Cult of the Self
To The Best Of Our Knowledge
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Myths of American Individualism
This chapter critically examines the evolution of individualism in America, challenging the myth of the self-made person through historical figures like Emerson and Thoreau. It highlights the paradoxes of their self-reliant narratives, revealing the hidden dependencies on community and wealth that contradict the rugged individualism ideal. Additionally, it addresses the impact of these narratives on contemporary societal beliefs and parenting, especially in light of problematic themes within classic childhood stories.
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