The Myth of American Individualism: Conformity Prevails

Abstract

HISTORY 21: Extra Homework 1. According to Fisher, what do we claim to believe about individualism in America? (That is, how does our culture emphasize individual behavior and choices over conforming to the group?) According to Fisher, American culture emphasizes on individualism but practically ignore its applicability in real life. The prevalent cultural belief in individualism in American society emphasizes on personal autonomy, freedom and self expression but while acting tend to follow group for conformity purposes. Basically, individuals are encouraged to pursue their own goals, make their own decisions and assert unique identities just like with the Europeans. A good example is with elections where many are encouraged to make personal choices on the best candidates for the available leadership positions. In such a case, individual choices expose the same individuals to severe consequences and they cannot question any group as that proves the most severe consequence of individual choice. Therefore, one can conclude that American culture emphasizes on individual behavior and choices over conforming to groups in various ways like celebration of individual achievement, emphasis on personal freedom, promotion of self-reliance, individual rights and liberty and as a way of expressing cultural icons and heroes among others. 2. What does the research suggest we really believe about being individualists vs. conforming? Based on Fisher’s research, it is open that American culture often idealizes individualism nut in real sense conformity with groups takes the order of the day. The individualism aspect is only active when blames are placed on individuals for their own choices which in real sense are hindered by group conformity as individual follow what the majority or the serving authority believes in whether right or wrong. It is quite unfortunate that despite the emphasis on individualism, research indicates that conformity plays a significant role in American society as in most cases individual choices do not count. For example, social pressure to conform plays a big role in determining what American society believes in and does. Many individuals would feel uncontrollable pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations even in cultures that celebrate...