Americans believe that individuals must learn to (1) _______ themselves or r

Americans believe that individuals must learn to (1) rely on themselves or risk losing freedom. This means achieving both financial and (2) emotional independence from their parents as early as possible, usually by age 18 to 21. It means that Americans (3) believe they should take care of themselves, (4) solve their own problems, and stand on their own two feet. This self-reliance continues today as a basic American (5) belief. This is perhaps one of the most difficult (6) aspects of the American character to understand, but it is (7) profoundly important. Americans believe that they must be selfreliant in order to keep their freedom. If they rely too much on the support of their families or the government or any (8) organizations, they may not be free to do what they want. By being dependent, not only do they risk losing freedom, but also risk losing the respect of their peers. Even if they are not truly self-reliant, most Americans believe they must at least appear to be so. In order to be in the mainstream of American life — to have power and respect — individual must be as seen as self-reliant. Although receiving financial support from charity, family or the government is allowed, it is never admired. Many people believe that such individuals are setting a bad example which may (10) weaken the American character as a whole.