Tom Kearney, one of the many policemen of his family, believes that the society became corrupt with the many wars America partook in. Kearney's father and grandfather both served as policemen, as well as fought for others' rights. They both advocated that they should still get payed even with the economy. This was very brave of them to do because even though this situation did not directly effect them, they still spoke their opinion and fought for those who could not. Looking up to them as role models, Kearney tries to better the society and nation. He observes people and their role in society, realizing it has become corrupt. Despite all the diversity in America, he noticed that people of certain ethnicities tend to stick together, resisting integration. To support integration people participate in street demonstrations, like those that took place during the civil rights movement. With integration, the society will become more close-knit. He states, "The neighborhood is sterile. It's not a neighborhood at all" (267). No one knows each other anymore, even he does not know his own son well enough. The society grew apart due to this fear of involvement; many are afraid to speak their mind and stand up for what they believe in or are scared to integrate and help one another. With this mentality everyone of Kearney's generation distances themselves from others. Yet, the proceeding generation does not follow them. The generation today is more sophisticated and care for the world. They avert from the strict traditions and culture and know how to accept others. They are not scared to become involved and rather are more involved than their own parents. This generation will change the world someday. However, Chester Kolar disagrees and believes that this involvement leads to nervousness, uncertainty, and worrying. He believes people will fail if they become too involved because they are not focusing on their life and are not living in the moment. He states, "These people are worried about something they shouldn't be worried about. They should be worried about painting their rooms and fixing something up where they could become industrious" (273). He believes that this new involvement negatively effects the nation and society, due to the stress it creates.Reflecting on American life and society today, I believe that the nation has improved with integration and involvement, but I disagree that the involvement has created worrying and nervousness. The generations that live today have learned to accept others and integrate. Although it is natural to stick to those who share the same beliefs, people today keep and open mind and are very accepting towards others and ideas. I believe Americans are standing up and speaking out when they find injustice. We do not fear involvement, but rather thrive on it. Society today is more close-knit and connected than what it was earlier. This involvement though does not create extra immense amounts of worrying. However, I do not state that the generations today are not worrying because we are, but for different reasons. We worry today for ourselves, for our family. We worry that the economy will not improve, that the house is not kept up, that our children are not trying, that the education provided is not sufficient, etc. We worry for the right things, for that that affects us. Our worry is necessary or else no one would care in the world and society would yet again be distant. The wars and hardships that the America faced brought us to where we stand today provide us with lessons to learn from. And with these lessons, society and the nation clearly demonstrate "UNITED WE STAND."
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