Re:Sir Tim Berners-Lee warns of widening digital divide
by leetcrew on Friday March 12, 2021 @10:13AM
(#26436635)
I have to say, I don't see the connection between individualism and not caring about an individual's achievements. in fact, I would draw the exact opposite connection. individualism is very much concerned with the achievements of individuals, whether or not that individual is you.
in any case, I don't think GP is disregarding what the good sir has accomplished in life. the quibble seems to be with titles specifically. I think egalitarianism would be a better word to describe this position.
Re:Sir Tim Berners-Lee warns of widening digital divide
by ehnto on Friday March 12, 2021 @10:38AM
(#26436912)
The detail here is that the achievement is acquiring status in a society with which individualism doesn't care about anymore. The OP cares much more for the real achievements, and not much for their title and place in British society (society of old at least)
I think you are right about egalitarianism being part of the outlook, I think egalitarianism is part of individualism though. Everyone is as special as everyone else, so your rank in society isn't as important.
Just for fun, I'm going to waffle on about your comment a bit!
I think your outlook stems from the "individualist" movement and mindset that encourages everyone to see themselves as individuals separate from society and it's constructs. As we have all become a little bit more disconnected from society because of it, and our place within it has become less important, we don't see such achievements as being as important as they once were. How many people don't even know who their town Mayor is?
As well, access to information from the internet means you know exactly what this guy did, you know all his achievements already, he is elevated above his knighthood to you because you care more about his achievements than his place in society. Fair enough, and I'd agree!
Imagine instead it's 1890 and you're a foundational part of a strong british community, then as graciously as he disembarked from the train, Sir Tim Berners Lee has greeted you. A sir! My goodness, what must he have done? You don't know, all you know is they hold a very important position in the society you're also strongly part of, so you can respect that achievement. Gosh, how exciting!