Quindlen cites many instances of contrasts and contradictions to support her claim. Identify one contrast and one contradiction, and explain how each helps strengthen her argument.

Quindlen says that even in the face of diversity, all American citizens are united as one big and powerful country. Although this union is something positive in the country, Quindlen shows that diversity also generates conflicts within the country, in addition to generating inequality within citizens, which in addition to being negative, hurts the concepts of freedom and equality which formed this country. Despite these statements showing contrast and contradiction, they strengthen Quindlen's argument, because even with these problems, in times of need conflicts are forgotten by people and the union is established in defense of diversity, throughout the country.

adding more details about the struggle rainsford experiences as he swims to the shore