How does this society try to obliterate each individual's mind and self?

There are numerous examples of the ways Ayn Rand shows the
society in Anthem as taking away each person's individuality.
 Early in the novel, Equality refers to one of his sins: the Transgression of
Preference.  Citizens of that society were taught that it was an egregious wrong-doing
to prefer one anything over the other.  This pertains to all facets
of life including friends and careers.  Even having a preference concerning a partner is
discouraged, and the Council instead uses the House of Mating.  Babies and children are
not allowed to stay with parents to prevent any differences in upbringing that might set
someone apart.

One of the most predominate ideas that
pertains to destroying individuality, however, is the naming of the citizens.  Using a
number strips a person of who he or she is at the core.  That is why it is so powerful
for Equality when he names himself Prometheus.

In the above
ways and more, the society in Anthem effectively strips each person
of his or her personal choice, desires, and values.