Since the dawn of time, cultural norms have always been present and have rarely been broken. Culture is what the community as a whole respects and operates within. However, individual autonomy (or otherwise called independence or freedom) is unequivocally subject to social judgment and condemnation. Tensions are high only because an autonomous individual who shows disregard for the culture is seen as disrespectful by the community who, in turn, pass judgment. East Asian cultures are predominantly the most culturally conformed compared to their counterparts. Japan is a perfect example to analyze: Japanese culture is one of conformity and there is a strong emphasis on community expectations – such as honor (Benedict, 1946, p. 162). Japanese communities are based on a socio-economic hierarchy where employment affects friendship groups and status. A culture like that of the United States of America is exceptionally opposed to that of Japan, due to the greater number of American immigrants. America has the concept of being "the land of the free" (MacLeish, 1977, p93) which emphasizes the trait of individual autonomy which migrants found somewhat more difficult than the preconceived notion. All cultures have one trait in common: conformity, the notion of culture consists of individuals thinking the same thing and becoming a group with similar beliefs, thus defeating individual autonomy. Although culture is different from nation to nation, it indirectly eliminates individual autonomy within the community due to its conformist nature. American culture is based on the perception of freedom, however, American culture is extremely convoluted and as a result, multiple communities have emerged (Clark, 1968). , pp576-593),...... middle of article......: Center for Immigration Studies, 2004.Clark, Terry N. "Community Structure, Decision Making, Budget Spending and Urban Renewal in 51 American Communities. » American Sociological Review (1968): 576-593. Crystal, David S., W. Gerrod Parrott, Yukiko Okazaki, and Hirozumi Watanabe. Academics in the United States and Japan: A Developmental Perspective." International Journal of Behavioral Development 25, no. 2 (2001): 113-123. Grebler, Leo. . " (1970). MacLeish, Land of Liberty. Kerlinger, Fred N. Decision Making in Japan. Harassment as a social disease in contemporary Japan." Travail Social International 44, no. 1 (2001): 107-117.