. Oftentimes, within the collective, those same individuals are asked to sacrifice for it (Individualism vs. Collectivism). Those of whom the group is comprised of are often directed towards giving up themselves in order to achieve some greater good. This is a fallacy. There is

no greater good than the individuals which make up every society; without them, collective groups could never come to fruition. By seeking ones own interests, each individual can reach self-improvement, which is often much more valuable than that handed to us by the giving of others. Though the ideas of the individual and group may often seem at ends, Individualism does not equate to isolation. Although pictured as a means of disconnecting from society, Individualism does not reject the idea of external relationships or camaraderie; rather, it supports a different kind of collective. Individualism proposes a theory of the conditions under which living and working with others is, in fact, beneficial (Stata, mol.redbarn.org). It is a collective of people, and nothing more. No laws, ideas, or religions are imposed upon members, and every person possesses their own individual thoughts. Individualism rejects the ideas Collectivist melting pot, not promoting a closed-minded, secluded individual, but rather a group made up of individuals. This gives us the freedom to believe or doubt, to be a member or a part. Throughout life, we constantly flip back and forth between being an individual and being part of something larger. With todays emphasis on both individual rights as well as the homogenizing force of pop culture, it is difficult not to live in a juxtaposition of ideas. However, even as we face external influences daily, we must remember exactly who we are. Foremost, it is not we, but me. In order to become a harmonious society, the individual must build their own identity against conformity.