The United States is highy individualistic. Most advertisers appeal to our indivdual self-interest, as do politicians when trying to “sell” public policy. The idea that we should do something for the greater good is not, somehow, as appealing an appeal.
In light of this, it is interesting to see a counter-example. Chris Uggen posted this image of a sticker he received after he got his flu shot from the University of Minnesota health clinic.
Most of the time we are encouraged to get a flu shot so that we, personally, do not get sick. In this case, we are encouraged to get a flu shot for the good of the greater community. This is a nice example of the way that a collectivist ideology can be used in place of an individualist ideology.
Comments 12
mordicai — December 9, 2008
Man, when you use collectivism shouldn't you, I don't know, not use COWS or SHEEP? Get a bee or something "cooler."
Vidya — December 9, 2008
Oh, God, this is horrible. Why would receiving a dangerous and ineffective drug created and produced through hideous animal testing merit you a sticker? (I suppose it does exhibit the herd-mentality though -- an unquestioning acceptance of others' practices and of authority.)
melissa — December 9, 2008
At first I thought it would be a great avenue for school spirit, especially for a school with a large residential population, but their mascot is a gopher, not a cow. It's an interesting advertising concept, though something that would never happen at my school.
Elena — December 9, 2008
"Why would receiving a dangerous and ineffective drug created and produced through hideous animal testing merit you a sticker?"
Do you know of anyone who has died or been disfigured by smallpox lately? Measles? Tetanus? Know anyone with congenital rubella syndrome?
Thank the herd, you freeloader.
Benjamin Lobato — December 9, 2008
Vidya,
Could you elaborate on your comment? I've looked around the internet and haven't been able to find anything about flu vaccines being dangerous. And from what I'm looking at, flu vaccines are 75% effective, which sounds pretty good to me.
Couldn't find anything about the animal testing either.
Heather Leila — December 10, 2008
The cow image was probably inspired by the epidemiologic term "herd immunity" or the percentage of the population that must be vaccinated before it is safe for those too vulnerable to be vaccinated to be safe from disease (infants and people with special conditions) So, while most people don't want to be looked at as cows in a herd, epidemiology has already labeled us as such.
I don't see a problem with it. We get vaccines for ourselves, and for others. That's why it's wrong for parents to opt their children out of vaccines- it lowers herd immunity and those children with medical conditions who can't be vaccinated are less protected.
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