[WS:] But at the same time, suck up to your boss. This whole 'question authority' business is a mere symbolic gestures, like kicking the dog in lieu of one's boss. They kick teachers and teacher unions because they can get away with it. Kicking actual authority figures - provided they could get close enough (cf. Michael Moore's "Roger & Me") - could cost them dearly.
I would also like to make a distinction between anarchists and libertarian corporate ass kissers. For the latter it is more like sucking up and kicking down. For the anarchists - it is more like kicking around everyone who is not them.
However, you are right on the target that both are expressions of American individualism and visceral hatred of institutions. It is not like treating institutions like a contested territory that can be won through engagement and struggle. Is more like "fuck them big guys, we prefer the gemuetlichkeit of the small town Main street and its mom&pop shops." It is like giving up a vast territory without a struggle. No wonder why corporations gained so much power in this country.
Wojtek