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| Linda Rabadi is a senior piano major and writes 'Talking About a Revolution' for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. |
Many groups of the political left advocate equality. We want fair treatment for individuals of all walks of life, not just those who are fortunate enough to have been born into a privileged position in our society. But when promoting this equality and striving to design a world where this can exist, we must be careful of what kind of world we create. We the idealists must be cautious of the utopia we hope to form, for in attempting to create true equality, we must not lose personal identity and achievement.
Last weekend, my friend and I were discussing some of the major themes in the work "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand. I had read the book for personal enjoyment when I was about fifteen and therefore am slightly foggy on details. However, we talked about one of the major points of the work, the supremacy of the individual and her/his achievements and if that philosophy can work with the ideals of liberal movements. Rand makes the argument that individuals propel history and change, not societies. She glorifies the individual, and looks down on society as a mindless herd, waiting to be told what to do.
I understand where many of Rand's criticisms of society originate. Many times I find myself frustrated with the public and its easy acceptance of so many issues, including the promotion of mediocre art in popular culture, the damaging and common images of minorities in the media, the hatred, competition, and exploitation of other members of humanity, disrespect for our earth, and this new fad of unquestioning patriotism, to name a few. It seems difficult, or even impossible, to advance revolutionary ideas in a place where being comfortable seems to be the ultimate goal, and in a society that is not supportive financially and structurally of creative endeavors and idealism.
But to lose faith in humanity is not the solution. This extreme individualism that Rand encourages is not only unrealistic but also unsatisfying. It would feel better to know that you a working unit in whole society that understands and appreciates positive achievement, rather than to be a member of a small group that is tortured by the ignorance of the outside world. True education works as a tool in obtaining that ideal society.
Members of liberal movements believe that we must have equality in order to gain this ideal world, and I agree. But we should have individuals working in a society, not just one mass entity. Equality does not have to lead to situations where all people are exactly the same, but where they are all valued with the same importance, and are all given the opportunity to contribute. Equality can lead to a world that allows each person to achieve their best and still have the opportunity to lean on their fellow humans for assistance when needed. Individualism does not have to lead to competition and stratification if we manage to create a world that values all positive individual achievements as significant and a positive contribution to the betterment of our society.
Write to Linda at 001srabadi@bsu.edu
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