In this, the second of two episodes on Robert Bellah's "Habits of the Heart," Brett explores the consequences of American individualism being removed from the traditions that once gave it a direction and purpose. Today, Americans are expected to "find themselves" independent of any outside influences. Bellah finds a deep and troubling irony in the way this philosophy opens Americans to a pervasive doctrine of consumption and conformity. In contrast to the early days of the Republic, individualism today renders Americans incredibly ambivalent towards politics and governmental power. Tragically, Bellah points out, it is precisely traditions such as civic participation that could actually give Americans a meaningful sense of self.

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