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.