2 ms·

There is a strong culture of individuality, and that is coupled with an extreme reluctance to just do what we're told, and what I mean by that is more about tru

There is a strong culture of individuality, and that is coupled with an extreme reluctance to just do what we're told, and what I mean by that is more about trust than Authority. Trust is low here, which is problematic for a scenario like this. Many of us did learn those lessons. For me personally when this all began, checking out what the world is doing seemed the natural thing to do. The US is also very insular, in that a smaller percentage of people travel abroad than is typical for many Western Nations. And a small percentage of people seek news produced outside the nation too. Both of those stats are better elsewhere in the West, so make of that what you will.

kelnos 5y ago
I think it goes further than individuality, though. There's a pervasive selfishness that seems to run through our (American) culture. Many who do believe that COVID is a threat to others (say, to older people, or to immuno-compromised people) but do not believe that they themselves are in much danger will decide not to wear a mask because they don't think it matters to them if they do or not. This is the thing that makes me saddest. It just seems like people in the US are unwilling to endure even a minor inconvenience if it will help someone else but not do anything for themselves.
- collyw 5y ago
  It seems pretty selfish to force small businesses to close and not allow people to earn a living, for a disease that has a pretty high survival rate and is only really a problem for old or very unhealthy people. And it goes against all pandemic guidelines from before 2020, which was to shield the vulnerable and let everyone get on with life more or less.
- ddingus 5y ago
  I agree strongly! The idea of some effort, cost, minor sacrifice or inconvenience for a common, public good is not strong here. Couple that being basically as insular on a personal level as we generally are nationally, and we find more of us than we may expect are empathy challenged too.

kelnos 5y ago

I think it goes further than individuality, though. There's a pervasive selfishness that seems to run through our (American) culture. Many who do believe that COVID is a threat to others (say, to older people, or to immuno-compromised people) but do not believe that they themselves are in much danger will decide not to wear a mask because they don't think it matters to them if they do or not. This is the thing that makes me saddest. It just seems like people in the US are unwilling to endure even a minor inconvenience if it will help someone else but not do anything for themselves.

collyw 5y ago
It seems pretty selfish to force small businesses to close and not allow people to earn a living, for a disease that has a pretty high survival rate and is only really a problem for old or very unhealthy people. And it goes against all pandemic guidelines from before 2020, which was to shield the vulnerable and let everyone get on with life more or less.
ddingus 5y ago
I agree strongly! The idea of some effort, cost, minor sacrifice or inconvenience for a common, public good is not strong here. Couple that being basically as insular on a personal level as we generally are nationally, and we find more of us than we may expect are empathy challenged too.