A few week ago, a school fellow wrote some posts on 'Individualism and Communities'. It was a series of discussion about the self-interested aim in community development. Is it wrong to have self-interest in community work? Below is my sharing with my school fellows.
Everyone has self-interest. Self-interest is fine as far as it has not turned us into self-centredness (Andrews 1989). Self-interest ignites our passion and motivates us to do something better. If we join others who share our interest, we open ourselves to others and learn from one another. However, self-centredness prevents us from connecting with one another in a trusted relationship and creates wall of alienation, that is deterrent to build an inclusive community.
The major problem of individualism is self-centredness. Self-centredness is the preoccupation with self. It is a selfish act. Andrews (1989:46) reflects ‘selfishness cannot be dealt with by engaging in more analysis of self. It is ironic that any effort to deal with selfishness by introspective reflection only makes us more selfish. We become preoccupied with our own improvement as a person… and that is essentially selfish.’ To deal with selfishness, we need to be others-oriented by giving up the preoccupation with ourselves. We need to turn our self-reflection to others-reflection, reflection from the eyes of others and reflection together with others.
Reference:
ANDREWS, Dave (1989) Can You Hear the Heartbeat: a challenge to the way Jesus cared, Hodder and Stoughton, London
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Hello Ada,
ReplyDeleteWell, very interesting and impressive. Thanks so much for your sharing. Keep going.
Good lucks,
Hung
Thank you Hung. ^^
ReplyDeleteHi Ada,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hung, very very interesting. I come from an anthropology background where reflexivity is drummed into our being year after year, in order to reflect on what we each do, say and how we interact with others, particularly those we are studying and those most vulnerable. I also come from a strong family background that has always promoted individualism, not as a selfish means, but as a way of sharing gifts with others. Each thing we can identify within ourselves as unique and different is something we have to offer to others. At least that's the way I've always looked at it.
Anyhow, good topic and I look forward to learning more. I've noted the source. ;)
See you soon,
Alex
Thank you Alex.
ReplyDelete