Individual vs. Community

I feel that the individual definitely should have a significant role in the community. Without such roles, the community would have a tough time existing. I think that one of our country's flaws is that its ideals are based mostly on individualism. If you look at a college campus, for example, with its great sense of community and camaraderie, it becomes evident that the community is prior in importance to the individual. While you shouldn't be selfless and be taken advantage of, I think you should be willing to give at least something back for the sake of the whole. Our country, the "United" States, should have more of a balance between self and community. I feel the collective good should get more attention, though we shouldn't abandon our identities for the good of the whole. It's a balance that is hard to manage, but living in such an individualistic society could eventually be a cause of our demise.