Final answer:
In American life, an individual is often seen through the lens of individualism emphasizing freedom and self-reliance, while the Kabre people might have a collective notion of identity shaped by community interconnectedness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of "an individual" in American life is deeply rooted in the notion of individualism, which emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and self-determination. This perspective is influenced by Western culture and the history of the United States, where the frontier spirit and exploration have been seen to foster an independent mindset. By contrast, the understanding of an individual within the Kabre people, a society with different social structures, might encompass a greater emphasis on collective identity and interdependence.
The American view of an individual often aligns with the idea of having the liberty to shape one's own path, as supported by Orlando Patterson's notion of freedom being a value worth dying for. However, in tribes within the United States, the sense of individualism may intertwine with tribal identification and collective values. Historians such as Frederick Jackson Turner have posited that individualism in the West, particularly the U.S., has been spurred by historical factors such as expansion and pioneering.
When contemplating the Kabre people or other indigenous or collective societies, the definition of an individual cannot be detached from their cultural context and the interconnectedness of the community. Thus, while both Americans and the Kabre people recognize the concept of an individual, the underlying values and social constructs that shape their understanding may differ significantly.