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being
authentic
at their extremes
radical individualism and radical communalism are identical. They stand
in direct dialectical relationship.
radical individualism
is about total desire fulfillment and authentic self creation, both of
which require full autonomy. however in order to realize and develop our
unique selves we must relate to others and seek social recognition.
Thus the project of
individualization is a social one.
but conservative
(and regressive) forms of communalism are as dangerous as atomic individualism.
modern day reactionaries often declare themselves
COMMUNITARIANS whenever
they promote the COLLECTIVE SOCIAL PRACTICES and
COMMON UNDERSTANDING
which they claim underpin our society.
but these social
practises are merely the rules and hierarchical structures that oppress
us, preventing authentic relationship and community. the patriarchy, the
nuclear family, the romantic couple, the state, 'work', the market,
conventional morality, functional role models and utilitarian 'social ethics'
are well known examples, and are all forms of oppression.
alas the same is
often true for today's
reactionary leftists
(red and green) who, for well intentioned reasons, similarly
prioritize community,
and what they see as 'positive' collective practises, over
individual freedom.
however only the
free relationship of autonomous, social individuals is capable of producing
authentic community. |
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