During WWII, I can became We can as exhibited in the popular Rosie the Riveter poster. Seventy-five years later, as we mark the anniversary of VJ Day, there is not much we left–it got we-weed away.
The almIghty I has become I CAN do almost anything I want whether it benefits me or anyone else. Whether it’s
- wearing a mask,
- maintaining social distancing,
- peaceful protest,
- voting on legislation that may move this country forward
we have become so locked in our I Can isolation that we will harm ourselves, our country, and our future.
It takes us a while to get used to anything that might preclude us from doing what we want, whenever we want:
- Wearing seat belts
- Smoking in restaurants, bars, grocery store check out lines, and on airlines
- Wearing shoes and shirts in a restaurant
- Giving everyone an equal opportunity to
- vote,
- apply for jobs and higher education
- marry whoever we’d like
- live wherever we can afford
But most of us get there eventually.
e-Quips 
Sad, but accurate, commentary.
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Agreed. Thanks for commenting.
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There does seem to be a lot of ‘I’ but there have been some good examples of ‘we’ too.
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Some. Wish there were more.
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Most of us may “get there eventually,” but those who have no intention of getting there are doing a damn fine job of putting the rest of us through hell (or in coffins).
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Sad but true.
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I liked your way of framing this. There’s a tension between the American cultural tradition of individual freedom and the Biblical injunctions of the Golden Rule and “I am my brother’s keeper.” We have a hard time sorting out those two philosophies because they seem to pull in opposite directions. It’s hard to deny self-interest. It seems so “un-American,” despite what they tell us in Sunday School. I think that ‘s why we are slow to adopt seat belts, motorcycle helmets, no-smoking bans, and masks until peer pressure overrules self-interests.
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Thanks, Rolig. I’m glad you brought up motorcycle helmets. I had forgotten that one. Some times we can be incredibly stupid and self-serving.
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Yes, but to put a “positive” face on it, all of those selfish things we do are right in line with the cowboy mentality and personal initiatives that have defined us since Colonial and Pioneer days. They are what distinguish us from cultures (many in Asia) that put a higher premium on responsibility to the clan. In general, we view that distinction as a Good Thing except when it makes us Ugly Americans or, as you pointed out, when it conflicts with religious moral values. When that happens, we are slow to resolve the conflict.
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Good points! Many things change and often for the better.
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Thanks, Becky.
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Agree! It is quite sad. Nothing wrong with being independent but paired with being disconnected, it is a recipe for disaster.
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I totally agree with you. Thanks for commenting.
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