America has long been known as an individualistic society where the spirit of self-reliance is deemed as the indispensable part of our personalities. While people are putting excessive effort on emphasizing this individuality, few have looked for a potential downside of it.
The movie Little Miss Sunshine establishes roles with strong personality by granting them strong sense of individuality. Dwayne, the son of the Hoover family, is a maverick. He takes a vow of silence until he reaches his goal of being a pilot, and avoid any interaction with other family members for that people barely care about each other but themselves. Such alienation from his family gradually diminishes Dwayne sensitivity as a teenager and establishes a sense of numbness usually managed by grown-ups, a mask that symbols frustration toward his family. However, their long journey to California, is the way that leads to the reconciliation of the broken relationships among the family. During the trip, each of the family member encounter obstacles that constrains them from making their way to California, but the collective effort of the whole family eventually conquers the difficulties.
Ironically, we strive be independent and avoid any reliance on others, then wonder where that sense of unity has gone. People sometimes forget to embrace other’s differences, listen to their voice and feel their feelings while they pursuit the idea of individuality.
I agree with your idea that extreme individuality will lead to self center and creates alienation. Nowadays, there is an increasing gap between parents and children, because they do not think in other's perspective. Too much independence can have a negative impact.
ReplyDeleteIndividualism is indeed a double-edged sword. I grew up in a culture that is more collectivist. I was always taught to think about the common good, instead of individual benefits. Compared to Chinese culture, American culture certainly possesses more individualistic elements. Although individualism can encourage creativity and self-achievement, it can also threaten the common good.
ReplyDeleteI really like your last paragraph where you talked about how we eager to be independent but also longing for sense of unity. It's pretty hard to find this balance.
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