individual or group...?

i was having one of my rapid thoughts sessions this morning and had to pause... i know that there are "societal groups", like rich, middle class, or poor (just examples not necessarilly those particular groups, or limited to those...). but i was wondering if you would rather be treated as an individual, or be classed into a group? i know the possibilities of this being a silly question, but i am extremely courious as to what your thoughts are....

I am an individual, first and foremost, but when my expression of my individuality is similar to other people's expressions of theirs, we, and others, recognize that we are part of an identifiable social group. I'm fine with bring seen as a member of a social classification, as long as people aren't using that classification to discriminate ( which is all too often the case).

Individual...period. I get sick of political correctness grouping each culture etc. to its own little label.

To think in the "collective" mentality reminds me of China and how the government makes everyone look the same etc. Think back to the opening ceremonies of the summer Olympics in Bejing, and every person looked like a clone. That's frightening to me. Historically, there are other examples.

I've always embraced individual qualities and uniqueness. Sure, we can always pull together help each other. That's the right thing to do. Maybe it's because I recall growing up in the '70's when there was no such thing as a hyphenated American. We were ALL Americans. I know some may disagree; just the way I feel.

The beauty of the US Constitution is that it is written to protect the individual first and foremost. However, I'm seeing politicians undermine this and move us closer to the "collective" stance. I apologize to those who post here from other countries. It's not my intent to come across disrespectful. I'm just using my life long experience and what I know to be the best example of protecting individual rights. FTR, I have traveled the world, and my husband and I adopted a boy from Kazakhstan. So I value different cultures and beliefs...because they too are individual.

When I look out to the west of my home, I often see a radiant and glorious sun set comprised of oranges, pinks, and yellows. However, not one sunset is the same. They are all beautiful. That's how I feel about people. I cherish those in my life because they are different from me; not because they can be a complete copy of me.

thanks to all who answered! 🙂 i definitely appreciate it!
i like being treated as an individual as well... altho, i know it can't always be the case, due to whatever circumstances, and i watch some fall through the cracks. it makes me sad to see that happen....

Posted by size zero superhero
In Western cultures(U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, etc)the majority self-define from an individual standpoint.

However in Eastern cultures such as Japan, people tend to view themselves collectively or relating to their role in larger groups--for example, "I am the sister of ____ or I am the son of ___", in contrast to statements such as "I am a bookworm, political activist(etc)"--the latter of which indicates an individualist mindset rather than collectivist.

thanks, SZS! i didn't know that and it is very interesting.... 🙂 maybe like single-minded vs. collective....instead? if so, i never thought of it that way...