Cultural norms play a role in how individuals perceive the world. However, some individuals face social dilemmas between their heritage and being American. As American citizens, individuals should look beyond ethnicity and view everyone as an American. America was created by immigrants from all over the world, which transformed the nation into a collage made up of a number of diverse cultures. With these different cultures come the laws and religions that govern their behavior. Gary Colombo's Mind Reading an Anthology for Writers presents a number of remarkable essays on cultural customs. In “Hidden Culture” by Edward T. Hall, he describes culture as well as how an individual's culture affects his or her ability to understand another person's cultural customs. In "Mrs. Cassadore" by Mick Fedullo, explains her life experience while educating Apache students on the reservation. Fedullo overcomes cultural obstacles. Fedullo helps his students realize that it's okay to be Apache. Fedullo teaches his students that they should never transform who they are. “The Self and Society: Changes, Problems, and Opportunities by Roy F. Baumeister uses labels to explain individuality. Baumeister discusses the history of individuality to rationalize individuality. For example, how changes in society and culture affect individuality. Two other articles that provide insight into American culture are "A Quilt of a Country" by Anna Quindlen and "Communication In A Global Village" by Dean Barnlund. Culture is something people are born into. How people perceive culture depends on how they grew up around it. Throughout history, our country has experienced social revolutions. When there are social revolutions, causing structural revolutions... middle of paper ... people would be more perceptive towards other cultures. Individual education and cultural teachings make a person and how they respond to others. Unfortunately, some people cannot get past their ethnicity and sometimes tensions can be detected between their tradition and being American. As citizens of the United States, all men and women should look beyond ethnicity and consider every person an American. This is something that must be taught from childhood. It is a shame that it is now 2010 and prejudice is alive and well in the United States. Perhaps one day American citizens will be able to transcend cultural and ethnic differences and see themselves as equals. America will then be a nation revered as a country capable of overcoming anything. All it takes is a little faith, kindness and understanding that everyone matters.