Buddhism and the reality for the Contemporary United States

 I consulted with a Buddhist monk in regards to the following question that was asked in my Philosophy course. " Is there a conflict between what buddhism teaches, and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society?" My answer is yes. I based my conclusion on several findings which included consulting with a buddhist monk what his thoughts were, the information obtained in my philosophy class and my zazen practice. I also am highly influenced by my personal observation of my own spiritual growth. Sitting Zazen for long periods of time at a Buddhist monastery such as Dai Bo Satsu Zendo, in up state NY was certainly not what I had in mind when dreaming up my life as a small town Catholic girl. I now consider myself Agnostic, Buddhist and on a constant spiritual journey. To some this may seem to be a paradox, but I believe that this is my dharma whether I like it or not. Now, getting back to the question is there a conflict of what buddhism teaches and how we are encouraged to think and act in our society? Yes, there is a conflict. For one, I believe there is no individuality. The condition of our surroundings directly reflects the condition of our minds as one. For example, the 1% issue in the U.S. Although I am not big on protesting, I believe there is a lot of truth to this issue. We have those who are taking more than there share, over consuming, over spending and not seeing the big picture. This behavior affects the other 99% and leaves some scrounging to find ways of taking care of their basic needs. Now, within this 99% there are some of us who still take more than our share, forget to consider the bigger picture, get angry and bitter, refuse to work or pay taxes, which still does not add to a productive society as a whole, but adds to the HOLE or the GAP. I think the United States consciousness is filled with this kind of ego. Ego loves drama which loves to gossip, spend money, flash expensive things and compete. If you watch just five minutes of commercials you may be shocked that the over all message is telling you to be the best, or proving how they are the best which in one mind contributes to our collective consciousness and what it is focused on.
The Buddhist monk that I spoke with stated that the above question seems to stand outside of practice. What he means is the practice of Zazen. The practice of our individual reflection and realization of our part that contributes to the universe as a whole "without diversion."
Through my practice of zazen I found or continue to find my true spirituality and my experience of GOD if there is one or not. To me, this is what GOD is and it this way of being that is contradictory to the condition of  the contemporary United States.