ABSTRACT
As people go about their lives in all corners of the world, they are separate individuals, and they are also connected to others. Thus, as children develop in all corners of the world, issues of human separateness or independence, and issues of human connectedness or interdependence, abound. For about 10 years now, I have been seeing both independence and interdependence in almost everything, from TV commercials and programs, to popular songs, to political speeches, to children at play. One time, before leaving an airplane bathroom, I copied down a notice that said, “As a courtesy to the next passenger, may we suggest that you use your towel to wipe off the wash basin.” To me, this statement exudes both independence and interdependence. It begins with interdependence, in the form of consideration for others, and then it includes independence by pointing out that each washroom towel becomes the property of an individual passenger. Also, by suggesting, rather than demanding, that each person clean up, the notice implies that it is ultimately up to each individual to make a relational decision about cleaning up for the next passenger. Another example is of a friend and her 2-year-old son who picked up toys while singing,
In this cleanup song, I see interdependence in the use of the pronoun we and in the form of caring for others. I also see links between independ-
R O N E
ence and interdependence in the idea that individuals contribute to common goals by doing their share. One day, as I looked at a college bulletin board, my attention was caught by a sorority recruitment sign stating that the sisters are “individually unique, together complete.” In this way, the sorority promised to preserve the important independent individuality of each member, but also emphasized that individuals are complete in relation to others. I have further noticed how Hollywood award ceremonies are replete with actors using their acceptance speeches to talk about and thank a long list of people without whom, they claim, their individual achievements would be nonexistent and meaningless.
