American Individualism vs. We The People

Ms Jheri Worldwide, Staff Writer

Published first in The Carolinian

Growing up in North Carolina, I was taught and strongly encouraged to appreciate the beauty around us. From the vibrant wildflowers lining our highways to the kaleidoscope of colors as leaves changed each fall. We spent countless hours outdoors, running, playing, and simply absorbing the natural splendor of our state. Littering was a rare offense, a shocking anomaly. I vividly remember a friend, newly arrived from Seattle, casually tossing trash out of a car window. My shock and disapproval were immediate, and I clarified: “Next time, give me your trash. I’ll throw it away.”

Now, the sight of our highways lined with garbage, our parks littered with refuse, and our waterways choked with debris is not just disappointing; it’s a betrayal of the values we were taught. This careless disregard for our shared environment feels like a symptom of a deeper issue: the rise of a pervasive individualism that prioritizes personal gain over our collective well-being. This troubling trend is exemplified by sentiments heard from leaders who promote the idea that avoiding taxes is somehow a sign of intelligence. This assertion, that evading participation in the collective good is something to be admired is a dangerous departure from the principles that once defined us.

True progress, however, is rooted in the understanding that we thrive when we support one another. We are strongest when we act as a community, not as isolated individuals. American individualism is weaker and less effective than ‘we the people.’ We have seen this time and time again, most recently in the outpouring of support following the tragedies in western North Carolina and now California. In the face of devastation, the immediate, instinctive response of so many was, “How can I help? Where do I donate?” This inherent desire to assist, to rebuild, to stand together in times of need, is the true heart of the American spirit.

Yet, a counter-narrative has emerged, one that suggests success requires disregard for the collective, a competition where we must climb over one another to reach the top. We must actively reject this destructive idea. We must choose to believe in a different path, one where individual success is intertwined with the well-being of our communities and our environment. It starts with small acts, like properly disposing of our trash, but it extends to a broader commitment to participate in the collective good. Let us rediscover the value of shared responsibility and work together to build a cleaner, stronger, and more unified North Carolina, and a better world for all. We, the people, are undeniably stronger together. It’s time we started acting like it.