Saying the US "encourages and fosters individualism" is a bit too optimistic. The US also "encourages and fosters" the idea of personal responsibility. Everyon

Saying the US "encourages and fosters individualism" is a bit too optimistic. The US also "encourages and fosters" the idea of personal responsibility. Everyone can become a billionaire. If you don't, that's your personal failure. If you commit a crime, that's your own fault and you should be punished for it. If you become unemployed and don't find another job, you're lazy and just don't put in enough effort. If you're poor, again, your fault and how dare you ask for hand-outs? The US doesn't emphasize individualism, it's anti-social.