" The erosion in American’s traditional family structure coupled with the decline of strong community relationships creates a modern culture that places an emphasis upon individuality. Contemporary American culture recognizes a person’s status by how well a person fits in as a member of a desired social group while also projecting a unique personality. Unlike our Asian counterparts who favor an interdependent, collective self that stresses a person’s role within the context of the group, Americans tend to favor an independent, individualistic self, development of a persona that stresses the uniqueness amongst members. The modern-day fixation with individuality is rapidly taking precedent over religion in establishing the ethical climate that regulates Americans’ social interactions. Instead of America’s democratic society becoming more homogeneous, a new form of narcissistic radicalism has taken hold of the American consciousness. "

― , Dead Toad Scrolls