torrie, there is much put before us all, we don't have to accept anything if we don't wish to. stereo-typing is for those that cannot adapt, they are the 'herd'. when i see fully grown men and woman band together in a group and grunt some silly chant ( as say, the us marines for eg.) i fall over laughing. it's like they've just emerged from a cave, 'neanderthal like', lol.
you are a good example of 'going it alone' as i've done so myself. i don't look to other people for acceptance because i know my 'self'. so in retrospect i'm not brainwashed, and i believe that your just the same.
i've learnt much from americans over the past three years so please don't get me wrong when i say this for i'm generalising. religion seems to have made a big effect on your lives, whereas in the uk religion plays a small part ( i've never been inside a church except for weddings etc.)
it just seems that fear is vented (through the church) to make some effect on your lives in the usa. i dont suppose that you agree with that torrie but i feel it when talking to you guys over there.