Role Of Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

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In the United States, every American is granted the basic rights that allow them to be their own person and express themselves without restraint. These rights lean towards the idea of individualism, which favors the freedom of action for individuals rather than the theory of collectivism. A collectivistic culture, such as Japan and South Korea, encourages its people to work as a whole in order to do what is ‘best’ for society. This is a very random thing to add in without documentation. In regards to Anthem, Ayn Rand emphasizes on the theory of collectivism and portrays its idealistic views. How does she emphasize the idealism of collectivism? The author also stresses the importance and primacy of the individual. The dystopian novella gives …show more content…
In the world delineated in Anthem, nobody has their own identity and their purpose of existence is to serve to the community. The word ‘I’ is non existent and ‘We’ is used as an alternate. Ideas that contradict the usual routine of the society will be looked on as a ‘sin’ or a ‘crime’. Equality 7-2521 diverges from the ideology that one is meant to put the needs of the community in front of those of thyself. This, Equality 7-2521 knew was considered a sin, but he proceeded to do anyways. This can be compared to human behavior, as one sins while being conscious of its evil. The goal of the society that Equality 7-2521 lived in was to dominate the minds of those living in it. They feared that one became independent and found truth beyond of what they ever knew. In reference, when slaves were dominated by the government and were kept away from education, thus they were illiterate, in order to prevent an uprising of knowledge and the chance of gaining superiority. If they permitted freedom of expression, the idea of collectivism will fail, as its goal is for everyone to think the same and overall be
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