Samantha Lesyk
May 10, 2012
Humanities 30-1
The Power of Collectivism
After much analyzing of source one, it could be said artist Norman Rockwell, through his artistic abilities,
portrays the ideology of collectivism. In the painting Freedom of Speech, Rockwell represents the liberal
principle of individual rights and freedoms. Rockwell depicted a man standing on his own surrounded by
a group of people, which represents the man and his freedom of speech. The next painting by Norman
Rockwell named Freedom of Worship clearly demonstrates a citizen’s right to follow any religion or
belief they desire. This represents individual rights and freedoms. However, a small quote in the top of
the image makes reference to rule of law. “Each according to the dictates of his own conscience,” which
basically means we are all responsible for our own actions, thus also responsible for the consequences
that follow. This makes reference to the idea that nobody is above the law; rule of law. When putting
the paintings together, it could be argued Norman Rockwell believes if we have individual rights and
freedoms and rule of law, people could come together as a collective whole. When people can feel
secure and have the right to voice their opinions or act as they will, people will tend to be accepting and
listen to others. Also, when citizens feel that sense of freedom, most will not abuse this right. They will
realize there are consequences that follow unjustly actions. So forth, with the feeling of security and
freedom, people can come together and flourish as a whole; collectivism
The Economic Bill of Rights by Franklin D. Roosevelt is one of great insight. In it, Roosevelt points out the
fact that “…true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security,” which relates back to the
ideology of collectivism. If the economy is thriving, everyone benefits, but the economy is at a recession,
people suffer. Roosevelt makes it known he believes in the power of individual rights and freedoms
when he states, “…and it grew to its present strength, under the protection of certain inalienable
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Samantha Lesyk
May 10, 2012
Humanities 30-1
political rights.” It can be argued he feels as though individual rights and freedoms are important in the
nation coming together to thrive as one, but he sees the other side of the story as well. Franklin
Roosevelt states that when the country is in an insecure state, it will lead to a dictatorship. The only way
for them to get back on their feet is to forget about their individual rights and freedoms and do what is
necessary for the country, which includes coming together for the better of the nation. So forth, when
the economy is either successful or fruitless, collectivism is key.
Source three by Joseph Stalin has another opinion of individual rights and freedoms. After interpreting
his message, it is clear that he believes that individual rights and freedoms is not completely and utterly
free. Government will always have power above us all, but the question is whether they choose to use it
or not. In Stalin’s example, he uses the voting system to describe what little say we really have, even in a
democratic society. Although we may vote and feel as though we are getting to participate in what goes
on in our country, it is not us who really decide as to who is to become our new representative of our
country. Just as Stalin pointed out, “The people who count the votes decide everything.” We may cast
our ballots, but whoever counts the votes has the most power. They could rig the election so the votes
do not even matter and choose a leader who they see fit. Sure we are provided with the freedom and
right and vote, but the question is, does it really matter? For that reason, it could be argued Joseph
Stalin is also a believer in collectivism. He shows his opinion against individualism, which makes
reference to the idea that people simply need to come together and let the leader rule. They don’t truly
have a say anyways, might as well stop pretending.
All in all, the three sources all have a common ideology in mind; collectivism. Source one symbolizes
Norman Rockwell’s belief that in order for a nation to work together as a collective group, we need to
feel secure in the idea we have a say in what goes on in government and can live our lives the way we
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Samantha Lesyk
May 10, 2012
Humanities 30-1
choose to. It doesn’t matter if you’re gay, Christian, Catholic, bisexual, and so on, we have that freedom
to live the way we desire, which allows us to feel comfortable living in a nation with so many individuals.
Source two represents the power security can have. With security, we can come together and live as
individuals, but once we lose that sense of security, dictatorships are our only solution. Therefore,
collectivism is always the answer. Last, but not least, source three portrays the essence of what
individual rights and freedoms really are. Joseph Stalin unmasks the lies of individual rights and
freedoms and the fakeness it provides. Without a corrupt government, however, citizens can feel as part
of a collective group. As Norman Rockwell depicted in his illustrations, when people feel secure of
themselves, they can feel secure as a whole. All of the following considered, each source represents the
idea that you need a bit of individualism to feel collectivism. It all comes down to security and
collectivism. If you feel safe with your government, you feel comfortable with others. If you feel
insecure, it is necessary to come together to beat the odds. No matter the situation, collectivism is the
answer.
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