Individual Collectivism

Thursday, 7 December 2006
7.04pm
Koningsstraat, Amsterdam

I was in the toilet (don't ask) when I started reading Arya's textbook (again, don't ask). Geert Hofstede was explaining about a research conducted in nine European countries. What would you prefer, freedom or equality? Of course the most preferrable is both, however if you had to choose, would you choose: A. Ensuring freedom for all, that is, everyone has a chance to develop themselves; or B. Ensuring equality, that no underpriviledged gets left behind.

The results were that the more individualistic the country, the higher possibility they would chose freedom. The more collectivistic the country, the higher possibility they would choose equality. Thus, freedom is a typical ideology held by an individualist country and equality is a consistent ideology held by a collectivist country.

Of course, Inaya would self-reflect (self-centered as she is) and deduct the findings on a personal level as today she was especially bugged. I wrote a paper with everything I had, I structured it the best I could, I proof-read it, I did my readings - but I got a 7,5. Which is not bad... Until I peeked to the grades others got...

The disappointment that surged into me because I knew I didn't do as good as other people did - as an academic I would objectively say the reaction falls into the indicators of individualist behaviour. Competition, the concept of winning and losing. While in my head, theoretically speaking, I am a strong arguer for cooperation as opposed to competition, discussion as opposed to debating and so forth (you get the idea). But on a personal level, it is pretty astonishing to see how I can't even be consistent applying my theoretical frameworks into my empirical everyday life.

I guess knowing things doesn't necessarily mean you could incorporate it comprehensively and consistently in all aspects. Maybe knowing is one step and applying is the next step.

I talked this over with Arya and he argues that he would characterise me as masculine (assertive, aggressive, competitive) which to some extent also relates to individualistic behaviours. Then again, how come I choose feminine (collective, caring, social) fields to work in (NGO, education)? The inconsistencies bug me tremendously.

Perhaps it's personal preference, at the end of the day - about knowing yourself and what you want. Personal validation and ways to cope with failures. It's what you're aiming and ways to achieve them. If I want to share, therefore individualistic ideas cannot accomodate that purpose. If I want to excel, then individualistic ideas are mandatory. Or maybe it's never that simple. You might need individualistic characteristics in certain situations and collectivistic in others.

Perhaps the main rationale is: what it is you want and what means you should adopt to achieve them. After all, there is no absolute right and wrong. There are alternatives and considerations and consequences. If you are really lucky, you might learn something in the process. And sometimes, or at many times, that's the thing that counts the most.

Welcome to the World, Baby Kaylila!

Female.
3.1 kg.
48 cm.

My sister's nose and her husband's lips (and some Chinese dude's eyes). I cannot wait to see her with my own eyes. I hope she grows fat and healthy enough to come visit me (kenapa gak kebalikannya? Hahaha kan udah healthy and fat).

Kisses from abroad, little one. You will meet your auntie in time.

Just an Ordinary Thursday Night with the Girls

Thursday night class dinner party.

Note: Every winter, my sinus gets worse. Sometimes my voice can become especially nazel that, of course, catches the attention of the extraordinary auditory-sensitive Greek, Lena.

Inaya: And then he said--
Lena: *meniru dengan suara yg cempreng dari idung* And then he said--
Inaya: Stop doing that, I don't sound that bad.
Lena: ET.. Phone home.. *lengkap dengan jari telunjuk style*
Inaya: *ngambek mode on*
Lena: You should know that many singers take lessons so they can sound nazel for French medieval songs.
Inaya: Is that supposed to make me feel better?
Lena: Who wanted to make you feel better?
Inaya: Well at least I don't laugh with one eye shut *offense is the best defense*.
Lena: Well at least I am not short.
Inaya: What are you talking about, we have the same height you freak.
Lena: No we don't, I'm taller! *berdiri penuh harga diri*.
Inaya: All Indonesians are short. There I'm the tallest. They're as small as my thumb.
Lena: *gak dengerin* Thera, who's taller Inaya or me?
Thera: Who cares, I'm still taller than both of you.
Agne: *rokok di tangan kiri, red wine di tangan kanan. Lidah melet2*

I am going to miss these girls so much when everything is done. I hate goodbyes.