



E

veryone knows that individualism is a fundamental trait of Western Civilization. Everyone likes to contrast "the individualism of the West" to "the collectivism of the East". Everyone claims that individualistic nations value self-sufficiency, personal choices, and self-interest, whereas collectivist nations value the needs of the group or nation as a whole. In most of the quick readings and lectures offered online there is a palpable bias in favor of the values of collectivism. Westerners tend to be portrayed as selfish promoters of the "inalienable right" of the individual to pursue his own happiness as he sees fit and keep the product of his effort. Non-Westerners tend to be portrayed as believers in the "greater good" of the community over the self-centered interests of the individual. The collectivism of non-Western cultures is also painted as more sensible and realistic in believing that the individual can only exist within a society that confers him rights and allows him to enjoy his welfare and happiness.