assignment II ross

ASSIGNMENT 2

Collectivism is the ideology that the "whole" of the group is more valuable then the individual, and in this quote from Adolf Hitler, it is clearly evident, however there are many elements in how collectivism may be viewed as a negative ideology. In collectivism many individual principles disappear. These principles may be individual will, self-interest, and competition.

It is most likely that you wont reach your full potential in a collective society. In the source provided it states that, "The activities my not clash with the interests of the whole," however by doing so it neglects the individual self-interest. An example of this would be the country of Sweden. As a socialist state everything there must benefit the whole. There welfare community and taxes make it impossible to advance in the economy, everyone will remain equal. Individual interests such as economic freedom, private property and self-interest are gone. Individuals in this type of system no longer have a reason to try and advance their status, therefore no need to compete in society.

In a collective society all of the political and economic values are based upon cooperation so the simple principles of competition is lost, as well as economic freedom. Mainly resulting in cheap poorly made products. Cheap low wage labour is almost always used to make government cooperation's rich. Poor working conditions have been known in communist societies as well.

In the source provided it states," It must be the first duty of each citizen of the state to work with his mind or with his body.” In a collectivist society you're a member of the whole, everything you do must benefit the nation, if you don't benefit it there's no reason for you to be in that society. An example of this is in World War 2, the Jews didn't contribute to Hitlers Fascist collective society; his solution was the extermination of them. Violence to benefit the whole is not uncommon in collective societies. Such as Stalin , killing almost a million people for suspicion of been against his revolution, no trial, no proof just sent to their deaths immediately. There are cases of the government offering kids better schooling and better scholarships for turning in their parents if there talking negatively about government and of course there parents would be taken away to be removed. He also took away the hard earned land of farmers for government control with no compensation. However a few benefits arose from the communist Stalin, he gave women education as well as jobs and improved transportation by building new railways. (Stalin was a name given to him by the people meaning man of steel.)


A collective society may have its positives but the negatives will always out weigh them. Collective governments will take advantage of the workers and go to extreme measures to ensure society benefits over the individual. Violence and control is quite common as well as loosing many individual freedoms. The products you will get from a communist society will never compare to products from a individual society, only the best survive in a individual economy resulting in well made products. If you don't survive in the economy you find something you are good at.

"It must be the first duty of each citizen of the State to work with his mind or with his body. The activities of the individual may not clash with the interests of the whole, but must proceed within the frame of the community and be for the general good"

To what extent should we embrace collectivism?

Assignment #2 –Essay- (30-1)

Canada consists of many peoples that have different ideological standings.  We co-exist and blend to make Canada a completely unified nation. One of the fundamental ways in which Canadians are willing to give up their individual rights and freedoms is to solidify the unity of our social programs, like health care.  Through our collectivist efforts, every Canadian has the right to government subsidised health care, regardless of his or her social or economic position within our society.

Collectivism is a political, sociological, and economic conglomeration that advocates that peoples should live and work interdependently without private ownership, focusing on societal instead of individual needs, as mentioned in the source as our first duty.  Collectivism considers society as a whole, as one, where group goals are solely considered. Collectivism is not a new idea or concept. The ideas of collectivism inspired 19th century philosophers and writers like Karl Marx, influencing the defining of the economic system theories known as Socialism and Communism.  Webster's Dictionary defines collectivism as "a term embracing all systems on the Socialistic doctrine of the state, municipal, cooperative, etc. control of the economic life of the country." Collectivism has been used in many nations like China, the Soviet Socialist Republic andthe German Democratic Republic of East Germany.

In Economics, collectivism is the centrally planned and directed economy where there are limits to private ownership, including private property. The good of the collective state is primary concern.  An economy under the influence of collectivism would be subject to control by those employing the economic controls of Socialism and Communism.  Such collective efforts have led the Soviet Union to victory when it defeated the Germany in WW2.  Working tirelessly, the Soviet people out performed their fascist enemy on both the battlefield and in the production of war materials.   One of the benefits of a centrally planned economy is that the companys operating within that economy have the benefit of governmental support , oversight and direction.  A collective society is the hallmark of most co-operative  regimes like the Soviet Union and the East German democratic republic.  The collective society of North Korea is a modern example of a state planned economy, where millions have worked together in a unified effort so their leaders can develope sophisticated defensive weaponry to protect them from American Imperialism. Another example is Communist China, it is a Communist country where the society is well regulated and the economic policy is state supported capitalism. The Chinese government promoted the opperation of its companies and commits significant financial help to it's business sector.  Such actions make the Chinese economy the world leader in economic growth.  In China, the average citizen is expected to put the benefit of the nation ahead of their own personal ambitions.   

                In Canadian society, there has begun to see a shift towards the adoption  of collectivism.   The blocking by the government of the sale of Potash corp. in Saskatchewan to Chinese interests is just one sign of the benefits of governmental oversight that the people of Canada have benefited from.  The good of the people and the security of Canadian business is more important than short term company profits. Another example is the removal of property owners right to protest the construction of the large electrical transmission lines on the proposed north/south corridore.  The value of the project to the Canadian people as a whole outweighs the needs of the few landowners that the project will effect. 

                In conclusion, Canada as a nation has and can continue to benefit from collectivism. The struggle for the future direction of Canadian society will be decided by the generations of our youth that have grown up with respect for each other and a belief that the good of our society is more important that the selfish individualism of the individual.  There are no benefits to be had from a nation of individualists, to succeed in a future of diminishing energy sources, Canadians must become a nation that faces the future as a united people who seek their betterment together.

-          Shealyn Dahl

You have some very insightful points here. I do have some comments and suggestions though.

I do not recommend having a paragraph full of questions in an essay. I typically do not like questions in essays at all but that is a personal style issue. I know Questions in an essay are acceptable for rhetorical effect but these questions should lead into your thesis and the rest of your essay by being answered. I was also concerned that your thesis does not contain a road-map to where your essay is going however it is a bold statement about Canada and got my attention.

You may want to clarify what you mean by “Collectivism has been used in fascist regimes like Nazi Germany as well as in totalitarian…” Remember that fascism is not all collectivist. Politically they believe in totalitarian control, economically they believe in individualism, competition, and class inequality (as long as it promotes the state in the end). I also think that the statement perhaps should read “…as well as in other totalitarian…” since Fascism is the epitome of totalitarianism. In Nazi Germany people were encouraged to be individualist and competitive. When someone came up with an ingenious idea, or worked harder to accomplish a goal it was rewarded by the state. Through this method economic individualism was harnessed to promote the political goals of the collective.

I am curious what you read in your spare time. You always seem to bring up concepts that are not key topics in our class such as social entropy, pirate capitalism as well as Abe Lincoln’s socialist tendencies in the last essay. In your second paragraph where you talk about pirate capitalism you make a lot of bold statements that I feel in a longer essay would warrant further development and explanation of your position. I understand that this is not meant to be a huge essay assignment, but you may want to consider expounding on a statement or two from this paragraph. As an example your last statement from this paragraph regarding a “bullet to the back of the head”, is a very graphic yet generalizing statement that implies that execution is regular procedure. Is this really the case?

In your third paragraph I do not see the correlation between collectivism and military acquisitions from the USA. In fact this process could be seen by some as more of an individualist action in the concept of protection of individualist ideologies from foreign collectivist regimes. The purchasing of military equipment does not necessarily lean to the left or to the right.

As I stated earlier in this comment, the Fascist state is not purely collectivist. Be careful in making them sound this way. In pure (economic and political) collectivism everyone would benefit, in some way at least, from sharing. In fascism though, there are people who do not benefit at all while others benefit a great deal.

I think your concluding statement has some fallacies in it. Collectivism being broadcast by the “Hollywood propaganda machine”? United states is far more individualist than we are. Our health care system has been a collectivist project since the 18th century when hospitals were run as a non-profit system for the poor. The concept of universal health care in Canada was developed at the end of WW2, right as the Americans were beginning their aggressive ideological battle with collectivism in the cold war. We never looked at the communist state of Cuba as an enemy even though America asked us too. It is a far stretch to think we are getting our collectivist ideas from the States.

You should refer directly at some point to the source itself. If you notice at the end of the statement it says “…and should be for the general good”. This is where the speaker differs completely from fascism. Fascism is not for the general good nor does it claim to be. It is for the elite. This is why the system needs a scapegoat. In order to get the masses rallied behind them, the nazi’s needed the Jewish people to drop to the bottom of the class system in order to elevate even the most base of society to a position where they felt elite. Fascism is totalitarian but it is not collectivism in general.

-Mr. McClung

Essay II -Caity Allen

"The activities of the individual may not clash with the interests of the whole, but must proceed within the frame of the community and be for the general good" this quote demonstrates a collective ideology.
Collectivism is a way of thinking that takes the values of the common good over the individuals values. Some will say collectivism is more reasonable because it is for the common good, though others can disagree because individualism gives you the freedom for private property.

Assignment 2 - Position Paper - FINAL COPY

 It is difficult for society to come to one agreement on the ideologies that should be followed. The author who provided the given source, is clearly a supporter of a collectivist society. The individual proposes the idea that the actions individuals take must be beneficial, for the common good of everyone. Individuals have the responsibility to maintain a balanced "ideal" life so that they will benefit the society as a whole. This author believes that collectivism is a key aspect for a province or country to function properly. Collectivists believe in human equality and cooperation. Individualism is the path society needs to be based upon. Each individual needs to fend for there own well being. Individuals have the ability to be successful on there own, do not have the right to abuse social programs, and have the right to create there own active innovations.

Each individual has the ability to be super successful without the cooperation of others. Encouragement from others is beneficial, but each must strive for there own level of prosperity. Every person on this earth has different expectations and goals. It is necessary that each works for there own good, the way they want, without the involvement of others, so that when they achieve there goal they will be extremely proud and appreciative. One should not be held responsible for the prosperity of another. For example, China is communist and follows the rules of Marxist-Leninism, founded by Karl Marx. The government is responsible to keep the country classless, and equal. Communism reinforces the idea of abolishing capitalistic theories by having the proletariat's work equal amounts, so that the wealth of the country is equivalent for everyone. This ideology limits individuality, and the ability to raise the bar of opportunity. In the world we live in today there is an unbelievable amount of dishonesty and corruption. Individualism is a beneficial ideology because each is responsible for there own choices, so that when the results are shown, one can not blame anyone but themselves. Burden or guilt can not be blamed upon another, in a society following the ideology of individualism.

In a pure individualist society there is little to no government involvement. In a society where government is involved, such as modern liberalism, social programs like welfare are offered. Unfortunately, many people choose to abuse or take advantage of these programs that are meant only for those in need. Often times individuals go on welfare because they do not have the ambition to get a job. One of the many excuses these individuals use is that they can not get a job. This is the most deceitful statement ever proclaimed. There is an exceeding amount of employment available, people are just opposed to taking a extra effort upon themselves. In the world we live in today, especially the generation coming up, people are dependent on others for there own prosperity. Do you know where the significant amount of taxes that comes off your paycheck each month goes to? A generous amount goes to support the welfare program. 6.5% of the population in Alberta are unemployed. This does not mean that this entire percent is people that do not want to work, it includes individuals that are stay at home parents, or people who are temporally injured, sick, or unemployed. These people have a reason to receive these benefits, because being a parent is the most important job in the world. This is the difference between pure individualism, and modern liberalism. Abusing these social programs is unacceptable, and it needs to be closely monitored.

Individuals have the freedom to share and create there own ideas. However, in a communist society this right is limited because of the idea of human equality being enforced. It is necessary that each person needs to create there own ideas and put them to action, the best way they see fit. It is unfortunate if one chooses to make a sad choice, but it is now there problem to deal with. This idea induces lessons that need to be learnt. In today's world, many people are dependent upon others thinking and making decisions for them, even if they are simple little choices. This, evidently, leaves more and more people unreliable and irresponsible. Work ethic is often weak, and people are unable to do simple tasks, such as clean there own homes and care for there own children. Even though fascism is a form of reactionary government, it supports the themes of competition and the will to create ones own future. Fascism especially supports pure individualism where individuals strive to benefit the state as a whole. Honor is demonstrated by awarding those to strive harder then others. 

Jose Marti, an individualist has an inspiring, true quote that says, "The first duty of a man is to think for himself." This is so important because no one has the right to plan anothers life. Each that has the ability, has the right to decide where they want to go in life. Individuality is so significant, because it allows people the right to decide who they want to be. Independence brings variation to society, along with multiple innovations and freedoms. Communist governments miss the hidden opportunities in this ideology. Communism follows the idea of human equality, and believes in cooperation, instead of competition, so they would not agree with the quote. Fascists would not entirely agree with the quote either. They believe that individuals have the right to have there own prosperity, but, on the other hand, they support the value of government by elite, meaning if people are not smart enough, they should not be eligible to vote. Individualism needs to be embraced by more governments. The only people that are not eligible of making there own decisions and voting, are those that may have mental disabilities. Its only logical that they will have difficulty making valid decisions, its understandable. Everyone else has the right to vote or choose there outcomes.

In conclusion, ultimately, collectivism, along with communism, conceals and blocks numerous opportunities. Communism is a barrier for those who have the ambition to strive for there own prosperity. Why should one be held from ones own potential? Ambition is a rare aspect founds in today's society. We need to embrace all that we have, so that the future can hold all the potential possible. Individualism opens doors and creates opportunities that need to be grasped.

Erica's essay, collectivism. final copy.

This statement provided by this author is that of collectivism. Collectivists believe that people should be thinking about their actions, and how they effect the citizens around them. The citizens of a community or a group should be allowed to rely on the people around them to help provide for their families or them as individuals. There is the few problems to a collective community or state however.



Collectivism would benefit many people around the world, such as people who have been around poverty their whole lives, those who are disabled and not able to take care of themselves. On top of it benefiting many people it would also be doing the reverse effect on the rest of the community or state. Due to the fact they are unable, would mean the population of people that are working and earning their own way would be working twice as much for what they deserve because they are providing for the unable. In Canada, we are a country that allows many different ideologies. Our understanding of collectivisim is much more broader due to the variety of ideologies. An ideology is a body of ideas reflecting the social needs and aspirations of an individual, group, class, or culture. Collectivisim wouldn't nessesarily be able to exist within a society if a variety of ideologies were not acceptable in a group, class or culture. Just as Canada as a country has the ability to co-exist with many ideologies.


I believe that collectivism needs to be embraced as a country. It's importance to exist is almosst mandatory to have a civil, healthy, and proper way of life without judgement, and less racism. Ideologies vary in many ways, and may create conflicts with other ideologies within a country or territory. This statement says "The activities of the individual may not clash with the interests of the whole." When is states the interests of the whole, it means that if a country was too believe in individualism, the country would not be able to co-exist with other ideologies. Collectivism creates a bond inbetween ideologies making it much more able to live and act as a whole.



Ideological perspectives of collectivism reflected in this source should be embraced as a country and as a whole. Collectivism is mainly for the general good and to maintain a good framework of a community with many ideologies able to co-exist within it. The bond collectivism creates is what a country needs to be able to thrive and succed in all aspects of a country. Collectivism should be embraced by all countries in order to be able to exist in this world with other countries.

                                                                      Social


             A common, collective goal is easier achieved than an individual goal. Having many minds and skilled hands working together will come together faster than one set of hands, no matter the experience. The pyramids were not built by one man, but thousands of people. (too bad they were slaves) The common goal is the best way for an economy to prosper, when the economy prospers, the individual will prosper along with it.

            How the individual will prosper from the collective prosperity. (body 1)


            Selfishness within the system leads to recession. Obvious ways to demonstrate this is the effectiveness of government bail outs in America recently. (body 2)

     
            Chinese prosperity based on collectivism, which has seen them rise to the strongest superpower in the world. (body 3)


            Close- Not sure what to be base my closing statement on, maybe just mumble some facts about the economies of the collectivist nations.

Justine's essay

" It must be the first duty of each citizen of the state to work with his mind or with his body. The activities of the individual may not clash with the interests of the whole, but must process within the frame of the community and be for the general good."

     The author in this quote is stating ideas of collectivism. Collectivism is a way of thinking that values the goals of the group and the common good over the goals of any one individual. Many people would agree the collectivism is helpful, but helpful to people who cant support themselves. When entering a collective state you lose the right to things like private property and economic freedoms, you become a person in a group of people instead of an individual. we should embrace this ideological perspective to a certain point but also remember everyone is an individual and should have individual rights.

     Collectivism can offer a lot of social programs for people who need it. For example a program like welfare can help a family greatly, it can give them the help and necessities they need and do not have the ability or resources to get. Welfare can help a family support a household or even provide low income housing so people have a place to live that is in their price range. It puts you on a monthly budget and gives you enough money for food, rent, and bills. Welfare programs can be a negative thing also, there are some people who abuse the system and live off of welfare when they are able to work and have the resources to make a stable living. In cases like that people should be cut off because in the end it is the tax payers that are paying them to be lazy.

      When entering a collective state you lose the right to private property and economic freedoms. That means you are not considered an individual you are considered as a person amongst a large group of people. Everything that you do has to benefit society as well as you. Canada kind of lives in a collective state, because the tax payers pay for health care and social programs to help people who need it. Yet Canada does allow private property and economic freedomes. People should have the right to private property and economic freedomes because economic freedomes help improve the economy by incouraging economic competition.

     People should embrace collectivism to a certain point but remember that they are an individual as well. The help that the government can suppy greatly help people who are in need of the rousources and supplies that they can give. People should have the right to private property and the government should not own the economy. Without private ownership of the economy there is no competition and the economy doesnt grow as much.


-collective thinking
-For the good of the community
-Emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity.

Advantages to collectivism...
- Better social relationships within a family, group, or community.
- Reduced levels of competition and insecurity.
- People who are unable to care for themselves are taken care of.
-helps people who live in poverty.
-people co-operate more.
-There is less competition, economic equality. 

Disadvantages to collectivism....
- could produce an extremist groups
- The people that actually work hard for what they get have to pay out to people who are unable to support themselves. 
-there is no private property... everything is public property.