As an American

What that means is debatable.  

From different points of view.  

In any geographical location.  

To me it means I have the right to be an individual.  During my lifetime I have never once seen individuality celebrated on any level.  Individuals are shamed and isolated.  Ridiculed and mocked. Fads, trends, get encouraged and are constantly changing.  Contempt for anyone who doesn't stay on a predictable path.  

The common theme is murderous rampage killing.  To kill as many individuals as possible. Why, because they won't follow along with ideology of the killer.  All of the killers have been people so desperate to FIT IN with society they lost their capacity to reason.  It wasn't depression, chemical dependency, religion, or ammo capacity.  It was the twisted insanity of conformity these people desired.  Look at how people with (followers) are idealized, and praised.  Even when it can be proven the followers are fake social media accounts.  Even when people are plied with gifts to act like a follower.  Encouraged to conduct themselves in predictable ways.  

  

There is the sickness.  

There is no cure.

There is no place for an individual in America.