One aspect of American identity that I find uniquely interesting are the core concepts of individualism and personal autonomy. The ideology of individual responsibility in the United States has been utilized as a tool which continues to influence the country’s political landscape. Individualism in written into the nation’s bedrock with lines like “the land of the free,” “one nation…indivisible”, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The Protestant reformation accelerated individualistic values, and used the intersection of religion to cement them into western culture. These notions of personal freedom have molded the nation’s culture into a hyper-individualistic society in which a connection to one’s community isn’t emphasized. The expansion of neoliberalism, and capitalism in a broader sense, has transformed the West (specifically the United States) into a nation that prioritizes individual achievements. The root of our free market economic system exemplifies this point, with its ability to stratify social classes in a structural and cyclical manor.
This aspect of U.S culture is not one I’m very fond of. I am, however, very passionate about studying ideologies of individualistic vs communal living. I believe that community care and collectivist action are some of the key pieces needed for further successful movements in our society. The concept of individualism as an ideology suggests that social issues are merely a result of personal choice or even genetics, wherein a massive wealth gap isn’t troubling to all classes. This value is one that I dislike particularly because of it’s lack of inclusivity and equity, as I’m incredibly keen of the concept of fairness. Traveling to a new country will provide a great opportunity to experience a cross-cultural comparison.
Someone outside of the United States may view this aspect of the culture as rude or off-putting, due to its inward focus. Centering oneself is crucial to the U.S American identity, and that can come off to others as selfish and lacking humility. Other more collectivist cultures maintain strong family ties which lends to their communal societies that starkly contrast the U.S’ nuclear family standard. This aspect of U.S American identity could come off to differing cultures as boastful or cold, because of its lack of welcoming energy. Other more communal cultures also have more inclusive language when compared to the U.S which allows for increased group communication.
This exercise helps me prepare for my travels abroad because it allows me to complexity my perspective on the new culture I’m about to enter. It also allows me to de-center myself as an individual and approach this new experience with a more open mind. I anticipate my time abroad to come with many cultural challenges and moments where I may feel alone in my experience, but being able to approach the upcoming time with excitement, optimism, and flexibility, is incredibly important to making the semester fulfilling.