Part 6/9:
Historically, American stories celebrated the self-made individual—those who rise from modest beginnings through hard work, resilience, and integrity. This "rags-to-riches" archetype fostered hope and inspiration among generations. Today, however, there's concern that this ideal has been undermined by cultural shifts favoring uniformity and entitlement.
Examples like the hero from The Rising of the Shield Hero demonstrate that true heroism involves overcoming adversity, starting from the bottom, and proving oneself through perseverance—values that resonate with American cultural roots.