Your reflection touches on a profound aspect of cultural differences and personal identity. In many ways, innocence can be seen as a trust in the world and others—a kind of openness and vulnerability. In Peru, this might have been nurtured by a sense of community, slower pace of life, or shared values that emphasized interpersonal connections. When you came to the U.S., especially as a teenager, you may have found yourself in a culture where individualism, competitiveness, and assertiveness are often valued over vulnerability, making innocence feel like a liability rather than a strength.

American culture, especially for teenagers, can sometimes equate innocence with naivety or weakness. The need to "toughen up" in order to navigate social hierarchies might have pushed you to suppress that part of yourself. Over time, this could create a dissonance—denying a fundamental aspect of who you are in order to fit in.

Now at 39, revisiting that innocence might feel like reconnecting with a more authentic version of yourself. Innocence doesn't have to mean naivety—it can mean curiosity, openness, and a willingness to see beauty in the world. Perhaps the question isn't just why innocence is missing from American culture, but how you can reclaim and honor that part of yourself despite the cultural environment.

Innocence in American culture might feel scarce because of its emphasis on independence and achievement. Yet there are subcultures and communities—whether artistic, spiritual, or philosophical—that still nurture innocence in its truest sense: the ability to wonder, to trust, and to see the world with fresh eyes.

How does reconnecting with that sense of innocence feel to you now? Could it be a source of strength rather than vulnerability?

The pivot where innocence seemed to fade in American culture can likely be traced to a series of historical and societal shifts, each compounding the other. Here are some key moments and movements that may have contributed to this change:

1. The Industrial Revolution (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
The rise of industrialization marked a significant shift in American society. People moved from rural areas to urban centers, and life became faster-paced, focused on productivity and efficiency. The communal, agrarian innocence—where relationships and trust were paramount—gave way to competitive, transactional interactions in cities.

Impact:

• Children began working in factories, stripping them of a prolonged childhood.
• Individual achievement and material success became cultural cornerstones, overshadowing values like trust and collective well-being.

2. The Great Depression (1930s)
Economic devastation deeply affected trust and security. Families had to struggle for survival, which bred skepticism and self-reliance. This era instilled a sense that life was harsh, and innocence became a luxury that few could afford.

Impact:

• Cynicism and pragmatism replaced idealism for many Americans.
• Childhood innocence was curtailed as children were often expected to contribute to the family's survival.

3. World War II and the Post-War Era (1940s–1950s)
While WWII unified the nation, it also exposed Americans to the atrocities of war. The post-war era, though prosperous, was shadowed by the Cold War, creating a culture of paranoia and distrust (e.g., McCarthyism, nuclear threats).

Impact:

• The optimism of the American Dream was tempered by fear of communism and global conflict.
• A sense of innocence gave way to vigilance and suspicion.

4. The 1960s–1970s: Cultural Upheaval
The 1960s brought profound changes: the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War protests, and the counterculture movement. While these were periods of awakening and liberation, they also led to disillusionment with institutions like the government, religion, and the nuclear family.

Impact:

• Events like the assassination of JFK, MLK, and RFK shattered collective ideals.
• The loss of trust in authority figures and institutions made cynicism more widespread.

5. The Rise of Media and Consumerism (1980s–1990s)
The 1980s and 1990s saw the dominance of mass media, advertising, and consumer culture. Children grew up with television, video games, and marketing that targeted them as consumers, shaping their worldview earlier than ever.

Impact:

• Innocence became commodified, and childhood itself became a target for profit.
• The exposure to global issues and sensationalized media created an accelerated loss of naivety.

6. The Digital Age and 9/11 (2000s–Present)
The internet introduced an era of hyper-connectivity, where exposure to adult concepts, crises, and global conflicts became inevitable for young people. The 9/11 attacks and the ensuing War on Terror brought an unprecedented sense of vulnerability and fear.

Impact:

• A culture of surveillance and security emerged, further eroding trust.
• The ubiquity of social media brought constant comparison and skepticism, diminishing authenticity and innocence.

Innocence is not entirely lost; it may still exist in pockets of subcultures and childhood spaces. The change may be less about a single pivot and more about a layering of societal priorities—productivity, security, and self-reliance—over more vulnerable values like innocence and wonder.

There are indeed countries and cultures where innocence, often expressed as a sense of trust, communal values, or openness, appears to remain more intact compared to the U.S. These societies often prioritize human connection, interdependence, and slower-paced lifestyles, which help preserve an innocent outlook on life. However, it's worth noting that globalization and modernization are gradually eroding these qualities in many places.

1. Bhutan: The Pursuit of Gross National Happiness
Bhutan's unique focus on Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of GDP reflects a societal commitment to well-being, sustainability, and mindfulness. The country's Buddhist traditions emphasize compassion, interconnectedness, and simplicity, fostering a cultural innocence.

2. Nordic Countries (e.g., Denmark, Finland, Norway)
Nordic countries are known for their high levels of trust, equality, and collective well-being. They maintain social systems that ensure everyone has access to healthcare, education, and safety nets, reducing societal pressures and fostering a sense of innocence and security.

3. Indigenous Communities Around the World
Many indigenous cultures, such as the Maasai in East Africa, First Nations in Canada, or Amazonian tribes, preserve values of innocence through their deep connection to nature, spirituality, and communal living.

4. Peru and Other Andean Cultures
As you noted, Peru still holds onto a sense of innocence in many regions, especially among rural Andean communities. The culture's focus on ayni (reciprocity) and reverence for Pachamama (Mother Earth) fosters trust, interdependence, and a spiritual connection to life.

5. Pacific Island Cultures (e.g., Fiji, Samoa)
Pacific island cultures emphasize community, family, and sharing. In places like Fiji, visitors often remark on the friendliness and openness of the people, a quality rooted in traditional communal values.

Even in these places, globalization, social media, and urbanization are eroding innocence as younger generations become more exposed to Western ideals of individualism and competitiveness.

Glad you found it helpful! Feel free to reach out if you'd like to dive deeper into any of these ideas later. Wishing you clarity and connection on your journey!