The Relationship between Individuals and Institutions

A Partnership

A partnership manifests itself in the ability of two or more individuals, institutions and people, or institutions and institutions to work together for the greater good. It is critical to recognize that organizations cannot function effectively until they have positive interpersonal relationships. Many dysfunctional institutions, on the other hand, are the product of how they are implemented.

Susan Faludi's Naked Citadel

Susan Faludi's Naked Citadel reflects on how a men-only military camp becomes an environment where women are empowered to enter the camp. Citadel is about a woman who has struggled her whole life to be accepted into the military. She wanted to be the first female into the citadel to open a way for other women who were afraid of trying. The citadel accepted her application, and she got into the institution as the first female amongst thousands of men. Male chauvinism was well grounded behind the walls of the citadel, given that, previously, the military was meant for men only, bearing in mind the craziness that existed behind this confinement. From the activities taking place behind those walls, no one ever thought that a military camp could accommodate a woman.

The Harsh Training

The harsh training that included long-distance races, sit-ups and pushups were exercises a woman could not endure. The modes of shaving at the camp also was likely to be a deterrence according to the men whose ideas were sort. According to Fuladi,"Forty-five pushups and fifty-five sit-ups in two minutes sets, and a two-mile run in sixteen minutes" was not a joke. However, the instructor answered that assumption that it was not a must for a woman to shave in the same style as men, and if they were to get it, was only for a while. "And anyway after freshman year, men no longer get their heads shaved" (Fuladi). Men could not imagine how they were going to share their communal bathrooms with women, given that they were used to walking without their bathrobes. The communal bathing was something believed to strengthen their brotherhood; hence, it was going to enhance their friendship, something that the admittance of women could destroy. "I know it sounds trivial, but all of us in one shower, it's like we're all one, we're all the same, and I don't know you feel you're exposed, but you feel safe. You know these guys are going to be your friends for life". Another male claimed that admitting women would be costly because women would need the citadel to provide them with curtains on their windows. "If women come here, they'll have to put up window shades in all the rooms. Think of all the windows in the barracks. That could be eight thousand, nine thousand dollars." Some thought that the presence of women in the citadel would affect their performance negatively. Their level of productivity would drop because of the distraction that women would cause. In light to this, men wanted to remain alone to attain maximum concentration on the barrack's main agenda. "Studies show- I can't cite them, but studies show that male learns better when females aren't there.'' Still the same, the institution allowed female to join the citadel.

Men in the Citadel

Men in the citadel deter gender equality, given that they oppose the idea that women can do better in the forces. They insist on the fact that the army is solely meant for men. However, the citadel rose up against these odds by admitting a woman into the camp, giving ladies a chance to explore their hidden abilities to the fullest. The citadel acted as an institution for change and a center where individuals, regardless of their sex were able to shine. It gave women the ranks of being instructors, a move towards establishing an institution where every person could be accommodated and allowed to grow. The act of letting women into the citadel eradicates the discrimination that existed. Thus, it provides individuals with a well-deserved chance for growth.

The Myth of the Ant Queen

The piece talks about the nature of intelligence. Precisely, it elucidates how the ant colonies develop. The fact that the colonies are so held together is impressive. "I've come here to learn about the collective intelligence of ant colonies." The relationship between individuals and an institution can be likened to this fact. When people in an institution work together, they produce a positive lifestyle. By overlooking their differences and holding on together, they end up with good results. Intelligence is not a thing for an individual, but something that comes out of a system of working together as a whole. No one in any institution sidelines him/herself and succeeds. A cooperation makes everything a success.

Ant Colonies and Collective Intelligence

Ant colonies show that intelligence of the whole system emerges in the absence of any convenient form of leadership or authority and follows some set of rules. You do not require someone to monitor the move that you make to cooperate. Self-motivation works well in enhancing stable relationships in an institution. Institutions that uphold such virtues always outshine others that fail to strengthen togetherness. A consequence of such a relationship is, worthwhile, as the results are still positive. Nobody needs to struggle singlehandedly. In a case where there is a problem amongst individuals in an institution, every member should come in to sort it out immediately to demonstrate how ant colonies work. They have to stick together to survive. They discovered how many ants were jammed into a small area, which at first, looked like dirt. The whole colony is wonderfully alive, with the cluster of ants steadily moving. An institution with this aspect never fails. It raises all ranks without hindrances or stumbling blocks along the way. The author compares this cluster with the crumpled conditions of the New York subway system during rush hour. "The tubing and cramped conditions and surging crowds bring one thought immediately to mind; the New York subway system, rush hour." (Johnson)

The Role of the Ant Queen

The queen does not enforce these rules or force any of the ants to do anything. "The queen is not an authority figure. She lays eggs and is fed and cared for by the workers. She does not decide which worker does what." No one needs to be forced into upholding togetherness. The benefits that come with it play the role. Besides, it is just part of their nature required to survive. The ants can only survive if they all work together in the system. Accordingly, no one succeeds alone. Individuals rely on others subconsciously to survive. There is no single person in charge of the world to tell everyone what to do. The harvester ants carry the queen to the escape hatch, not because she is superior or has been asked to do so, but because of their consent to show gratitude since the queen begot them all. In the same regard, individuals need to respect their institutional leaders.

The Mind’s Eye

The literature discusses the collective intelligence correlated with individual group members in an institution's ability to reason about the mental state of others. Also, it speaks about how we are responsible for all the experiences we go through because our brain and senses determine them. Experiences shape our minds, "To what extent are we the authors of our own experiences? How much are these predetermined by the thoughts or senses we are born with, and to what extent do we shape our brains through involvement?" In different circumstances, we need to adjust our brains to adapt to them, for example, a person who goes blind has to adjust to new experiences. It applies to the relationships between individuals and institutions. People need to mend ties by adjusting to the ways of the institution. The relationship also comes in when individuals understand the needs of others.

Adapting to New Experiences

Hull adapted to his state of blindness until he looked like someone who had been born blind. His new experience changed him into a different person, but he embraced it. He seeks new freedom, a new identity, and eradicates nostalgia. "Blindness became for him a dark paradoxical gift; this was not just compensation he emphasized, but a whole new order, a new mode of human being". The experience shaped him into a better person; hence, it applies well in relationships between individuals and institutions. When we encounter unavoidable circumstances, managing them and adapting with ease helps build a stronger relationship. Notably, it brings a substantial ground needed for growth.

The Power of the Brain

The brain can adjust to different situations, given that it has nerves that perform these functions. In an individual-institution relationship, no one is supposed to limit him/herself from what he/she can do. The mentality of a person has everything to do with his/her success. Even though Hull was blind, he managed to picture everything he did mentally, without limitations. "Even though I am blind, I consider myself a visual person. I still see objects in front of me. As I am typing now, I can see my hands on my keyboard". He could visualize everything he did with his mind. Therefore, it is of the essence to ensure we do not limit what we can achieve in our individual-institution relationships.

Works Cited