Significance Of The Collectivist Pledge In Ayn Rand's Anthem

The Collectivist Pledge

Anthem by Ayn Rand tells a tale of a young man, who finds himself in a collectivist society, where the individual is effaced, and replaced with the facade of a perfect whole. Rulers of these oppressive and marxist states unravel the entire concept of “ego” through guilt and the institution of false gratitude, and this method of control remains relevant today through similar societies as seen in Anthem. Ayn Rand has taken my perception of these ideals and societies and has entirely stretched it to the far side of the spectrum of political identities in order to expose me to a often overlooked reality a reality of control and positively interpreted ignorance. Ayn Rand’s depiction of a restrictive collectivist society

The main antagonist of the novel The Fountainhead even states his desire for unity and obedience, however these promises are the attractive face of an ugly manipulative whole. Nationalism is a driving force behind control. It provides a sense of gratitude and debt to the government. It sparks defensiveness and an ego-centric mind when concerning the nation as a whole. The significance of the title of this novel is rooted in these ideals of chauvinism. Anthem in strict definition is a melody or tune that acts as a centripetal force in which pride is achieved. These unifying melodies can be positive or negative, and can have a multitude of effects on a given nation or group. In Anthem, Ayn Rand demonstrates a negative use when the students chanted “We are nothing. Mankind is all. By the grace of our brothers are we allowed our lives. We exist through, by and for our brothers who are the State” (Rand 21). These repetitive and seemingly consolidating chants are often used to infuse societies with a feeling of pride, which can be used for control. Dictators can also inject their subjects with guilt and debt to the system, as an abstract form of

Growing up in a country that fears communism as a four year old fears the monster under the bed, I have experienced my fair share of paranoia and concern when it comes to collectivist societies. However, my reaction to the communistic ideals before reading works by Ayn Rand has been to avoid. After being exposed to first-hand activism by Rand, I have become more intrigued by the exposure and prevention of such societies as seen in Anthem and The Fountainhead. As the U.S. continues to change into a different take on democracy, I have been inspired to avert the form of communism, oppression, and collectivism preached in Rand’s