Individualism In America

Equality in freedom can mostly be seen in democratic countries where, citizens are able to politically elect their leaders, express their views and economically have an equal opportunity, though that extent of freedom and equality is restricted by a state regulation.

Another huge aspect of Mexican political culture is the Constitution of 1917. Many Mexicans attribute the origins of the political system in Mexico to the Revolution of 1910-1920 and it’s Constitution of 1917. Unlike their American neighbors, the people of Mexico focus and look to the past, not the future, to there missed dreams and hopes. Many people of Mexico support and have faith and pride in the Constitution of 1917, agree with the goals of the Revolution and support their political institutions. (McCormick p.333) The Constitution is seen more as an outline of the goals Mexico has aspired for. Their believe in the Constitution but recognize it as a work in progress as it still contains

To our southern border lays a land of rich culture, values, history, and beautiful scenery. Despite small truth behind the common stereotype of Mexico as a sluggish land of subsistence laborers, Mexican society is much more than that. Mexico can be depicted by the stark contrast of wealth and poverty in the country, with a small middle class stuck between the elite landowners and investors, and the multitude of urban and rural poor. Nevertheless the daily challenges faced by the developing third-world country, Mexico is still a force to be reckoned with. Mexico is one of the head political and economic forces in all Latin America.

Equality is something Americans strive to provide and maintain. It has become an integral and necessary part of our mosaic culture. Even now to the point that when people think of America, they naturally think of freedom and equality. People of many different races, disabilities and creeds have come to the United States seeking the impartiality upon which this country was founded. The institutions of this country have relied upon it, just as it was the created by the events in the laying of moral foundations. The expression of America's citizens plays an extremely significant role in the history of equality in American society. In the pursuit of equality and the "American Dream," people have authored inspiring

II. Thesis Statement: Mexico is an interesting country, with many different and people and customs, as well as major problems.

To start off, the ideal of equality is an important section of the Declaration of Independence. In any democratically ruled country, as the United States, the equality among its citizens, is the key to success in building societies where everyone is issued their rights, opportunities, and status, regardless of their gender, race, and origins.

Individualism is often viewed as a positive trait in America, suggesting a certain level of personal confidence. American society tends to reward independent thinkers and those who decide autonomously. To this end, individuality has become a value in many American homes. Although individualism is widely received and respected in American culture, it is not as well respected in other cultures. One culture in particular which frowns on individualism is the Asian culture.

“We are one in all and all in one. There are no men but only the great WE, One indivisible and forever.” (Rand 19). Equality begins with lack of morals due to the society he lives in, adulterating his mind into believing things he should not. Morality among society is kept equal.

Before I came to Oaxaca, I had no idea what to expect. I knew very little about Mexico besides the typical stereotypes and some vague ideas about immigration, drug cartels, and Aztec pyramids. So my stay here in Oaxaca has most definitely been an eye-opening experience. Not only has Expediciones Sierra Norte allowed me to gain some much-needed experience in the field that I hope to work in some day, but I have also learned a lot about community structures and lifestyles that are alternative to the individualist, capitalist model that predominates in western industrialized society. More than anything, I’ve learned that Mexico is not a homogenous culture but an amalgamation of opposite ideas: old and new, tradition and modernity, indigenous

What does it mean to be truly Mexican? Perhaps it is to know the origins of history, race, biological conditions, and culture, or perhaps it means to be free from artificial facades and subconscious complexes so that it becomes possible to find true authenticity, as philosopher Samuel Ramos has explained. The identity of Mexico and the discovery of what lo mexicano means is something that has been pondered about by many. It is difficult to answer this question with a definite explanation because everyday, we evolve as humans and have different experiences that shape our character. We live in the present, but are always thinking and worrying about the future. By studying the past and learning about history, but particularly the story about about Mexico, we gain further insight about individuals, society, identity, the importance of history in present life, and even learn about the psychological effect the past has had on individuals.

Coming from a Hispanic culture background has taught me a lot of many different values. I was born and raised on a border town between Texas and Mexico. The culture of Mexican-American has impacted many people on both sides of the border.

Traditional values and customs from Mexico were instilled in me growing up despite being born and raised in the US, resulting in a less than transformative experience when traveling to Mexico for the first time. However, traveling to a country where a fifth of the population speaks a language I am absolutely foreign to will be a different experience, especially if I spend six weeks immersed in the culture. In those six weeks, I hope to bring with me some customs and traditions. Perhaps I may pick up some Welsh or bring back some recipes. In addition to learning about Wales, I intend to understand the relationship between Wales, the UK, and the US. I still wish to strengthen the relationship between the nations with this

Having a sense of pride of being an “American” is often seen throughout the country now with the Fourth of July and weekend cookouts. This sense of pride was not seen throughout the colonies in the 17th century. Most of the pride that came from the colonist was given to the colony of which they belonged to or the remaining sense of loyalty was given to England the parent country. As the years went by with England having a strong force of power over the colonies, the colonies soon started to develop a new structure of self rule economically, politically, and socially. The establishment of “American character” was instituted with the realization of self independence breaking the reliance held upon England.

When comparing Americans and Mexicans, we can assert that Americans value individualism, rights of choices, and focus on “doing rather than being”. Verbal skill as well as eye contact is important during conversations; and touching may be viewed as a form of sexual harassment. Both parents are authorized to work, children achievement as well as freedom of religion is valued. On the other hands, Mexicans are family centered; the father or the oldest man in the house makes decisions. They value closeness, however, eye contact is considered a sign of rudeness. Work is not highly valued though necessary for survival, and may not be on time for appointments. They identify themselves as Catholics, view death as a natural part of life, and one need to endure pain to demonstrate strength; they value traditional medicine over biomedical medicine.

Over the past 150 years American Individualism has been changed. People have started to feel this sense of fear against one another, and even the government. The government are the individuals that are suppose to protect our values, and make us feel safe. Privacy is no longer a guarantee, and it can be taken away at any time. Throughout the pieces Society and Solitude, What to the Slave is The Fourth of July, and The Snowden Files. Many different examples of loss of privacy and the loss of the basic components of our society have taken place. In these pieces three different individuals Emerson, Douglass, and Snowden show how the effect of society, and the influence of the government has impacted American Individualism.