The Group Over the Individual

It doesn’t take long to realize that China is different from many Western countries.  Having operated now in two office settings on the Mainland, one way stands out quickly to myself as an American by birth.  It is the willingness of the individual to put the good of the group over her own.

In late January, while still in China, we got to witness this firsthand.  As news of the virus began to trickle out of neighboring Hubei Province, people were noticeably concerned.  They instinctively began to venture out less, and even began to voluntarily wear masks.  And then began the recommendations from the Central Government that soon began requirements.  

What surprised me was how quickly people were willing to comply with what was suggested long before it was required.  This quickly shifted to residents willingly monitoring one another’s precautions and gently reminding them neighbors to be careful.  Soon after this would shift again toward policing by local authorities to make sure residents were complying with mandatory safety measures.

Even social media was employed to ratchet up the social pressure on those who persisted in non-compliance.  Indeed, it is of primary importance for my Chinese friends that they be known as good citizens.  Their sense of civic duty and national pride is a source of great encouragement and connection during tough times.  

Over the next several posts, I will explore this cultural trait that I have observed for many years now with no small degree of fascination.  It has profoundly shaped me for the better.