From: tyadav@athena.mit.edu (Tapesh Yadav)
Subject: Re: Are IAs close-minded ? 
Summary: ..........................to what?
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1992 22:15:01 GMT

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 ARIJIT MAHALANABIS <AXM128@psuvm.psu.edu> writes:
>
>But I can say that the culture of the United States is too geared towards
>the individual. For example, my mother, who is a diabetic and chronic
>sufferer of hypertension experienced an attack of palpitations some time
>ago. I wanted to call 911 but my mother told me not to because of financial
>considerations. I thought it best not to agitate her and called a friend
>to see if she could drive my mother to the E.R. as we don't have a car. The
>friend replied that she had to feed her child and would take a while. I tried
>to impress upon her that this was an emergency. But she would hear none of
>it. With no other option, we waited with 
>my mother's condition becoming weaker.
>One and a half hours later, the friend arrived and took her sweet time to
>get to the hospital. This, in my opinion is what happens when the concept
>of individuality is carried too far to the point where one becomes selfish and
>only concerned with one's own world. This is what I see in America.

 If it was an Medical Emergency, why were you worried about 
 financial considerations. Have you discussed this with your mother?
 If your mother is chronically sick, I presume you have her insured. Then
 why all this bitterness with the friend who has a baby to care. Have you 
 tried finding your rights, and how the 911 works. Let us know what you
 did after that emergency was over. 

 The trouble, I see is not in the concept of individuality. The trouble,
 I think is in the concept of altruism - thinking that the individuals exist
 to serve "your" selfish needs. That instead of working for themselves, they
 should work for you. Your mother is important to you. The baby is important
 to your friend. You are being selfish in ignoring the needs of 
 the baby. While your friend is being selfish in ignoring the needs of
 your mother. Fair, by my standards.

 I don't think poverty is a mortgage on the labor of others, or
 that suffering is a claim check on happiness. And this has nothing to
 do with American culture; this has a lot to do with thought, rational 
 thought. I have been to soup kitchens here in America, and heard endless
 ranting for sacrifice, compassion and "give, don't question." America is
 anything and everything you want it to be. Just move around. Do I like 
 this "give, don't question" stuff - no, I think it is all sick. 

 I think, you and every human on this planet has the potential and ability
 to take care of himself or herself. I know handicapped (physically 
 challenged now they are called) individuals who struggle to their best,
 those who hate being helped.... for life is be to lived, not pleaded.
 If you are suffering, then think your way through, work, struggle like
 the individuals. Shape your life. Nothing happens by fortune; or misfortune.

 The universe doesn't exist for the individual. And the individual doesn't
 exist for the universe. If you think otherwise, I respect your right to your
 thought. But, I don't respect the thought itself.

 Please don't treat this as a flame. Too many people from different parts
 of this planet, argue along your lines. We are discussing something more
 profound than that particular emergency. I hope your mom is well.

T.Y.
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tyadav@athena.mit.edu
Newsgroups: alt.culture.us.asian-indian