Individualism versus collective good seems to be mostly a false dichotomy. I can also see those people struggling to understand the American style of fierce in

Individualism versus collective good seems to be mostly a false dichotomy. I can also see those people struggling to understand the American style of fierce individualism that creates so much pain and interpersonal conflict for seemingly little gain. Fierce individualism in some aspect, maybe. But don't forget that the state is extremely powerful in enforcing and reinforcing certain patterns of living.