America is known for its independence and that is why many foreigners opt to live in the country. Usually, the notion of independence is enforced among the citizens at a very young age. The American education system too has borrowed this notion. For this reason, the aspect individualism and self-reliance are at the root of the education system.
The American education system training students to be independent and solely rely on themselves. This is an aspect of individualism and self-reliance that significantly deemphasizes on the intellectual development and critical thinking. Research shows that working collaboratively and collectively has more benefits academically and even in other sectors. Drawing from Distant Mirros chapter six, Amparo Ojeda pays America a visit for the first time. As soon as she arrives, she notices that Americans are very individualistic. She notices this fact from the kids. “They ran inside the restaurant in search of a table for us” (DeVita and Armstrong 45). Even though this is a normal thing for the Americans, other cultures such as the Filipino find it strange.
In a recent study conducted by Cerulo, findings showcase that the past 40 years have seen a rapid increase in the rate of single and divorced people in America. Living united should be something that is supported in the society but this is not the case in the society. Even though it is not a good thing, it depicts how individualism and self-reliance are prevalent in America (Cerulo 352).
Drawing from the essay and Distant Mirrors, it is apparent that the book has an accurate picture of majority of Americans. It will be irrational to judge the entire nation just from a sample of people. However, the nation enforces values of individualism and self-reliance at a young age which reflects how American education system differs from other cultures and nations.
Works Cited
Cerulo, Karen A. “Social relations, core values, and the polyphony of the American experience.” Sociological Forum. Vol. 23. No. 2. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2008.
DeVita, Philip R. Distant mirrors: America as a foreign culture. Waveland Press, 2015.
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