If individualism is widely praised by American, how can the nation be united?

i think that if every individual grows independent and aware of the potentials they can exude, their fulfillment as an individual would enable them to share more and demand less from other people. then a growing sense of compassion would bring together the people of the nation. but of course, i wouldn't really know. i'm not American. just thought of sharing my insights. i hope you don't mind. {n_n)

We are united because while we believe in freedom for each person to be the person that they want to be we are united in our philosophy about democracy and individual rights. On a much smaller scale, it's like a family. Each person in the family has his or her own likes and dislikes but they still unite to work for the common good of the family.