The Cult of Individualism: A History of an Enduring American Myth
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Overview
American individualism: It is the reason for American success, but it also tears the nation apart.
Why do Americans have so much trouble seeing eye to eye today? Is this new? Was there ever an American consensus? The Cult of Individualism: A History of an Enduring American Myth explores the rarely discussed cultural differences leading to today’s seemingly intractable political divides. After an examination of the various meanings of individualism in America, author Aaron Barlow describes the progression and evolution of the concept from the 18th century on, illuminating the wide division in Caucasian American culture that developed between the culture based on the ideals of the English Enlightenment and that of the Scots-Irish “Borderers.” The “Borderer” legacy, generally explored only by students of Appalachian culture, remains as pervasive and significant in contemporary American culture and politics as it is, unfortunately, overlooked. It is from the “Borderers” that the Tea Party sprang, along with many of the attitudes of the contemporary American right, making it imperative that this culture be thoroughly explored.
American individualism: It is the reason for American success, but it also tears the nation apart.
Documents how the concept and execution of “American individualism” is as diverse as America itself
Explains how the American notion of individualism has roots that extend back to cultural myths that predate the founding of the nation
Spotlights the role of the “Borderer” culture spearheaded by the Scots-Irish, whose legacy fuels much of America’s contemporary cultural and political divides
Provides eye-opening information for any reader who wishes to know why so many of our 21st-century political debates in America seem hopelessly irreconcilable
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Starting from the Individual
Chapter 1 Myths, Cults … and Cultures
Chapter 2 The Individual in Two American Cultures
Chapter 3 From the Borderlands to Ulster to the Western Colonies to Be American
Chapter 4 Alone in the Wilderness: The Myth of Daniel Boone, the Reality of the Border, the Rise of Jackson, and the Background of John Brown
Chapter 5 How the Other Half Lives
Chapter 6 The Townspeople, the Hero, and Alienation
Chapter 7 Keeping It All Apart
Afterword
Notes
Bibliography
Index
This [is an] engaging, informative study of the Borderers, the Scot Irish who migrated first to Northern Ireland and then to the American colonies. . . . Provides a sensible plea to include the Borderer experience more fully into the national heritage for the benefit of all. Recommended.
- Title: The Cult of Individualism: A History of an Enduring American Myth
- Author: Aaron Barlow
- Publisher: Praeger
- Print Publication Date: 2013
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Pages: 264
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBN: 9798216068945
- Resource ID: LLS:9798216068945
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T15:54:19Z
Aaron Barlow is associate professor of English at New York City College of Technology (CUNY). A cultural studies specialist, he is the author of several other Praeger titles.