The stories “Divide by Two” and “Bread of Salt” have a different theme compared to the past stories we have read. These stories showed the essence of individualism which is about being independent or being able to show that he/she can work with his own decisions, belief and will. For me, being individualistic doesn’t mean selfishness. I do believe that sometimes, we need to work on our own to learn, be better and to be able to show to others how unique we are. (http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/individualism.html)
In the story “Divide by Two”, we can see how the two couples wanted to have their own personal spaces as a solution to their problem. They have decided that it’s best if they live on their own without anyone or any neighbor minding their own business. This is contrary to the ‘Bayanihan’ culture we have here in the Philippines where neighbors act as one family. While in the story “Bread of Salt”, the narrator tells his dreams and aspirations in life. These dreams are his dreams because this is what he really wanted not just because of any influence of anyone.
I think we Filipinos have a collective mindset because we are very family oriented. Most Filipinos do things because of the influence of their family. Like for example, most college students here in the Philippines took the course their parents wanted him/her to take or sometimes because of the pressure of his/her family reputation. (http://thepoc.net/commentaries/8415-filipinos-lack-of-individualism.html)
