The article, “Paradoxes of American Individualism”, written by Claude S. Fischer, describes the contradictions that many Americans have in their views of individualism. According to Fischer, American society is more so based on the principle of voluntarism, rather than individualism as Robin M. Williams Jr. believed it to be. The best comparison that Fischer makes is how many Americans, “…hold individuals responsible for their crimes and do not exact revenge on their kin…” However, Americans are also least likely compared to other citizen groups, to side with the individual. Fischer supports this by stating, “…Americans were least likely to defend the individual.”

Walt Whitman’s poem, “America”, presents America in a more loving and wholesome manner. In my interpretation, I feel that Whitman claims America to be the center of equality of, “…equal daughters, equal sons…” Whitman seems to claim that even though America is comprised of many kinds of citizens from all walks of life, it is almost infinite with, “…freedom, Law and Love…” The poem seems to be a great description of America as a nation so legendary and inspiring, that it is almost one with the natural laws of life. Whitman clearly places America on a great pedestal. Although, it seems to be obvious that Whitman does not account for all American citizens. Written in the late 1800s, it is evident that not all Americans were able to receive the same amount of freedom and love from their nation.

Langston Hughes offers a more sincere and realistic perspective on America, compared to Walt Whitman. Langston writes about wanting America to be America again, pleading for opportunity, life and equality for all. He also speaks for other economically disadvantaged and minority groups within the poem, hoping that America will be great again. However, in between his stanzas, he offers an even more bleak insight on the true perspective of America. He says things such as, “It never was America to me.”

The problem with the model of individualism explained in the article in terms of the underprivileged people described in the Hughes poem, is that it is an unfair representation of minorities and people of color. In fact, it is a generally unfair representation of all citizens who are underprivileged. People born into unfortunate circumstances are already centered in a harsh and challenging environment; they do not have a fair chance of success from their roots. Therefore, the model of individualism that is described in Fischer’s writing, is more so a reflection of Americans with privilege rather than the typical American as he put it.