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From: dsy@psych.toronto.EDU (Desiree Sy)
Newsgroups: soc.feminism
Subject: Re: society vs. the individual
Message-ID: <1991Apr4.141938.22268@psych.toronto.edu>
Date: 4 Apr 91 20:25:40 GMT
References: <9104031410.aa01637@orion.oac.uci.edu>
Organization: Department of Psychology, University of Toronto
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No one is arguing that we do not make our own choices because an
amorphous entity called "society" is making choices for us. But
cultural influences do subconsciously colour our conscious decisions.

For example, Sam Choi says that "even if [men wearing dresses] were
completely hunky dory [he] wouldn't really want to." Why is this true?
What yardstick do we use to decide what we want to wear and what we
don't? Our tastes -- in clothing, work, and even beliefs -- are a
reaction, whether positive or negative, to the tastes of those around
us.

As Sam Choi pointed out, this doesn't limit our choices in clothes,
work, or beliefs. But it *does* influence them.

Luckily, not only can societies form individuals -- individuals can
form societies. When, secure as individuals, we can also act as part
of a whole, then our actions can shape society.

-desiree