The concept of desire has been an important part of human life since the dawn of time. Humans have always had desires for food, shelter, safety, security, love, companionship, family, status, wealth, power, prestige, pleasure, and meaning. Desire is what motivates individuals to strive for these things and it gives them purpose in their lives.
When it comes to collectivist systems, this idea of individual longing takes a backseat to the collective good. In collectivist systems, personal desires are subordinated to communal morality. Citizens experience intimacy within the confines of their group's expectations.
Desire can be defined as a strong feeling of wanting something or someone. It is often associated with intense feelings such as lust, passion, hunger, thirst, anger, jealousy, envy, ambition, greed, curiosity, excitement, wonder, joy, sadness, fear, anxiety, hope, despair, guilt, shame, pride, regret, remorse, love, hate, compassion, kindness, cruelty, generosity, charity, justice, vengeance, loyalty, betrayal, forgiveness, mercy, pity, indifference, happiness, sorrow, etc. These emotions can be both positive and negative. They can also vary in intensity from mild to extreme.
In collectivist systems, desire is shaped by the community's values and beliefs. The group defines what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior, what is right and wrong, what is moral and immoral. Personal desires are seen as selfish and self-centered, so they must be suppressed or redirected towards the greater good.
If an individual has sexual desires that go against the norms of the community, they may be ostracized or even punished for acting on them. This could lead to a sense of alienation, isolation, and loneliness.
Collectivist systems also shape how citizens experience intimacy. Intimacy refers to the state of being close to another person, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and/or sexually. It involves sharing secrets, experiences, thoughts, feelings, dreams, hopes, fears, regrets, joys, sorrows, pleasures, pains, etc. In a collectivist system, intimacy is limited to the bounds of communal morality. Couples may have to hide their true feelings, thoughts, and behaviors from each other out of fear of disapproval or rejection by the group. This can create a false sense of closeness where people pretend to be something they're not just to fit in.
Desire and intimacy are closely linked because they both involve intense emotions. When individuals feel passionate about something, it often leads to deeper levels of connection with others.
In collectivist systems, this passion is restricted. The group decides who you can love, who you can marry, who you can have sex with, when you can have children, etc. Individuals may find themselves trapped in arranged marriages or forced to give up their own desires to please the group.
Desire plays an important role in human life but in collectivist systems, personal longings must be subordinated to the community's expectations. Citizens experience intimacy within the confines of their group's beliefs, which can lead to a lack of authenticity and fulfillment. Desire is shaped by society and must be controlled to serve its interests.
How do collectivist systems redefine desire by subordinating personal longing to communal morality, shaping how citizens experience intimacy?
In collectivist systems, the individual's desires are often subordinated to the needs of the community as a whole. This can lead to a shift in the way that people view intimate relationships. Instead of focusing on their own personal satisfaction and fulfillment, individuals may prioritize the well-being of their communities and families.