The main argument Fischer is making in the article “Paradoxes of American Individualism” is that there are many contradictions to the theory that Americans have a very individualistic view on the world compared to other nations, and he gives suggestions to how to understand it. The author begins by mentioning a proof of this about a survey where people from different Western democratic countries were asked how much freedom and control do they feel they have over the way their life turns out. Americans were far more likely to give a score of about 9 or 10 out of 10 compared to the other countries.
Following up on that, he begins to mention tons of facts that actually contradict the previous survey. Fischer mentions that Americans are least likely among large Western countries to agree that breaking the law to follow one’s conscience is okay. Americans are also least likely to put individual goals over the families goals, which includes being less likely to ever agree that having an extramarital affair could ever be justified, and being less likely to agree that divorce is the best option when couples can’t work out their problems. Other facts Fischer mentions that go against the idea that Americans are more individualistic than other Western nations are that on average Americans have more friends, are involved in more group organizations, and they marry at the highest rates. This all proves his point that they are not as individualistic as people might have thought.
Fischer explains that perhaps Americans are more individualistic when it comes to some things over others. He says that when it comes to economics, they are more individualistic. He notes that one feature to American exceptionalism is their commitment to faith and morals. He says this explains some of their anti-individualistic beliefs because they are so strong in believing in faith. This does not satisfy Fischer, and he concludes that voluntarism is what Americans truly believe. Many of the things they feel individualistic about are voluntary, like marriage and church.
After reading Langston Hughes’s poem, “Let America Be America Again,” I saw how he expresses how so many people are not able to get the freedom and “American Dream” that is advertised. He says it is a “dog eat dog, mighty crush the weak” society, and so many people never get the chance to make it in America, and they don’t receive and help. The mighty just crush them.
In Walt Whitman’s poem, “America,” I think Whitman is about America, and he is talking to all Americans: men, women, young, and old. He says America has many great qualities, including love, law, and freedom.
I like your mention about faith and morals. I had always thought that these were more individualistic ideals but to see that they are actually factors that contribute to anti-individualistic beliefs is very striking. I definitely agree when you say many people just get crushed without ever making it in America. It’s a very true reality and Whitman completely ignores that with his talk about love and freedom.
I like your use of the quote from Hughes’ poem because I think it captures the overall message of the poem and theme in America, especially at this time when many CEO’s paychecks are higher than they have been before and the class divide is increasing. I disagree that Whitman is talking to all Americans in his poem because unfortunately, his celebratory statements and messages do not apply to everyone.
I agree with you about how Hughes is writing about those who didn’t get the freedoms in which America was built. I like how you used the quote “dog eats dog” because it is a good representation of how many people view the American system. You’re interpretation of Walt Whitmans poem is also correct. It is a simple poem that expresses his love for America and all the values that are supposed to be practiced as part of American culture. The two poems are a good contrast on how growing up as a POC changes your view of America, as opposed to Whitman who grew up with freedoms just because he’s white.