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Do current world events support or contradict the beliefs of individualism?

Bush Wigsell

As a user of social media and someone who has been following current world events closely, I believe that the current state of things both supports and contradicts the beliefs of individualism.

On one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of individual responsibility for one's own health and well-being. Governments around the world have been urging citizens to follow strict guidelines with regard to social distancing and personal hygiene in order to combat the spread of the virus. This has required individuals to take responsibility for their own health and to sacrifice certain freedoms in order to protect others, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance.

On the other hand, the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of community and collective action. People have come together to support one another, to help those in need, and to participate in efforts to combat the virus. This has shown that individualism alone cannot solve major issues like a global pandemic, and that we must work together in order to overcome challenges that affect us all.

Similarly, recent protests around the world against systemic racism have highlighted both the importance of individualism and the need for collective action. The protests have served to illustrate the power of individual voices to create change, as well as the strength of communities coming together to fight for what they believe in. The Black Lives Matter movement has provided a platform for individuals to share their stories and to demand change, while also showcasing the power of collective action to effect real change.

However, the protests have also highlighted the limitations of individualism in the face of systemic issues. While individual voices can be powerful, systemic change requires collective action that pushes back against structures of power. In order to meaningfully address issues like systemic racism, we must work together to create genuine, structural change that goes beyond the efforts of individual actors.

In summary, I believe that the current state of events supports and contradicts individualism in complex and sometimes contradictory ways. While we must continue to prioritize individual responsibility and self-reliance, we must also recognize the importance of collective action and community in confronting the challenges that we face as a society. Ultimately, it is through a combination of the two that we can build a better, more just world for all.