Individualism vs. Collectivism

    Continuing on my previous post about cultural differences, I want to discuss the differences between individualism and the group mentality.

    I really enjoyed this subject. I have previously stated how I served a proselyting mission in Japan for my church. Much of this weeks reading in my TESOL class discussed the group mentality found in Japan. I agree with the majority of what was covered by Professor Ivers of BYUI. Transcript address is:  https://content.byui.edu/file/5312ca2a-4f25-4d01-8386-f505b0c1dad6/3/Individualism%20vs%20Collectivism.html 

    Professor Ivers related a story of a Japanese High School baseball team who had some players involved in a drunk driving accident. While the damage was minor, in regards to the vehicles involved, the damage to the students, the ball team, the coach, and the reputation to the school was considered irreparable. All the teammates, regardless of culpability in the accident, lost their licenses for life - as team members it is felt they should have prevented the drunk driving. The coach and principle also apologized for the disgrace as they should have taught the players better.

    In a group oriented society, each member's actions reflects and affect the other members of the group. Each member actions therefor. should always take into account the wellbeing of the group. All should be done for it's benefit. 

    In an individualistic society, the individual is responsible for their own actions. In the USA, the team members may have been kicked off the team. That would be the extent to which the other players, coach and Principle would react. The actions of the individual is reflected only on that individual.

    I saw a lot of this in Japan as I was there. I thought it was a sad way to live at the time. Some of my Japanese friends felt the same about my individualistic views. I now understand it is more comfortable for them. We are most comfortable with how we were raised.

    It is important to understand this as an English teacher. I will have many different students of different cultural backgrounds. I will need to be understanding of the way they were culturally brought up so I can help them learn to understand English and the culture found here.

Transcript address is:  https://content.byui.edu/file/5312ca2a-4f25-4d01-8386-f505b0c1dad6/3/Individualism%20vs%20Collectivism.html