Collectivism: Image

[Image Description: A man in a business suit looking like he is in need of help sits down in a fashion similar to  someone  in need of a home. A sign beside him reads "Chose to go it alone. Please help." A passerby in similar clothing glances at the man and will either keep on walking or stop and help out.]

     I chose this image because, in a society that heavily values collectivist ideologies, trying to make it alone will get you nowhere. For example, in a communist society where equal distribution of resources is controlled by the government, all citizens are already cared for. If an individual has the basic needs (such as food, shelter, and clothing) already taken care of by the government, what other goal should they be striving for? It's  not like it's possible to advance yourselves in a society where actions should always result in benefiting the greater good. 

     I also picked this image specifically because the sign asks for help. I believe that this image represents collective ideals because, if that were true, the man with the suitcase WOULD stop and help out his fellow man. Or, actually, if the belief was that keeping everyone alive was the best thing for the collective, then the man would stop and lend a hand. However, collective societies usually run on agreement reached by consensus; and consensus doesn't always mean the right choice. If we were to assume that killing off the weakest members of the society would be ideal, then the man would walk right pass the man in need. This image, if you're open to both interpretation, represents how 1) yes, a collectivist society does do things to enhance/ protect the greater good 2) how "collective norms" are reached in a society may not always be the best choice.