American culture encourages independence, and dissension of thought and action. It also encourages arrogance and an inability for individuals to cooperate.

At the federal level, the collapse of the Supercommittee, a “bipartisan” group of twelve legislators that was assigned the task of finding at least $1.2 trillion in budget savings, is an excellent (or terrible) example of how Americans have so much trouble working together towards a common goal. Accusations flew and fingers pointed, but no one seemed to be able to actually negotiate. Unfortunately, this is not, as many people believe, a problem unique to Congress.

While all for independence, I personally find it absurd to be so set in one’s beliefs as to not consider the validity of others, or even worse, to condemn them. Hard-headedness is a serious issue in American culture, and should not be taken lightly. I cannot claim to be innocent of this trait. I realize, however, that every one of us must make an effort to compromise, because if we do not, nothing can ever be accomplished.