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The Relationship Between Democracy & Individualism A modern dictionary might define democracy as a state of government. However, the concept of democracy can be interpreted as a state in society and a way of life. Things like equality, the right to vote, and majority rule come to mind when speaking of Democracy. It is intended to let everyone express his or her own opinion without consequence. This expression of individual thoughts is related to the concept of individualism. This concept refers to the differences and expression that makes every person in our society distinct.
Even though democracy is intended to promote individualism, it actually hinders it. In this paper, I will argue that democracy is not consistent with individualism. Individualism occurs constantly only from the people who wish to express it. The Concept of Democracy equates with right to vote, majority rule, equality, choice, and freedom. The foundations of our modern government are based on these terms and are seen throughout our society everyday. An example of this is that the public in a democratic state.
Every one has one single vote to decide on the candidate that will represent their needs. However, democracy can be seen beyond the lines of government and into our everyday life. Whether a person is elected by individuals to represent a union, a captain of a sports team is elected by its teammates, or someone chooses not to vote for personal reasons, democracy exists in all forums of society. Individualism refers to the differences in personality, attitudes and beliefs that each individual possesses, and the way one chooses to express themselves. It is what makes each and every individual different. People express their individualism in a variety of ways.
A religious leader will express his opinions about the bible to his congregation through speech. Pablo Picasso was able to express his emotions through his paintings. Steven Spielberg also expresses his individualism through the way he directs movies. All of his movies that the public sees are shown from his point of view.
These examples illustrate that individualism is expressed differently from each individual, and is done so by choice. Consistency refers to patterns, reoccurrence, and cooperation of two or more events. The example of day following the night is consistent. We can rely that there will always be a day following night. Another case of consistency occurs is death.
We can rely on the fact that people will eventually die. This is a steady fact we can depend on. For a relationship of two independent events or terms to occur consistently we must have an unavoidable pattern that consists between the events or terms. For democracy to be related with Individualism, an obvious relationship of a pattern must occur which we can depend on. Democracy cannot be consistent with individualism because of the variety of forces that separate the events and denotes the true concepts.
There are many outside influences that result from the tools of democracy that changes our expressions of personality and opinion. In the parliament of Canada, members are elected through a democratic process. These politicians express the views of outside influences like party beliefs and those of lobbyists that support their campaign. If a politician expresses views of their own through speech that is different from their party, they have a higher chance of being relinquished of their position and financial support they receive. Another case that illustrates outside influence is the concept of fashion.
Influences like media in a democratic society have a right to freedom of press, as outlined in the charter of rights and freedoms. Certain types of media portray certain fashions and trends people should follow. These pressures hit society in the form of how to look and dress. One cannot express their true individualistic qualities if they are constantly reminded what to look like.
These cases explain that the idea of influence in a democratic society dissolves a constant relationship between democracy and individualism. Majority rule is a term synonymous with democracy. In a democratic state, majority rule is the basis for all laws, and bills passed in government. This notion of majority rule hinders individualistic behaviour because an individual must act upon decisions made by the majority. One case illustrating this point are the laws made in government. Laws are passed when the majority agrees to do so.
One law states that all signs in Quebec must be written in French first. This takes the freedom of a store owner who may not agree with the law and has the desire to express himself through his sign only in English. There are also many criminal laws that prohibit individualistic behaviour. Someone who wishes to express themselves through musical instruments may not do so at certain times of the day for it might affect others. This individualistic expression of playing instruments when prohibited violates the democratic rule of what is best for majority. These cases explain that the democratic tool of majority rules hinders individualism, thus, breaking any pattern of consistency between democracy and Individualism Democracy and individualism are two concepts that share terms such as choice and freedom.
However consistency refers to an unavoidable pattern between the two terms. There are many cases that illustrate that democracy and individualism do not follow a pattern, therefore making the two terms inconsistent. Democracy as a concept has many ideal notions about the rights of the individual, but even more so, the rights for the majority. The tools used in democracy hinder true individualism in all levels of society. It is up only to the individual to express themselves in situations where they feel comfortable. Democracy does not have to exist to do so.
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