Disunity is a trait too often seen in American society. Our recent government shutdown, which was initiated by our Federal government’s disagreements over the Affordable Care Act, was caused by a lack disregard for what values all people hold: the values of individualism and community.
Consider a 6-year-old boy who is just getting into football — why does he play? Likely, he is thrilled to tumble with other boys his age, and enjoys proving himself to friends and superiors. 
As the years go on and he and his mates form their own sort of brotherhood, the stakes of the competition get raised — suddenly there are trophies to win and hormones to explore. By the time this boy reaches LSU, he is primed to shine and bring his team to victory.
The notions of individualism and community are ever-present in our subconscious level, and likewise shine into our societal institutions, although one or the other facet may be acted upon much more heavily. However, these seemingly juxtaposed concepts work together to direct individuals and their societies to have long, pleasant existences.
In the case of the young football player, these led him to do the best he could and, additionally, to rely on others to get him the success he wanted. In the case of humans in general, these are the most basic tools of survival. 
An animal’s biological purpose is to survive and reproduce to ensure the continuation of its species — thus, it is imperative an animal take care of itself. It must eat for itself, drink for itself and find shelter for itself. It must often fight for itself. 
Notably, an animal will often recognize it is easier to survive in a community with others of similar characteristics. 
In the time of the Ice Age, humans would not have been able to take down woolly mammoths without help beyond their own family members. When the glaciers melted, people joined efforts in digging irrigation systems so everyone in the area could farm. When locals erected walls, they came up with standard rules so people could get along within civilization. 
In society, individualism and community have become rather simultaneous aspects of life. 
What is imperative, then, is that we keep these aspects as a lens for which we filter our knowledge about societies, for the conscious connection of similar goals is getting overwhelmed by the practicalities of life.
When some of our federal representatives believe the life of every individual is valued by a community, and others believe a community is better when it is comprised of individuals that can handle their own, they should not go to such drastic lengths as shut down the very institution that keeps a country of people unified. 
If LSU’s administration shut down the college over a policy or budget disagreement, I would expect every one of its members be fired and replaced in a matter of months. Within the range of political possibilities, we must work from a point where we can see what all people value.
Food, shelter, clothing; these are all basic needs. And some parts of society have caused us to forget this. While practical, modern issues should never be dismissed, neither should people dismiss the fundamental realities attached to them. 
The world is an inherently diverse place, and we must understand the common strings within our own mentalities if we are to get to a point where we can consider the world peaceful. 
We must use our strengths if we are to win the game. 
Alix Landriault is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from Natchitoches, La.