American people struggle to synthesize autonomy of the individual with fitting into society. Equal opportunity predominates among the ideals of American society, which tries to achieve this equality using the principle of democracy. However, the discrepancy between the ideal and the functional model creates problems for its members. Despite individualism being a fundamental ideal of American society, the "diffuse and anonymous authority of democracy" may not always favor the autonomy of the individual (Reismann 251). In actuality, equality only applies to those people who belong to the dominant culture, namely, white males. The other, less fortunate members of society face a dilemma: how does one attain these rights that are assigned to the dominant culture without sacrificing personal values? Thus, two basic American ideals, democracy and individualism, not only conflict with each other, but also exist only for a select group of society.
Society presents people with a wide choice of aims power, possessions, money, knowledge, fame, goodness these aims are all "ideologically" related. American traditions, even the beneficial ones, restrict a person's goals and inhibit his choice of action. As stratification of society deepens, especially with the immense choice of labor roles, the segmentation of choices increases. All traditions reflect the values of a certain culture, but in order to free oneself, a person has to assimilate the values of the dominate culture. Why can't society accept the validity of all social values rather than insist that everyone assume those of the white male?
Reismann states "The individual's capability exceeds his society's demands; [but it's hard to see] since potentialities may be hidden not only from others but from the individual himself" (241). G. H. Mead believed that taking the role of other social classes leads to becoming aware of actual differences and possible similarities betw...