Paradoxes of American Individualism by Claude S. Fischer, speaks about how America is built on the idea of individualism where a specific personal identity and personality are the main emphasis rather than group identity. However, Robin M. Williams, who wrote American Society, rejects this idea and finds it self contradicting how society runs. While it is true that American culture recognizes the final action or event is caused by an individual, and usually this action isn’t connected to the group/ family.

There is also the idea of democracy where Americans believe they have full control of their lives due to the rights and freedom they received. And if the American dream does not succeed then it is the fault of the individual, not the people surrounding them and not the government. But in recent research, it is found that Americans don’t always follow this idea of individualism. American is more likely to follow the law like the general public and look down upon those who do right or wrong based on their conscience. They think the goals of a group are more important than one’s individual interest. This paradox may have to do with Americans commonly siding with the general population. It is easier to blend in and fit into a crowd rather than standing out alone. In reality, American culture isn’t built on individualism, but instead voluntarism. An individual chooses whether or not to stay as a part of society. Humans are given rights and will to live and leave a group. However, the option of staying part of the group gives the perception that it is easier to achieve his or her goals by being part of the group. 

Whitman is talking about the US to the entire globe. He is almost bragging about the US calling it the center of the “equal daughters, equal sons”. The US is often seen as the birthplace of democracy and calling it the center of “equal daughter” symbolizes America as the ideal structure of democracy and that the US was that successful that other countries try to mirror their government structure like the US, even if they have been well-developed before the US. Whitman then continues to speak positively about the US and shows his dedication to the US. He is speaking for himself and his dedication to democracy and the US; however, this doesn’t take into account those who don’t have the same rights in the US, even with democracy. This includes BIPOC, LGBTQIA, undocumented immigrants, and many more. These people don’t have freedom, nor the law to protect them (instead it harms them), or even love from their community. 

This differs tremendously from Langston’s poem because he has a negative view of America. He describes the false vision of the American Dream. And created a false image of freedom and equality, which is only given to straight white people. The issue with the model of individualism explained is that for people of different backgrounds, the prime example of individualism is unable to achieve the “American Dream”. Because of their differences freedom, equity, and opportunities aren’t available for them. Those who are unprivileged are opposed, like African American’s history in slavery, Native Americans who were pushed off from their land, and America became like other countries, with rich and powerful stomping all over the poor.