#collectivism versus individualism

[quasi-normalcy]

I feel like we've all been sold a bill of goods on the question of individualism versus collectivism. Like, in capitalist iconography, individualism means being a heroic, rugged, self-realised badass slow-walking away from explosions while lighting a cigar or whatever, whereas collectivism means being a faceless, mindless cog in the machine. But the reality is that individualism means being a lone insect that can do nothing but pray not to be swatted, whereas collectivism means still being an insect, but belonging to a vast swarm of insects that can bite and sting heroic, rugged, self-realised badasses to death.

Anyways, I'm advocating union membership as a means of self-care. Find your local swarm today!

[anyab]

Via NasAlSudan

Swipe through to learn about the ethnic cleansing, historical context, current events, and key factors contributing to the Genocide in Darfur. For actionable ways to make a difference, please it is @darfurwomenaction.

December 18 2023

Transcript:

Darfur A region in western Sudan, consisting of 5 states and home to around 80 tribes of diverse ethnic makeup, consisting of African and Arab descent. Has a history of enduring social, political, and economic marginalization under past governments. Has been enduring a 20-year conflict known as the Darfur War (2003 - Present).

Transcript:

What is happening today?

Using the cover of the war in Sudan and the SAF's preoccupation in the capital of 7 Khartoum, RSF forces almost immediately launched a genocidal assault in El-Geniena, the capital of West Darfur, against members of the Masalit tribe.

The brutal massacres and horrific reports of sexual assault and enslavement have prompted more than 500,000 to flee via the Western border to Chad since the conflict's start eight months ago.

Since June, RSF assaults in the Darfur region have led them to capture 4/5 states, with the group now controlling West, Central, South, and East Darfur. North Darfur and its capital of El-Fashir remain under the relative protection of the SAF and its allied groups.

In July, following international condemnation, the International Criminal Court (ICC) reported that it is opening investigations into the RSF on the allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Key Alliances

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)

Justice and Equality Movement (Gibril Ibrahim)

Sudan Liberation Army (Minni Minawi)

GSLF (Salah Al-Wali)

Sudan Liberation Army (Mustafa Tambour)

Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

Bani Halba

Tarjam

Habaniya

Fallata

Taaysha

Misseriya

Rizeigat

Transcript:

Darfur: The war in numbers

Humanitarian crisis:

*56 cases of reported rape including minors, male children, and one resulting in death. Sexual violence cases are significantly underreported due to limited capacity, infrastructure, support measures, and willingness to come forward.

At least 29 cities, towns and villages fully or partially destroyed across Darfur.

At least 5 million children are facing extreme deprivation of their rights and protection risks.

Mass abductions and enslavement have been reported, with women forced into sexual acts for basic needs and both genders traded by captors.

1.2 million children under five in the Darfur states are suffering from acute malnutrition. 218,000 of them facing severe acute malnutrition

Over 3,130 allegations of severe child rights violations Since mid-April

Transcript:

Building historical context

The colonial era (1899 - 1956)

During the period of Anglo-Egyptian colonization, a policy of identity fragmentation was pursued that played on the division of Arab and Muslim versus African and Christian

The hierarchical identity separation was a form of erasure and marginalization of many, including ethnically African Muslims, as most of the population of Darfur is

Furthermore, building on the identity fragmentation policy, land allocation under the British was to ethnic groups rather than on an individual basis

The African tribes of the Fur and Masalit were allocated the largest swaths of land, especially in comparison to Arab tribes like the Rizeigat

This led to a domination of African tribes in Darfur post-independence and continued land and resource-based conflict between the Arab and African tribes in the region

The second Sudanese civil war (1983-2005)

Due to systemic marginalization and the violation of the Addis Ababa Peace Agreement that had ended the first Sudanese Civil War, rebel groups in the South led primarily by the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) rose against the central government in Khartoum in 1983

An estimated 2 million people were killed and 4 million displaced.

Unable to fend off SPLA alone, the central government armed members of the Arab tribes of Darfur (collectively known as the Baggara tribes) to help fight the war, particularly against displaced southerners who had fled towards Darfur and the Nuba Mountains regions of Sudan

The Baggara tribes now held a weapons advantage over African tribes

Transcript:

Bashir era escalation (1994-1999) Under the government of deposed dictator Omar al-Bashir, a rigorous strategy of Arabization was pursued across Sudan

In 1994, Bashir divided the region of Darfur into 3 states: North, West and South Darfur

Altered the boundaries to make the ethnically African Fur tribe a minority in each state

In 1995, Bashir appointed 8 Arab emirs in West Darfur, which was dominated by the African Masalit, which led to the the outbreak of the Arab-Masalit War (1995-1999)

This was Darfur's second war, with the first being the Arab-Fur War (1987-1989) following the migration of Arab tribes to the southern Fur dominated region due to drought and famine

The rise of militias (1995 - 2003)

Stemming from the Baggara tribes armed by the government in the 80s, the Arab tribes banded together during the Arab-Masalit war to form a new militia, the Janjaweed

In response, the early 2000s witnessed the formation of many ethnically African militias (Fur, Masalit, Zaghawa) to challenge the central government, including:

Darfur Liberation Front (DLF) - 2001

Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) - 2003

Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) - 2003

Transcript:

Declaration of the Darfur war(2003)

In March of 2003, a government helicopter was shot down by SLM/A, marking the start of the Darfur War

Rebel attacks were highly coordinated and army resources were depleted from the fight in the South against SPLA

By May of 2003, the central government realized that it had lost the first 32 of 34 battles

Prompted the Bashir government in June of 2003 to escalate the war through the arming of the Janjaweed to fight as a proxy for the central government

Genocide in Darfur (2003 - 2005)

The Darfur genocide marks the systematic killing of ethnically African Darfuri people at the hands of the Bashir government and Janjaweed, constituting the first genocide of the 21st century.

Typified by systematic targeted assaults, mass displacement, sexual violence, and intentional obstruction of aid, all contributing factors leading to its classification as genocide.

Targeted the Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa ethnic groups, of which, over 300,000 people were killed and millions displaced, with 400,000 refugees forced to seek shelter in camps in neighboring Chad.

Ethnic divisions served as fuel for the conflict, exemplified by the derogatory term "abd" (slave) used against the ethnically African Darfuri population.

In 2009, al-Bashir became the first sitting head of state indicted by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and was later on charged with genocide

Transcript:

FAQ - From the Janjaweed to the RSF

Question 01 What happened to the Janjaweed?

The paramilitary group was formalized by al-Bashir in 2013 as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and legally incorporated into the security sector in 2017

Question 02: Who makes up the RSF today?

Today, the RSF is primarily comprised of members of western Arab tribes from across the Sahel including the: Rizeigat, Taaysha, Beni Halba, Habbaniya, Salamat, Messeria, Tarjam, and Beni Hussein

Due to the lucrative pay and benefits offered by the RSF, members of these tribes from Chad, Niger, Mali have all joined the ranks of the RSF in this war

Question 03 What about the rebels?

Though groups like JEM and SLA fought in the Darfur War against the central government and the Janjaweed, today they have allied with the SAF to fight the RSF in its campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Masalit

Transcript:

How the system works

Systems of oppression

Resource Competition Climate change coupled with competition for scarce resources exacerbated intercommunal conflict. Darfur's arid environment heightened competition for scarce resources, such as water and arable land, exacerbating tensions between herding Arab groups and farming African tribes.

Historical Grievances Historical disparities in land distribution, dating back to colonial times, created resentment between Arab and African communities. The distribution favored African tribes, fostering a sense of marginalization among the Arab tribes.

Government Policies The Sudanese government, historically dominated by Arab elites, pursued exclusionary policies that favored Arabization and Islamization. This contributed to the marginalization of non-Arab ethnic groups, particularly in Darfur.

Armed Conflict The Second Sudanese Civil War (1983- 2005) set the stage for Darfur's conflict. As the government armed Arab militias, known as the Janjaweed, during the civil war, these militias continued their operations in Darfur post-war, targeting non-Arab communities.

Ethnic and Racial Divisions The conflict took on ethnic and racial dimensions, with the government's targeting of African tribes and creating the Janjaweed against the ethnically African Darfuri population. This fueled animosity and contributed to the genocide.

Resource Competition The Janjaweed and Sudanese government engaged in systematic violence, including targeted assaults, mass displacement, sexual violence, and obstructing aid. These tactics aimed to weaken and destabilize the targeted communities, constituting genocidal acts.

[venticuliao]

The concept of family between Alhaitham and Kaveh

The first thing we learn about Sumeru is that knowledge is handled as a resource, that is to say, it serves both as social and economic capital that grants people different status. The more academic merit a person obtains, the more power and opportunities they’re handed.

As such, the conventional idea of personal relationships within the Akademiya is transactional in nature, it’s based on creating bonds with the goal of producing academic (and therefore economic) value. These bonds are traditionally formed when the people involved share the same objectives and are able to cooperate in research, since that’s what their professional pursuits and livelihood depend on.

Academic Divorcees

Alhaitham and Kaveh’s academic collaboration was deemed successful in this sense by the Akademiya, and so their project was rewarded with a property. In academic terms, this bond they shared in the past was considered a successful relationship.

However, Kaveh removed his name from the credits and rejected the house that now belongs to Alhaitham. In this sense, Kaveh rejected societal norms and only acknowledged personal value, independent from the economic value they may produce, which in this case was none. Hence why their… friendship fell apart.

We saw him also follow his own principles in A Parade of Providence when he rejected Sachin's nihilistic research, for instance.

Their core philosophies rely on the concepts of altruism and collectivism (Kaveh) versus individualism (Alhaitham). Kaveh is someone who prioritizes collective well being and is willing to depart from his own gains in order to accomodate others; while Alhaitham is someone who prioritizes individual stability, and he doesn't believe intervening in the status quo serves any purpose unless it produces meaningful change.

For example, in one of their message boards banters, Kaveh empathizes with a group of workers whose experience in their field has been deemed obsolete due to the Akasha and th​​ey can no longer find stable jobs. He offers to put them in contact with someone who is looking to hire, and it seems he plans to aid them with additional money too.

Alhaitham argues that this single act of kindness is useless, since it doesn’t fix the root cause of the issue: ​​even if Kaveh gives up the money now to help this small group of workers, there are many others suffering from the same problem, and after this job they will still struggle to find another. Society evolves and advances in one direction, and attempting to go against its flow is illogical.

In Alhaitham’s understanding, individual gestures won’t change a system where those without power or capital are left adrift, but Kaveh refuses to stand by to watch people suffer. Still, by giving up his own well being he’s condemning himself to perpetual suffering without a significant purpose other than kindness for the sake of kindness.

(Funny enough, it’s Alhaitham himself who plays a central role in overthrowing the corrupt political class of the Akademiya in the archon quest, thus effectively fixing at least some of those root issues)

The Need to Belong

Kaveh’s altruism is genuine, if a little influenced by his compulsive guilt due to believing that he caused his own family’s demise. He grieves the losses he’s suffered and the loneliness left behind to such a degree that he can’t ignore those in need around him. He aims to help others in order to avoid guilt, yet he himself feels burdened by the weight of his reputation and can’t afford to ask the same from others. When he finds himself in debt and alone, there’s only one person who has remained the same, both in ideals and in terms of his relationship to Kaveh.

On the other hand, Alhaitham had a recluse childhood. His parents died before he was old enough to remember them, and his grandmother allowed him to study at home instead of the Akademiya. As a result, he grew up without forming meaningful interpersonal bonds (except Kaveh) and to be self-sufficient and of independent thought.

Family is, after all, a micro-community: a small group of people who depend on each other to survive. And Alhaitham is a character who lives outside the borders of society, independent from his relationship to others. It is precisely for this reason that he’s able to detach himself from the Akademiya during the archon quest in order to overthrow Azar —even though, as we know, it was a selfish decision in nature, since he wanted to maintain his job as the Scribe (and therefore, the stability that Kaveh relied on).

We’ve seen the problems that belonging to a community conveys in Nahida and Alhaitham’s story quests: the people who wanted to avoid grief by staying with the memories of their dead loved ones, and the scholars who felt ostracized from their community and organized into a hive mind to share their strengths (though at the same time sharing their weaknesses).

Though both gathered people with a unified interest that made the community function, the nature of this collective commitment was fragile and fated to fail. However, rather than focusing on individual faults, it’s important to note the characters who got involved in these communities were more a product of their environment and a victim to their own human vulnerabilities, whether grief, arrogance or loneliness.

Unlike Alhaitham, who has a comfortable job that pays well enough to spend on luxuries and doesn’t have any blood relatives to take care of or fulfill filial piety for, characters like Ilyas were burdened by these constraints, and the additional emotional need to belong in society.

Only focusing on people’s strengths while leaving their weaknesses unattended, like in the Hivemind from Alhaitham’s quest, makes the structure of the community frail and it will easily crumble.

Supplying a means to ignore people’s pains or vulnerabilities instead of actual support, like the illusion world created to avoid grief from Nahida’s story quest, only leads to stagnation.

There are certainly wrong ways to go about in building a society, but the solution is not to become individualistic.

Building A Successful Community

In Nahida’s voicelines she says:

(In Chinese, that final “us” is between quotes)

Interpreting this line in terms of how society is built, Nahida argues that there are common people who depend on the support of a community to survive and thrive (the “mediocre majority”), so naturally without them there is no nation (“us”).

A nation is not made of exceptional individuals only, nor is it upheld only by those with more power. Everyone deserves to have their needs met, and everyone can contribute in their own ways.

The Grand Bazaar that supports the Zubayr Theater is depicted as a small community which thrives on human connection and collectivism within the borders of the city.

In Nilou’s story quest we see that the locals are fine giving away their merch for free so that the goods won’t be wasted, that they welcome anyone who is willing to be part of them and protect each other fiercely, and that they share a bond that goes beyond just working for wages.

This quest features a daughter alienated from her father who seeks to escape the burden of the Akademiya’s traditional concept of family, but finds true connection among the theater. When her father threatens to demolish the place, all of them stand together as one and turn this bond into a strength. A debate is held, and Nilou acts as a representative against the Akademiya (and its values).

Nilou and Sharif's daughter, Inayah, end up winning the debate and their right to remain functioning as a theater.

A collective formed on the basis of human connection is fated to succeed, Nahida is right to consider this in her understanding of an ideal nation.

However, Alhaitham is not blind to this fact either.

Alhaitham’s Tether To Community

He has an exceptional intellect, but that doesn’t mean he lacks emotional intelligence as it’s usually assumed. He may not share the pains of others like an empath, but the archon quest proved that emotion should be appreciated where it’s meant to be valued: this was precisely the key to fight the sages at the Akademiya when they used Cyno as an involuntary mole.

At the end of the Sumeru archon quest, Alhaitham says this about the Grand Bazaar during the toast of victory:

And then, immediately brings up Kaveh:

In this sense, it could be said that Kaveh is to Alhaitham what the people at the Grand Bazaar are to each other. A bond formed not on the basis of academic pursuits, but on human connection. It is not measured by the results produced of joint collaboration, and whether there’s failure or success, it can still stand on its own and act as a support for both parties.

Nahida's voiceline:

Considering Nahida says Kaveh has an almost perfect grasp on what it means to be a nation of wisdom, maybe Kaveh is the person that allows Haitham to be an active part of this ideal society which is based on human connection, altruism and collectivism.

After all, as someone who exists outside of society by choice, Alhaitham has lent Kaveh a hand in a time of need. It is unclear if he owed it to him, since Kaveh refused his part of the house that was a product of their collaboration, but Haitham isn't concerned about it.

Alhaitham’s voiceline:

Due to his reputation, Kaveh can’t show his vulnerabilities to other people, but there are certainly those who are now able to see through him and support him like Tighnari, Cyno and Alhaitham.

Alhaitham mostly refuses to be part of their little group, but he has Kaveh, their relationship is defined by a concept of community (and, by extension, family) that is unique to them, and based on connection.

Final notes: I left this post up for interpretation, but when I mention "family" it includes romantic relationships. A significant other/romantic partner is a person's family too, and the bond is just as strong and committed as that of platonic or filial relationships. I don't personally ship these characters myself (their dynamic just isn't my cup of tea, otherwise I'd be on board), but fans who do are also engaging in analysis of their dynamic and to me that perspective matters.

[boredtechnologist]

Williams "Robotron 2084" arcade - attract mode

Reviewing Williams' "Robotron: 2084" from a deep philosophical perspective invites a fascinating exploration of the game's underlying themes, aesthetics, and the existential questions it raises, both intentionally and inadvertently.

1. Man vs. Machine - A Reflection on Technological Progress: "Robotron: 2084" centers around the classic theme of humanity's struggle against its own creations - the robots. Philosophically, this can be viewed as a commentary on the anxieties and paradoxes of technological advancement. As players fight against a relentless horde of machines, the game echoes fears of technology becoming uncontrollable or turning against its creators. This mirrors existential concerns about the role of technology in human life and its potential to both enhance and undermine the human experience.

2. The Individual vs. The Collective: The game's premise, where a single protagonist battles against an overwhelming collective force, touches on philosophical debates about individualism versus collectivism. The player's lone character, constantly battling overwhelming odds, can be seen as a metaphor for the individual's struggle to maintain identity and autonomy in the face of societal or technological collectives that threaten to subsume individuality.

3. The Sisyphean Struggle and Absurdism: "Robotron: 2084" offers no end, only an ongoing battle against an endless stream of enemies. This can be philosophically interpreted through the lens of Albert Camus' concept of the absurd hero, akin to Sisyphus' eternal struggle. The game's never-ending nature and the player's inevitable defeat reflect the absurdity of life and the idea that meaning and value come from struggle itself, rather than any final victory or conclusion.

4. Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: On a more contemporary note, "Robotron: 2084" raises ethical questions about artificial intelligence and its implications for humanity. The robots, originally designed to serve humans but now their adversaries, symbolize the ethical dilemmas and potential dangers associated with AI. This aspect of the game prompts philosophical inquiry into the responsibilities of creators towards their creations and the ethical limits of artificial intelligence.

5. Nostalgia and the Human Psyche: From a more psychological perspective, the game's retro style and enduring popularity can be seen as an embodiment of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times. This raises questions about the human tendency to idealize the past and whether such nostalgia is a comforting escape or a barrier to confronting current realities.

6. Aesthetics and the Nature of Video Games as Art: "Robotron: 2084," with its distinctive 1980s arcade graphics and sound, contributes to the philosophical discussion about video games as a form of art. The game's style, gameplay, and enduring appeal challenge traditional notions of what constitutes artistic merit and invite players to consider the artistic value inherent in game design and the interactive experience.

In conclusion, "Robotron: 2084," while ostensibly a simple arcade game, offers rich material for philosophical exploration. Themes of man versus machine, individual versus collective, the absurdity of endless struggle, ethical considerations of AI, the role of nostalgia, and the nature of video games as art all converge in this classic game, demonstrating the profound potential for video games to engage with deep philosophical concepts and questions.

[jonathanwrotethis]

Falling off the internet

For the last several evenings a thought burrowed away at the back of my mind - that I hadn't written anything in the blog recently, and that I didn't really have anything to share. In the past I wouldn't have let that stop me.

I had a conversation with my eldest daughter in the week - about her potentially starting an online diary to chart her internal battles with anxiety and depression - to empty her head. She asked what she might write about when she has nothing to write about - how to deal with the pressure of having to write something. I recalled a poster I once saw on the internet:

"I have nothing to say, and I'm saying it".

The conversation went round in circles, but ended on the thought that what we share doesn't have to be for others. It can be for ourselves. People are not forced to read anything we share - but they may choose to - just as we may choose to read what others share.

Given that politics is dominating the news at the moment, I can't help feeling frustration with those polluting social networks with instructions of who to vote for and why. I find myself questioning just how myopic many people are - how conceited they are in presuming that everybody else shares their thoughts, values and concerns.

I wanted to reply to each and every post that people should make their own mind up based on their own concerns, and vote the way they wish to without either telling anybody or trying to influence others.

I wonder what it is that causes people to form groups? I've never read anything about psychology and sociology - but the whole "collectivism versus individuality" thing interests me. Why do some people feel the need to be part of something? To search out other like-minded folk and advertise their associations? Am I the only one that sees the short step from advertising one opinion to belittling another?

I saw a picture of Ricky Gervais yesterday - taken from an interview where he was being questioned on his lack of faith of belief in a "creator". His reaction went along the lines of "there are however-many thousand gods believed in by billions of people throughout the planet - who each believe theirs is the truth - but you're saying that only yours is the true one".

It's not just religion.

I got called an "influencer" the other day, because of the YouTube channel. I've never been called it before. At first I wasn't happy with the label, but then I received a wonderful email from somebody that changed my persective. He thanked me for keeping the content I share focused on a given subject - without misdirection, click-bait titles, and marketing gimmickery. He thanked me for remaining transparent, honest, humble, and never pretending to be anything I am not.

If my "influence" is to be yourself in the face of an army of others telling you what to believe, what to think, how to look, how to act, what to be interested in, what to be concerned about, and whatever else, then I'm more than happy with that.

While walking into town with my youngest daughter yesterday somehow the topic turned around to the money I make from YouTube, and how she might do the same in her spare time. I tried to impress upon her that the most valuable commodity she has is who she is - and to protect that at all costs. I tried to explain that traction online is a byproduct of generating content that is interesting, entertaining or educational to somebody - and that being consistent, trustworthy, and transparent about who you are is everything. After a while people don't seek you for the content - they find you for you - because they want to know what you think, or what you're doing.

Given her recent relationships - learning the hard way about trust, veracity, influence, and manipulation, I hope the penny dropped.

We talked about the army of identities out there on the internet that consist of names and numbers. While many of them are the result of marketing morons pouring vast swathes of fake identities into the melting pot, a lot of them are also the worst of us - those that have been repeatedly banned and blocked - pedalling hate, taking advantage of the vulnerable, and trying to influence the easily led.

Anyway.

This turned into a bit of a brain dump, didn't it.

I'll finish the post with my closing thoughts to my daughter yesterday:

"Be yourself, and try not to be what other people want you to be. If you're not happy or proud about what you're doing, who you're with, or what they're asking you to do, maybe take a step back and ask yourself why you're there at all".

[sunder-the-gold]

Collectivism versus Individualism

@gsirvitor @philosophicalconservatism @lockedkey

Could you provide your own thoughts to help me sort out these concepts?

Axiom A: American Conservatives tend to be individualists, whereas Progressives tend to be collectivists. Both in terms of personal versus collective responsibility, and in terms of independence versus codependence. [Some on either side of the divide define 'individualism' and 'self-reliance' to the point of 'living as a hermit', but I think most individualists do not interpret it so.]

Axiom B: Yet American Conservatives tend to believe in the value of family, particularly nuclear family, blood ties, and marriage. Whereas Progressives tend to abandon their families for any ideological disagreement, prefer self-selected friend groups ("found family") over biological kin (and will disown them just as quickly), and put much less stock in getting married or having children.

Axiom C: Progressives / collectivists accuse American conservatives / individualists of promoting the atomization of society, whereby communities break apart into completely disconnected individuals who only look out for their own self-interests.

Axiom D: Yet a society where everyone depends more on government welfare than on their family, and more on social security (paid for by total strangers) than their own children for retirement, and in fact where no one gets married and children are artificially bred and owned by the state... is not only the most atomized that humanity could be, it more closely resembles the society that progressives want than the one conservatives want.

Thesis Question: Why would collectivists simultaneously decry and yet advocate for a fully-atomized society, while individualists would seek to promote and preserve interconnected families and communities?

Hypothesis A: Collectivism dismisses each individual as a fungible, identical, completely-interchangeable member of a larger group. A single grain of sand on the beach. To atomize society is to realize collectivism, therefore collectivists promote that outcome in practice even as they want to believe they act against it.

Hypothesis B: American conservatism sees each individual as unique, non-fungible, irreplaceable. A distinct organ within a living creature, where an eyeball and a kidney cannot be switched without consequence. To see other individuals as sacred is to build families and communities.

[spider-xan]

I'm going to have to return to this thought later and elaborate, but if you're going to re-imagine Jekyll as a MOC in an otherwise direct adaptation of the novella and want to be thoughtful about it, you have to understand that the original story is NOT race-neutral or culture-neutral outside of the physiognomy - Jekyll being a WHITE man absolutely plays a role in his characterization and motivations, and while MOC are not a monolith and there are nuances depending on the specific race and ethnicity, personal reputation would not be his only concern and cause for repression if he was not white in Victorian society; you have to think in terms of white individualism versus collectivism that is not uncommon in many non-white cultures, both in terms of who bears the burden of collective guilt if even one person behaves poorly and how that might weigh on someone's conscience - and who is afforded the privilege of being seen as an individual.

[absylphe]

The Cultural Background Of Growing Up On Alternia Is So Antithetical To Having Kids

Which Is Not So Much About The Actual Act Of Creating Or Parenting So Much As It Is That A Parent-Child Relationship Is So Different From The More Standard Mutualistic Relationship Between A Juvenile Troll And Their Lusus And It Is Incompatible With The Culture Of Hyper-Individualism And The Common Tendencies To Practice Resource Guarding

This Is To Say

I Find It As Difficult At Times To “Share” Parentage Of My Wrigglers (“Our” Wrigglers Versus “My” Wrigglers) As At Times I Do To Share Ownership Of My Hive With My Wrigglers (“Our” Hive Versus “My” Hive)

Handfasting Is Very Uncommon With None Of The Legal Comforts That Humans Are Used To (The Strength Of Something Like A Will To Actually Bequeath The Dead’s Property Would Entirely Depend Upon Their Quadrants’ Strength And Willingness To Execute Their Wishes) And As Adults In The Modern Era We Were Not Really Expected To Own Personal Property Like Our Ancestors Did In The First Place

My Ancestor’s Cavern Upbringing (Collectivism In An Otherwise Individualist Society And Knowledge Of Juvenile Needs And Growth Stages) Probably Helped Shape Her Expectations And Ability To Do Everything She Did

At Times It Feels Easy But It Is Even Easier To Slip Back Into Thinking Of Myself First

[sugiwa]

HELLO! Completely new reader here who just…BINGED the entirety of what heroes do in the last five days. @.@ What a ride, what a feast, I am OBSESSED, I bow before your writing prowess. It easily became one of my top fics that just sucked me in. So much is just so good, and there were just so many moments where I burst out cackling in public!Seriously, Bakugo/Izumi is my BNHA OTP now. I can’t go back. ToT I do love opposites attracting, but there’s something lovely about two storms colliding and forming an even bigger storm. Izumi is complicated and multi-faceted, and you’ve used that to further demonstrate and expand on the complexities and depth of the canonical characters.

If you don’t mind, I have a…lot of flailing and questions. Please don’t feel obligated to read the entirety of it or answer. Long story short is that I SUPPORT YOU. YOU DO SO GOOD! 

(Sugiwa: I answered them below the cut 🥰)

Seriously, I don’t know what I like more! The banter, characters, the poetry of themes and parallels woven throughout the story, the spectacular technicality of the writing~ ToT On one hand, I am never going to get over Izumi’s comeback about Bakugo having a bigger cup size than her. This now lives in my head rent-free. It’s been on my mind for a week now. On the other, after the last chapter, I’m privately entertaining and snickering over the scenario where Dabi snarls back something snarky and cutting about little hero girls who can’t keep their fucking mouths shut, and Hawk being “…so Izumi-chan did know, the HSPC won’t be happy about this”. The irony of Dabi outing Izumi after both of them agonized over her outing him is golden entertainment but also demonstrates that you really managed to create multiple relationship with an OC that we’re incredibly invested in.

Meanwhile, from one writer to another, I love both the way you flesh out the characters as people as well as their interactions, but also the WAY you write things. There’s this bit of jarring dissonance between what readers are able to pick up from a character’s (especially Izumi) internal processing compared to how their seen in-world at large and as per individual, but in a way that’s so REAL and relatable rather than off-putting. Even just the focuses of their thoughts versus what others focus on about them is so realistic and lovely to read and adds depth.

I really like the parallels and contrasts in the story. For example, one of my favorites is the parallel between Endeavor and Rei versus Bakugo and Izumi. Endeavor and Rei maintained an outward appearance of a peaceful, private relationship and a solid family unit/home, their actual relationship and home was fraught, toxic, abusive, and violent. Meanwhile, Bakugo and Izumi have the reverse of that where their everyday, regular interactions give off the impression of a chaotic relationship full of friction where, in reality, they have a very solid, supportive, respectful connection that’s a lot more normal than people would assume. It’s hilarious in a sad sense because everyone in this example are flawed individuals but it’s the two volatile teenagers that are demonstrating better relationship values. Working on bettering themselves, valuing each other as individuals, encouraging and supporting each other, doing their best to be understanding of their own and each other’s shortcomings, etc.

The exploration with Dabi is really interesting too, and I loved that you’re doing another take on it because I’m…not a fan of the canonical take. As someone who grew up in an Asian-American household that had a weird mix of traditional Asian and conservative American values (collectivism vs hyper-individualism X.x), I know that Asian culture puts a lot of weight on family harmony and unity and household piece and assimilation. But as who was also raised in a Western country, I’m not a fan of individual’s sacrificing themselves and enduring their own pain and discomfort for the sake of that harmony. I think that’s why Fuyumi and her insistence of them trying to be one big happy family and her canonically have a slight issue with Natsuo being “the only one…who can’t seem to let bygones be bygones”. I know what it’s like to have family insist you just put up with it and endure like an “adult”, to “not being the nail that sticks out the most”, to not be the discordant note in the harmony, and not to be the disturbance that ruins the occasion for everyone else while others (usually the “heads of the household”) is allowed to make everyone uneasy with their temper tantrums and demonstrative, lingering dissatisfaction. And it’s particularly damning to me with Izumi in the picture, because I have fought my own parents when they’ve over-pressured my younger brother. I have taken him, ran, and hid before. If they’d actually committed violence, I would never forgive them or even mention forgiving them to him. Your fic really expands on the internal struggle of this and adds a bit more weight to Natsuo’s “Why do I have to be the one to make an active effort to change”. A REALLY good OC manages to influence a lot of subtle things just by EXISTING where they do, and highlighting the issue of forgiveness was one way of the many ways you succeeded in it. Just by having Natsuo not being ALONE in this divide, you’ve managed to make it so it’s an issue that divides the family rather than him being the one road bump to the family reuniting in the face of Endeavor’s changed mindset. Not to say his canonical change of heart and growth are not valid or genuine, but we as readers get the benefit of omni-presence. We’ve seen a lot of his unreasonableness, but we’ve also seen some of his reasonableness and growth and struggles. It’s not the same as living through it, so it’s easier to see him as a kind of hero (or at least protagonist) in this story where he helps fight super-powered terrorists. Meanwhile, Dabi is a whole other can of worms, but it’s super interesting to see how he to have mostly fallen for the same illusions that he ranted about everyone else falling for, even when they/he know better. But some consistent flaws of MHA characters are their tunnel vision and insistence on their own vision of things, so I’m digging it. Even when he knows the issues are there, he’s very reluctant to not see “the family” (them moved on and things going well and them living happily, successfully) when he’s had firsthand experience in that the true fraught nature of their family can be hidden beneath a pleasant exterior.

And oh god, I REALLY love Bakugo’s development. It’s slightly canon divergent, but in a super interesting and real way. Canonically, he’s left completely distraught about All Might’s sacrifice but also had to shoulder the weight of being known factor in the events leading up to what’s essentially the destruction of an international pillar. Here though, he’s picking up on how saving people is winning a bit earlier and more viscerally because of very personal losses. It hurts different. The kind of anguish and survivor’s guilt is different. I love how Izumi as an element triggers Bakugo’s natural critical thinking skills (which were always a strength, despite his impulses). I appreciate him being skeptical of the actual All Might in front of him in the way he is with everyone BUT him canonically. In general, the situation with Endeavor and Izumi does what any good OC character should do. Just them being there, creates those subtle ripple and butterfly effects. Despite his attitude of “yes we’re together and that’s a PUBLIC SERVICE on my part”, I love that he has someone he’s DECIDED on and values. It really brings out the best in him.

So onto my questions. They’re kind of all over the place and just built up as I was reading, and I hope it isn’t too troublesome for you.

How harrowing is the next chapter (the aftermath of Izumi revealing Dabi’s identity and her having kept it a secret) going to be emotionally? I know there’s going to be a rough patch with her relationships, but I’m a fragile daffodil that is currently cooing over her MAJOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT and the simple fact that she’s really learning that asking for help can be painless and without strings. I don’t know how much emotional turmoil I can handle. (Which is to say, should I wait for a few chapters before reading your updates?)

Ehh, it's not harrowing so to say. The Hawks side of things has higher stakes, but less tension. Whereas Izumi and friends gotta talk things out and Shouto gets involved, so there’s a lot more tension there. Bakugou does say a lot of things that he normally wouldn’t during these circumstances: aka opinions on the Todoroki affair that he’s kept to himself until now. 

So we know that Izumi’s abilities are affected by vibrations in the air, which makes sense and I figured as much. But is her quirk affected by any natural, external factors the way Avatar’s waterbenders were affected by the moon?

No, it’s mostly just her emotions/state of mind. She does worse in arid/sunny climates since it affects her body more, but she is not stronger at night. 

Does Endeavor know that Natsuo has a girlfriend?

NOOOOOO and Natsuo would love for it to remain that way forever :)

Are Fuyumi and Rei still unaware that Endeavor has withdrawn financial support for Izumi?

They know. Fuyumi pays for her stuff and Endeavor gave the cards to her, but Izumi stubbornly refuses the money now and is happy having her own from the summer job she had. 

I can’t wait to see Endeavor and Endeavor’s reaction to finding out Izumi is actually dating Bakugo trololol. But while we know that Bakugo isn’t like that, are any of Izumi’s family members worried about his volatility and Izumi possibly getting into an abusive relationship.

Rei and Natsuo probably have the biggest reservations, but they get over it pretty quickly once they actually see them together. Plus Bakugou putting everything at risk to go get her kinda sealed the deal. They will have an official meeting tho. 

Is Izumi ever going to call Kota or Ellison Shinseki lol?

Lololol, yes, Kota is going to visit UA, so she’ll talk to him then. As for Ellison...she does keep in touch, but she’ll actually see him again in the future, but that’s for a whole different arc. 

Are we going to see Bakugo and Izumi team up? Whether in a training combat exercise or because of a real threat, it would be super interesting to me.

Yes, but it’s further out. 

Can the water in cells trick she did for Deku work for Bakugo for the strain he gets from dealing with his explosions? Or was that strictly experimental?

Yes and she would get in so much trouble for having done it, but Deku wasn’t a snitch. I would say that blood control is highly highly regulated as Shinsou kinda implied in one chapter. The HPSC have enough details about her blood control to fine her for it, but since she’s been in the spotlight and is still a student, they’ll just keep that knowledge to blackmail her later 😂😂😂

I saw the post about their fandoms, but now I need to know…we have fandoms shipping real people (ex. the Jelena supports). What is the KATSUMI shipping fanbase like? XDDD

So, people don’t really know at first and KATSUMI shippers are kinda seen as crazy for picking up on all these little details. Izumi low-key eggs them on by releasing photos under a fake account. Once it is public knowledge, they’re very supportive and super organized, so if Izumi or Katsuki highlight certain issues, they’re really good at like fundraising, gathering aid, etc. 

10.Who wins the pot the General Class have about the state of Bakugo and Izumi’s relationship?

Shouto. 

11.So they’re the same height now, but what are their adult heights?

Izumi stops growing. Bakugou gets taller. 

12.Would Bakugo and Izumi get married in the future? And if so, what kind of wedding would it be? What kind of shenanigans would they pull trololol?

Hmmm, tbh, I don’t think they’re all that interested in it, but they’d probably elope on a mission and then come back and bet on who figures it out first. Bakugou would 100% mess with everyone. 

13.Double checking because I’m wondering if I missed something, did you have a mermaid AU for what heroes do?

Oh, there was a fantasy AU planned, but it kinda fell to the side. In it, Izumi was a mermaid. 

14.Will the World Mission movie be a part of your fic?

Yes and in a very very big way. 

15.In dorm life, there seems to be the implication that over time, they more and more start cohabitating and living together in a way you might as well take down the wall between them. AND I’M SO READY FOR THIS! Will this still happen in what heroes do or will that just be part of the dorm life AU?

There’s going to be a time skip in the main story and when it happens, certain events will lead to something similar to Dorm Life. I don’t want to spoil too much. 

16.Would Izumi actually break if someone she loves dies?

She would be very very heartbroken, but after some time, would find her way back to doing what she does best. 

17.Very randomly, have you watched Steven Universe? And if you have, in an AU where people can fuse (I know the crossover was popular for a while), what are some headcanons you have about the kind of fusion Bakugo and Izumi would create?

I have not watched it, so I don’t think I’m all that qualified to answer this one!

Thank you again for writing this and I wish you all the best in life and with the upcoming chapters you’re working on! You’ve inspired me to be better with my own storytelling as well! XD

_______________

Sugiwa: There’s not enough of a thanks I can give for such a lovely message and in-depth review of WHD. I promise I’m working hard on the next chapter and hopefully it will be up soon, but thank you for taking this journey and reading the story. I’m so happy it had such an impact on you!! I hope I’ve answered everything, but feel free to drop more questions if you have them ❤️❤️❤️

[fashionbooksmilano]

Klaas Rommelaere Johnny

design and editing: Jurgen Maelfeyt

Art Paper Edition, November 2023, 40 + 16 pages, 24x34cm, ISBN 9789464770841, edition of 500 copies

euro 35,00

email if you want to buy booksinprogressmilano@yahoo.it

In 2021, Klaas Rommelaere saw Adam Curtis' documentary Can't Get You Out of My Head: An Emotional History of the Modern World. Using found footage, Curtis examines the power structures that shape our world. He touches on themes such as individualism versus collectivism, conspiracy theories, American imperialism, the history of China and artificial intelligence.

The nihilism Rommelaere felt reminded him of Mike Leigh's award-winning 1993 film Naked, in which the intellectual but dominant and violent twenty-something Johnny wanders through gloomy post-Thatcherian London and shares his dark world view with anyone who will listen.

Rommelaere incorporates both “Can't Get You Out of My Head" and "Naked” in his new series Johnny, taking screen shots from both films and printing them on textile; one series on cotton and one on velour. In addition to the dark message of both films, Rommelaere also displays his personal images of doom. For example, he has a panicky fear of snakes - a symbol that recurs frequently in this series - and for a period he was afraid of buildings collapsing, a fear he retained from a trip to Tokyo, where earthquakes regularly occur.

Although he does not want to look away from the pain of the world, he instead places something in return: comfort and beauty. An image from a dance performance by Rosas, for example. Or nature in the form of the orchids in his studio. Yoga too. A focus on human anatomy, which stands for vitality. Rommelaere embroiders 'Chaos' on several of his new works, as well as 'react', 'reload', 'recharge'. And so the Johnny series becomes his highly personal attempt to create order out of chaos.

Exhibition at Madé van Krimpen + Booklaunch 04.11 — 16.12 Prinsengracht 615H Amsterdam thu-sat 12:00-18:00

03/02/24

[ferinehuntressmoved]

　⸻ [ O ] VERVIEW OF PILTOVER .

Piltover is a rich culture filled with multiple different aspects that often reflect its sister city, Zaun. A lot of my concepts below involve a mix of Piltover from Arcane (primarily), research of League's Piltover, and my own personally headcanons from my studies and research as an Anthropologist. Below is a overview of important concepts and views to understand Piltover and its relationship to Zaun.

All headcanons can be found under #piltover lore specific . tag.

Information and understand of Zaun's culture can be found here, made by @shimmerbeasts. Some of Piltover's headcanons are influenced by Miss T, with permission.

Piltover's society is an oligarchy Aristocracy, meaning that it is ruled by the few who are part of the nobility. Those of higher 'birth' rule and make the decision for society as a whole.

Unlike Zaun where violence is accepted and expected, Violence is not approved and condoned. Everyone learns how to use manipulation and lies and are expected to build themselves up around this mask of power through words.

Piltover is organized by a caste system. This means the caste you are born into is where you stand, and it is difficult to progress out of it. If you are born in a lower house, most likely that is where you will be for life. It is very rare to climb up the ladder into the high class/nobility class but it can happen.

The caste system works as so: Spur Houses (Lower Piltovan families), Bevel Houses (Middle Piltovan families), and Helical Houses (High Piltovan families), and the four is the Planetary Houses (Noble families). Those of Zaun are considered in a fifth ranked hereditary, called Hypoids (Outcast, also referred to as Strays).

Despite progressive 'expression', everyone is expected to fall into line. Fit into a box, as it is called. You work for the greatness of Piltover and not yourself. Science and Technology rule, where the arts are taught but rarely encouraged. You follow the standard of rules and fit into place. Everything has their place, every cog and every gear. there is no individuality, but Collectivism. The priority is Piltover, not the poeple of Piltover. Everyone works for the betterment of piltover.

There are a lot of darker implications in Piltover, despite the idea of the shining city of hope in the sunlight. Black Markets exist, Indentured servitude/slavery, illegal trade and poaching, manipulation behind doors and blackmail. Piltover is ruled by lies and manipulation; You have to be in with good people otherwise you will fall prey. If you can't learn "The Game" then you are prey to it.

Because of Piltover's power, they control the cultural aspects of what is right and wrong and often work to keep Zaun under its boot. Piltover follows the concept of "this is how it is done and always has been done" and therefore believed their ethnocentric view of their culture is the right one and Zaun is wrong.

Zaun is built upon predation and predatory animals within the very blood of its people (as zaunites are descended from Vastayans). Piltover, on the other hand, have very few people who are predator animals (such as lions, leopard seals, falcons, etc...). Much like Piltover congregates as a group, the collectivism of Piltover, so do they form as prey animals in herds (zebra, elephants, buffalo, etc...).

Current list of Headcanons (will update as I make more)

◈　Caste System ― link. ◈　Kiramman House and Influences ― link. ◈　Piltovan Naming Traditions ― link. ◈　Piltovan Cuisine ― link. ◈　Indentured Servitude ― link. ◈　House Interconnections ― link. ◈　House Intelligencers, Swords, and Shields ― to be written. ◈　Architecture ― to be written. ◈　Piltovan Symmetry versus Zaun Asymmetry ― to be written. ◈　Piltovan Prey Vastaya Bloodline ― to be written. ◈　Black Market & Trade ― to be written. ◈　Societal Culture and Upbringing ― to be written.

[world-cinema-research]

Four Favorite Films (Cultural Dimensions)

Cali Schaefer

Out of all the films we watched this quarter my four favorite films to watch were,"Bonnie and Clyde by Arthur Penn", "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by David Fincher","Deep Red by Dario Argento", and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre by Tode Hooper". From Hofstede, Trompenauer, and Lewis, the two cultural dimensions I found to be the most relevant to analyzing movies during this course were mainly from Hofstede. From Hofstede’s cultural dimensions the two I found the most relevant to analyzing movies were Masculinity Versus Femininity and Individualism Versus Collectivism.

For my four films Masculinity Versus Femininity and Individualism Versus Collectivism show up a lot for example in "Bonnie and Clyde by Arthur Penn", at the beginning of the film Clyde was very masculine only caring about wanting to rob banks and having a get away partner, while Bonnie being feminine wanted love from Clyde and romance. I also think Individualism Versus Collectivism would be in this film too, collectivism because when robbing banks they need to work in a tight framework and Individualism because once they finish robbing banks they celebrate by drinking. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by David Fincher", too had Masculinity Versus Femininity. At the end of the film this is shown as Daisy (Benjamin’s lover) has found love and romance in him with a baby on the way , but for Benjamin since he is aging backwards he doesn’t think he would be fit for a father being assertive he leaves all this money for Daisy and the baby. Leaving both of them to go live his life in a new country. 

When it comes to "Deep Red by Dario Argento", I believe Individualism Versus Collectivism would best fit because Marcus is working undercover to find a killer on the loose, always watching his back. When he is with his partner Gianna, he loosens up to her finding clues and running around town for clues. Finally, for “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre by Tode Hooper" it has Individualism Versus Collectivism shown in the film. For example the dinner scene at the end of the film. Collectivism, Leather face spends his day/ night chasing Sally to make his family proud working hard and at dinner the family is making jokes and is having grandpa try to kill Sally but they waste time and she gets away. I think the two Hofstede’s cultural dimensions I picked best fit for my four favorite films and there may have been different or better cultural dimensions but after watching the films it was a good choice for the two.

[fantajoseph]

I think a common mistake when talking about individualism versus collectivism is thinking the latter asks for uniformity. You see this a lot from TERFs who consider themselves Marxist. And there certainly are collectivist cultures that do ask for uniformity. But while individualist cultures might not make that request, they do still stamp out difference, because the only kind of person in an individualist society is the kind who can survive an individualist society. There are many more ways of being when you live in an interconnected web than when you are forced to be your own island.

[cultual-psychology]

Module 6:

As I journey through the fascinating world of cultural psychology, I've begun to uncover the intricate ways in which my culture shapes my health, well-being, and overall worldview.  This blog has served as a reflective journal, linking the concepts and knowledge about culture to my own experiences. Through this exploration, I have gained deeper insights into my cultural self and how it influences my daily life.

Understanding Cultural Influences on Physical Health:

One of the most striking revelations from this module is the profound impact of culture on physical health.  Despite the universal nature of human physiology, cultural differences significantly shape how illnesses manifest and are treated.  For example, in my own culture, there is a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, and we do regular check-ups.  This contrasts with some cultures where medical intervention is sought primarily in emergencies, which is usually due to factors such as a region's availability and access to healthcare.  Reflecting on this, I realize how my upbringing instilled a proactive approach to health, also valuing regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Contemporary News and Cultural Perspectives:

As I've previously mentioned, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how cultural practices influence health outcomes. Different countries adopted varied strategies to combat the virus, from strict lockdowns to herd immunity approaches. These decisions were deeply rooted in cultural values, such as individual freedom versus collective responsibility.  Observing these differences has made me appreciate the cultural underpinnings of public health policies and how they reflect broader societal values.

Family History and Its Impact:

My family's history has also significantly shaped my thoughts and feelings. My grandfather is of native descent, which has led me to inherit a blend of cultural values from Indigenous practices and my Canadian culture. This duality has influenced my perspectives on health and well-being. For instance, traditional remedies and modern medicine coexist in our household, reflecting a hybrid cultural approach to health.

Beliefs and Values, Direct and Inferred:

Many of my beliefs and values were directly imparted through family discussions, educational settings, and religious teachings.  However, some were inferred through personal experiences and societal reactions.  For example, my views on mental health have evolved significantly. Growing up, mental health was not necessarily a taboo subject but rarely discussed openly. However, growing up, as the mental health movement began and with the contemporary discourse on mental health, my understanding has been reshaped, making me more empathetic and open to seeking help when needed.

Interaction Patterns and Cultural Conventions:

Cultural and social conventions undoubtedly influence my daily interactions.  In professional settings, I adhere to a formal, mature communication style, reflecting the hierarchical nature of my culture.  Conversely, in informal settings such as with friends, there's a greater emphasis on collectivism and community, where relationships and social bonds are paramount, leading to a relaxed, friendly environment.  These patterns highlight the adaptability required to navigate different cultural contexts seamlessly.

Comfort with Cultural Self:

My position within a multicultural society influences my comfort with my cultural self. Navigating multiple cultural identities can be complex, but it has also given me a unique lens through which to view the world, allowing me to appreciate the richness of cultural diversity.  

Health and Well-being, Cultural Values and Practices:

Finally, my health and well-being are deeply intertwined with cultural values and practices.  While some cultural norms, like communal eating and family support, positively impact my well-being, others, such as some social stigmas, can be detrimental.  Recognizing these influences helps me make conscious choices that align with my well-being while challenging norms that may no longer serve me.

Overall, this journey through cultural psychology is a continuous process of self-discovery and reflection.  By understanding how culture shapes health and well-being, I am better equipped to navigate my cultural landscape and appreciate the diverse influences that make me who I am.  I plan to continue exploring these themes, linking academic concepts to personal experiences, and gaining a deeper understanding of my cultural self.

[boredtechnologist]

CAPCOM's "Resident Evil" for the PlayStation console

Reviewing CAPCOM's "Resident Evil" from a philosophical perspective involves examining its narrative, themes, and gameplay mechanics, and interpreting them in light of broader existential, ethical, and sociopolitical questions.

1. Fear, Survival, and the Human Condition: At its core, "Resident Evil" is a survival horror game that places players in situations of intense fear and vulnerability. Philosophically, this setting can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition in an indifferent or hostile universe. The game's emphasis on survival amidst overwhelming odds mirrors existentialist themes where individuals must find meaning and assert their will to live in the face of absurdity and existential dread.

2. The Ethics of Biotechnology and Scientific Responsibility: "Resident Evil" delves into the realm of biotechnology, with the narrative centered around the unethical practices of the Umbrella Corporation and the catastrophic outbreak caused by their experiments. This aspect raises philosophical questions about the ethical boundaries of scientific research, the responsibility of scientists towards society, and the moral implications of playing god through genetic manipulation and biological weaponry.

3. Corporate Power and Moral Corruption: The portrayal of the Umbrella Corporation in "Resident Evil" provides a platform for critiquing corporate power and moral corruption. The corporation's disregard for human life in pursuit of profit and power reflects broader philosophical discussions about the ethics of capitalism, corporate governance, and the potential moral decay inherent in unchecked corporate ambitions.

4. The Nature of Evil and Moral Ambiguity: "Resident Evil" explores the nature of evil, both in its literal monstrous forms and through the actions of the Umbrella Corporation. The game challenges players to consider what constitutes evil: is it an inherent quality, a result of external corruption, or a consequence of moral choices? The game's narrative and the moral ambiguity of some characters encourage reflection on the complexities of moral judgment and the thin line between good and evil.

5. Identity and Transformation: Throughout the game, characters and enemies undergo physical and psychological transformations. These transformations raise philosophical questions about identity and the self. What makes us human? How does the mutation of the body affect the mind and identity? The game invites players to explore the concept of the self and the impact of external changes on one’s identity.

6. Isolation, Cooperation, and the Human Connection: "Resident Evil" often places characters in isolated environments, highlighting themes of loneliness and the human need for connection. Yet, at the same time, cooperation and trust between characters are crucial for survival. This interplay reflects philosophical ideas about individualism versus collectivism and the importance of human relationships and cooperation in overcoming adversity.

In conclusion, CAPCOM's "Resident Evil" is a game that, beyond providing horror and entertainment, offers a rich ground for philosophical exploration. It engages with themes of fear and the human condition, the ethics of biotechnology, corporate morality, the nature of evil, identity and transformation, and the value of human connection. Through its immersive narrative and gameplay, it prompts players to confront complex ethical dilemmas and existential questions, making it a deeply thought-provoking experience.

[claudesuggestions]

Individualism versus Collectivism: Part 7

My Query:

How can societies strike a balance between individual self-determination and a sense of shared responsibility?

~~~~~

Claude-3-Haiku's Response:

Striking a balance between individual self-determination and a sense of shared responsibility is a challenging but crucial undertaking for societies. Here are some key approaches that can help:

1. Promote civic engagement and participation:

Encourage citizens to actively engage in democratic processes, community organizations, and public discourse.

Foster a culture of civic duty and collective problem-solving.

Empower individuals to have a meaningful voice in shaping the policies and institutions that affect their lives.

2. Reinforce social safety nets and shared public goods:

Maintain a robust social welfare system to ensure a basic standard of living and access to essential services.

Invest in high-quality public education, infrastructure, healthcare, and other public goods that benefit the whole community.

Ensure these systems are designed to uplift individual dignity and autonomy, not constrain it.

3. Cultivate a culture of empathy and mutual understanding:

Promote cross-cultural exchanges, dialogues, and exposure to diverse perspectives.

Instill values of compassion, cooperation, and concern for the common good in education and public discourse.

Recognize the inherent worth and humanity in each individual, even those with differing views.

4. Balance individual rights with collective responsibilities:

Protect core individual freedoms and civil liberties through strong constitutional frameworks.

Simultaneously enshrine civic duties and limitations on individual actions that may harm the broader community.

Strive for a dynamic equilibrium that avoids both rampant individualism and oppressive collectivism.

5. Decentralize power and encourage local autonomy:

Devolve decision-making to the most local and community-oriented levels possible.

Empower citizens and communities to shape their own destinies within a broader national/regional context.

Foster a sense of personal stake and responsibility in the wellbeing of one's immediate community.

The specific balance will vary across cultures and political systems, but the overarching principles involve creating an environment where individual liberty, self-determination, and collective solidarity can coexist and reinforce one another. It's a delicate but essential balance to strike.