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I really liked what asaris said, partially because it was what I was thinking (where's the individuality here?, lol). I liked his comments about sterotypes (A contemporary of Freud called them Archetypes) and I liked that he pointed out that taking a postion counter to a group is still being influenced by the group.
I see it that I am an individual that is subject to the culture and perceptions I've gathered throughout my life. I am aware of social norms and abide by the ones I see fit. (I pay my check and leave a tip in restraunts as my parents taught me), I think in English which was a language that was around before I was born. Yet within these confines I also create my individual choices: sometimes I sneek into other movies at multiplexs; and Sublue is a word of my own choosing.
As I'm sitting here thinking of "an individual" Picasso comes to mind. His Art was completely unique for it's time and that's what made it stand out. Yet did he copy? Sure. He used paint, brushes, and canvouses just like everyone else.
I think our American culture loves the individual Archetype. That's why films like Rambo or A man with no Name are so popular. We love the idea of the lone cowboy who lives by his own rules. (I think its funny that we are developing a shadow to this thought - if you don't agree with Mr. Bush, then you're a traitor and a terrorist)
It's a great question Duck2Day. I'm glad you asked it, and I'm curious, is it important for you to see yourself as an individual and not a member of a group?
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