Individualism Vs. Collectivism

This paper explores the concept of individualism versus collectivism, from a public health perspective. The harm done when we as a nation view issues, specifically public health issues, from a singular lens. As defined in the text by F. Scutchifeld and C. Keck public health is an organized activity of society to promote, protect, improve, and when neccssary, restore the health of individuals, specified groups or the entire population. With this definition, one could make the argument for what is good for community or what is good for the individual. My believe and stands is that what is good for the indivdule when dealing with public health, is also good for the community. One cannot discuses one without the other, what affects an individual
Historical, American’s traditions places high value on individual freedom, on personal liberty, and allowing the individual to "do his or her own thing." This perpetual culture views society as separate independent individuals who are free to pursue their own individual goals and interests without intrusion from others. In this individualistic culture it is difficult, perhaps almost impossible, to convince people that they should sacrifice some of their “individual freedom”, some of their personal goals, and some of their self-interest, for the sake of the common good, the community. This cultural traditions, seems to reinforce the individual who believes their action do not affect others, and that they should not contribute to the community's common good. This should not be the case. In public health, people are connected and what affects one affects communities. An example of how an individual can affect a community even nation(s) is Ebola. When the disease surfaced last year, it not only affected the individual, but also the community (which included family and friends) and other nations. Isolating the individuals infected served as both an individual and population good. Because of isolation, however cruel it may seem it protected high number of the
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of tobacco kills more than 5 million people per year. It is responsible for 1 in 10 adult deaths. Among the five greatest risk factors for mortality, it is the single most preventable cause of death. Smoking is an individual act that affects others. Tobacco smoke is a toxic chemical that stays in a confined space and when inhaled it can cause life threating health issues. If an individual is able to stop smoking it becomes a ripple effect in the sense that the space (such as car and home) normally occupied by that individual becomes less polluted with