In the quote from Thomas Pynchon's "Slow Learner: Early Stories," the author reflects on the interconnectedness of community members, emphasizing that everyone in positions of influence, such as the school board or local organizations, plays a parental role. This collective identity as caregivers fosters a sense of warmth and protection that complicates any feelings of anger towards them. Instead of viewing these individuals as separate entities, Pynchon suggests they are unified...