The Dark King
Well-Known Member
Consider my view point totally challenged right now.
Agreed, and more so, when the dictates of the culture create that conformity, rather than it being an "innate" or family encouraged trait. When society has acted affirmatively at all levels of life to quash all independence, it's difficult to move against. It was always a favorite Japanese quote to say, "The nail that sticks out will get hammered".
But, Americans also embrace the concept of being a "team player". We acknowledge that there're times when independence is useful and leads to innovation and change and other times when we understand that it takes a team to row the boat in the same direction. Even those "independent" individuals in companies march in lock step to achieve the corporate purpose.
It should also be noted that Japan's system of education is undergoing significant change because they realize that more free thinking is necessary if they are to make continued progress as a society.