Indivualism Versus Collectivism

Individualism (n.)

1. the habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant.
2. a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.

Collectivism (n.)

1. the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it.

Read "Of Me I Sing: Americans Construct An Opt-Out Society," an article from NPR that briefly explores the on-going conflict between individualism and collectivism currently occuring in American society.

What are your thoughts?

Leave a comment on this post by midnight, Wednesday, April 2nd.

Be thoughtful and original!

Are Women Less Corrupt Than Men?

NPR's "13.7: Cosmos & Culture" blog is devoted to exploring the relationship between society and science. It is a mixture of physics and metaphysics if you will.

Today's article explores the scientific basis of the perception that women are somehow more virtuous and less corrupt than men: "Are Women Less Corrupt Than Men?"

It is an interesting thought, especially when the theory is applied to The Crucible. Is Abigail somehow more virtuous than the corrupt, greedy, and power-hungry men that have created the stifiling patriarchy, rife with hypocrisy and systematic oppression, the very society that she rebels against?

Read the article and respond to the following questions in the comment section of this post:

• What is the relationship between gender, government, and the perception of corruption?
• How does this article affect your perception of The Crucible? Is Abigail absolved of any of her guilt? Explain.

Your responses are due by midnight, October 3rd. Late responses will not count!