Do you know what American individualism means? Are you an individualist? Discussing these questions and topics is very important because individualism or collectivism is a lifestyle and directly depends on how you view it. American individualism is a key term used in our society today. Today, people are transforming individualism into collectivism, while trying to maintain both at the same time. Depending on who you are and what you believe, you will have your own idea of ​​the positive and negative aspects of individualism and your position. Despite the good and bad aspects of American individualism, without the freedom to be alone, we are nothing. Grouping individuals together, categorizing them and classifying them as a single entity is demeaning to each person's individuality. There are many positives and negatives that come with being an individualist. For example, in the story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins, the woman struggles to be independent. Even after John locks his wife in a room, she continues to rely on him. John convinces his wife that she is crazy and she ends up becoming psychotic believing him. A perfect example of this is when John says “Bless her little heart!” he said with a big hug, "she'll be as sick as she wants! But now, let's make the bright hours better by going to sleep, and talk about it in the morning!" (Gilman p. 5) After being locked in a room alone for so long, she becomes obsessed with the yellow wallpaper and acts crazy. After tearing all the paper off the walls, she attaches herself to the bed, afraid of the "women" coming out of the wallpaper. For example, she says: “But I am now securely tied by my well-hidden rope – you won't get me out on the road there! (...... middle of paper ...... positives and negatives in collectivism and individualism, but ultimately no one really knows what is best for the ideal citizen. Individualism cannot be determined by a foundation but rather your opinions on something Just like collectivism cannot be determined by one person I hope you now know the difference between being in the crowd and being alone. So I'll ask again where you are? The yellow wallpaper." The Language of Literature. Ed. Arthur N. Applebee. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, 2006. 766-78. Print. Poe, Edgar A. "The Raven." The Language of Literature. Ed. Arthur N. Applebee. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, 2006. 467-70. Andre, Claire, and Manuel Velasquez. “American Society and Individualism,” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics , December 15.. 2013.