The first paragraph discusses the idea that Americans are united as one despite their differences. The second paragraph discusses the idea that acts of intolerance make it difficult to believe that Americans are united as one.
Explanation:
The idea of united America is described in the first paragraph of the excerpt. The author praises the unique character of America, wherein he states that America was built in nobody’s image. He further exhorts the fact that though America is built of crazy bits and pieces which are pretty discordant they are knitted into the fabric of America similar to the quilt that is made of colourful patches of checks, brocades and velvets which too are discordant in themselves.
In the 2nd paragraph, the author sheds some light on the intolerance existing American society. Racial discrimination of the blacks and their lynching, Slavery, ostracization, denial of rights to women, the murder of gay men lead to the persecution of American people. However, this disunity does not tear them apart, and they stand united in times of despair and tragedy when they are prompted to think of what they have and appreciate it.
