In the text “The American Cultural Configuration” the authors express the desire of anthropologists to study their own culture despite the difficulty encountered when trying to subjectively analyze their own society. Holmes and Holmes (2002), use the adage “not being able to see the forest through the trees” (p. 5) to refer to how difficult it is for someone to study something they have largely taken for granted. Holmes' article focuses predominantly on the paradoxes of our culture, many of which we do not notice. In a paradox, two contradictory statements can seem true at the same time. This essay examines two paradoxes commonly found in everyday life: the individual versus the family and religion. When you think of family, what's the first thing that comes to mind? If you only thought about your parents or close relatives, you may have become trapped in the “individual vs. family” paradox. Nearly every culture considers family important, but “many Americans have never even met all of their cousins” (Holmes & Holmes, 2002, p.19). We say we're family oriented, but not caring about meeting all of our extended family seems to contradict that. Individual freedoms, accomplishments, and goals are all American ideals that push the idea of ​​individualism. What is important to note is that family and even the very concept of family does not appear in any of these ideals. Holmes and Holmes (2002), observed that “Yesterday's family gatherings are now rare, and when they do occur they are often a source of stress.” (p. 19) This quote solidifies one of the reasons why family interaction today is: It's just too stressful, so we avoid it. Where does marriage fit into our culture as individuals? Marriage itself may be less a family unification event than a way for two individuals to achieve personal happiness; the increase in the divorce rate alone seems to suggest the devaluation of commitment in a relationship. Similarly, Holmes and Holmes (2002) state that “marriage is in effect a continuation of courtship” (p. 19). In my opinion, I would have to agree with the authors on family and marriage, considering the above facts and trends. If we, as a nation, can place the individual so above our kin, are we not creating a future of selfishness? Religious views are virtually unquantifiable by themselves, but their effects are very measurable..