Quindlen uses quotes from well-known and respected individuals to support her argument. She quotes historian Daniel Boorstin who said the United States “was built in nobody’s image.” She also quotes Mario Cuomo to drive home her point that America was founded on a “conundrum.”
Quindlen also uses research to convey her message and develop her essay. She cites statistics from a survey conducted in 1994 by the National Opinion Research Center stating that the majority of Americans agreed that the “US is a unique country that stands for something special in the world.” The statistical evidence supports her argument that America is defined by its diversity.
Quindlen also uses anecdotal evidence. She references her parent’s “mixed marriage” to support the idea that Americans have always been wrestling with issues of ethnic differences. Quindlen uses this personal anecdote to show how she is connected to the American identity.