Member-only story
CULTURE
How Individualism is Tainting Efforts to Foster Positive Social Change
Collectivism challenges crab-in-a-barrel mentality
To reignite the movement to foster positive social change for Black Americans and the country at large, we must confront the pervasive culture of individualism. Many believe personal success should stand as the ultimate life goal and, in doing so, disregard the well-being of their broader communities. This value system inflames existing disparities, with researchers warning that the “median Black household would reach $0 by the year 2053” and “the same would happen to the median Latino household by 2073,” respectively if the United States continues along its current trajectory.
What happens when someone transcends their socio-economic origins? The iconic 1970s sitcom “The Jeffersons” and its theme song “Movin’ On Up” embody the intoxicating allure of attaining the American dream, a “piece of the pie.” For those born without privilege, obtaining individual success provides relief from the harsh realities of being poor in this country. And it’s often a source of great pride. However, this success can also fuel apathy toward the struggles of communities left behind, inadvertently fostering a “crabs-in-a-barrel” mentality.
