The essence of American culture-individualismAbstract:Individualism as a typical Western capitalist political and social philosophy,that the supremacy of personal values.The United States is a typical representative of the values of individualism,individualism is an important part of the American spirit.American individualism, rational principles derived from the Christian spirit and the pursuit of individual autonomy.In the process of development of American culture,it became the starting point of American Thought and destination,constitute the essence of American culture.Key words:the essence of the individualistic culture"Individualism"in Western culture,especially in American culture plays an important role." Individualism,"the earliest use of the term is French form of"individualism",from the Europeans and so-called root causes of the French Revolution-Enlightenment thinking-common reactions.But first systematic use of"individualism"is the term the mid-1820s,Saint-Simon's followers.Perhaps because of the pervasive influence of Saint-Simon doctrine,"individualism" in the19th century the term has been very widely used,developed into a personal ideology and theory,that is a political philosophy Western philosophy and social.Its main contents are:emphasizing the value of the subject,I believe that everyone has value,a high degree of importance of individual self-control,self-control,self-development.Individualism is based on individual-based philosophy of life.However,the true meaning of individualism varies.In France,it usually carries a negative connotation,even it remains so,means that the emphasis on individual will be more harmful to the interests of the community.For some people,individualism is a dangerous idea;in others it seems,individualism is a social or economic anarchy,the lack of the necessary systems and standards;some people believe that it is the universal personal selfish attitude.Socialists are simply"individualism"is equivalent to a"socialist"and"communism"of the opposite.French liberals talk about individualism,but regarded it as a minimum of state intervention and political freedom in order of greatest threat to a pluralistic society.And in France,in sharp contrast,the" individualism"is the term romanticism in Germany,but the label affixed.German for" individualism"is a personal understanding of self-completion and the organic unity of the individual and society.There are profound differences between East and West,most of the Eastern countries, especially China,Japan and South Korea to"individualism"as with"collectivism"contrary to the values-oriented.That"individualism"is"all personal interests as the starting point of thinking......the performance of selfish,mercenary,intrigues,etc.";"Modern Chinese Dictionary"interpretation of"individualism"is"everything from the individual starting their personal interests to put collective interests,their own interests,regardless of other people's wrong thinking."In short,Chinese culture,individualism is synonymous with self-interest,is a derogatory term.In Western culture,emphasizing the individual-oriented values dominate,but only in the American culture,individualism is only part of the essence of the development to the point of culmination,and was as a fundamental value to be highly respected.However,in the United States,"individualism"was originally sang of capitalism and liberal democracy,the emergenceof carols.It has become a great form of symbolic meaning of the slogan,expressing the power of the doctrine contained in the talent,faith in free enterprise and the American dream of all the ideals of different ages.It really expresses the19th century and early20th century in the United States has a profound and widespread impact of social ideals.In fact,it is still an important actor in the role of ideology in the United States.On this point,Tocqueville's"Democracy in America,"a book made a most thorough summary of the concept of individualism expressed its"strong self-confidence,or their power and wisdom of the trust"and"all citizens in pursuit of their own wealth and personality of the struggle,and their contempt for human breath."the reason why the United States lack the tradition of socialism,that is,to some extent the result of the rise of individualism.As a typical Western capitalist political and social philosophy of individualism that the supremacy of personal values,emphasizing self-control and self-control,against the authority, religious,national,social and other personal development of any interference and obstruction of the external factors.At the same time,individualism is a value system,a theory of human nature,and even became a certain political,economic,social and religious attitudes and behavior of a tendency.First use in English-speaking world,"individualism"is the American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson,his rendering of individualism and respected big plus that it is beneficial to the development of personality and social progress,The"no political government is unbreakable by the government"point of view,has already penetrated into the consciousness of the American public thought.Today,the U.S.has become a typical representative of the values of individualism,which is rooted in the early colonial period and has been carried forward in opening up the frontier spirit of independence continues to this day,to become an important part of the American spirit.Christian spirit,freedom and individualism constitute the three pillars of American culture.However,the basic characteristics of the U.S.cultural patterns of individualism is a direct,real coverage of the U.S.thinking.American individualism has become the highest ideals and social ideals and world view.For Americans,individualism,equal to the identity of its life and death.American individualism,rational principles derived from the Christian spirit and the pursuit of individual autonomy.In the process of development of American culture,it became the starting point of American Thought and destination,constitute the essence of American culture.U.S.drama"Friends"(Figure I)is the1990s began to hit the famous sitcom.High ratings in this drama.Monica be six in all,a central figure in the pool.Her childhood living in the shadow of his brother Ross,because my brother is very good in all aspects,has led to less love for her parents and their child is very fat,Figure Iand more led to her self-esteem.However,Monica grew up not only through its own efforts to lose weight successfully,and became an excellent cook,and step by step to win the respect and affection of parents.Rich girl Rachel fled after the wedding,Monica joined the five men.At first, she just grew up in a golden spoon in his mouth,a beautiful girl,and not even do the laundry, do not cook,even the basic source of livelihood at all.Is such a girl,after leaving home,her father decided to cut the credit card,from a bar waiter to start slowly in the fashion industry to find a foothold.In addition,Joey is a character have to say.He is a person who had not received higher education,at the beginning of the revenue comes from walk-run in the studio,but after some persist with efforts,has become a soap opera star.Ross,Chandler,Phoebe is the life they are all little people,but are relying on their own efforts to achieve self-expression.In addition,Desperate Housewives(Figure II)The character,whether the loss of her husband, lost his wife,even a minor to rely on their young,can never give up relying on their own spirit, persist in the end perseverance to overcome difficulties in life,lead a happy life. Figure IIAmericans are able to pursue such individualism,has been able to do find-yourself to a large extent the relationship and the United States a great security system.United States has a strong legal protection.The United States is a country ruled by law,as a world power,its legal system compared to other countries more perfect.Legal protection of people's rights,to protect people's freedom,as long as the extent permitted by law,citizens can freely practice their legitimate rights.The United States has a comprehensive health insurance.U.S.social security system for the citizens is very good,as long as with the perfect insurance,sick time,just spend little money,not spend money you can get even the most cutting-edge treatment.Sound education to protect the United States.America's education system is quite system, the United States is a very low illiteracy rate countries.Citizens enjoy the end of compulsory education,you can apply for the corresponding conditions according to their own university.Other areas,the United States for the competition between enterprises,entrepreneurship has a reassuring personal protection,can not accept other people in too many people with the help of the case,relying on their own efforts to achieve their dreams,which the origin of the American dream.The United States is a democratic country,citizens from around the world,we can say is the world's countries with the most complex nation.Peaceful coexistence between all peoples can live together,develop and improve,rather than the popularity of individualism are inseparable. As a new generation of young Chinese,the U.S.has pursued individualism,should essence, absorb the efforts of individuals,the application of all aspects in life,to realize their own ideals for China's powerful effort.[References][1]Yang yun.U.S."individualistic"cultural studies Journal of Chongqing Institute of Technology(Social Science Edition).[2]Luo Yuehong.On the American culture of individualism.Journal of Social Science of Jiamusi University.[3]Li Jianhong.Theory of individualism in American culture performance.Journal of Hunan Institute of Engineering.中国地质大学（北京）期末考试论文专用课程名称：英美文化概况班号：10091022学号：1009102225姓名：王伟成绩：任课教师：吴学玲高平日期：2011年12月10日。