Individualism Vs Collectivism
Individualism = a society in which the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after himself or herself and his or her immediate family only. They are self-centred and emphasize mostly on their individual goals. They emphasize their success/achievements in job or private wealth and aiming up to reach more and/or a better job position.
Collectivism = a society in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong cohesive ingroups, which throughout people’s lifetime continue to protect them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. They have a great emphasize on groups and think more in terms of “we“.
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As a Christian, I do not practice most of the beliefs and culture in Chinese society. All the pantang larang - taboos are meaningless to me… Sometimes, i see myself as an individualistic person. Many things seem unimportant to me; i only have to do the best for my own business and try not to bother or interrupting other’s life. This is the reason where i have fewer friends. I am not a person who very hardworking to keep friend and keep in touch with friend. Sometimes, i get to know their news too late for me to send my regard and care. I seldom make new friends. I am comfortable with my established friendship with those close to me. I believe that, they will keep me.
Sometimes, I see myself is in collectivism manner. The time I start to become crazy and hang on with friends… Generally, I am friendly and kind. I can talk to a stranger and give a hand to some one first met easily [my mom says these are dangerous]. ^_^ haha, it is true. I think most of the people likes to meet someone warm and friendly rather than someone who is being cautious on you in the first sight.
Some people start to comment that i am too individualistic… TOO… haha, this might because i am focusing on my academic stuff; I am so brave to say no; I am so directing and demanding in academic stuffs; and maybe because I am scary and they scare to be in the same group with me or dealing with me…. I do not care actually. They can do what ever they want and i am doing my own part. They can choose to stay away from me and do not talk to me at all; even eyes contact… I try my best to please so many people in class already. If some of them want to blame me for those little things, I will say, ‘I am individualistic, as you said. So, I do not care’!