What point does quindlen make by comparing present-day new york with philadelphia in her father's time?

In "A Quilt Of A Country", Quindlen's point in comparing present-day New York with Philadelphia in her father's time is that in America, there is a clinging to the ethnicity, in background and custom, that has undermined the concept of unity. In her father's time in Philadelphia, Jewish boys would walk several blocks out of their way to avoid the Irish divide of Chester Avenue. I hope this helps.

Oh sheet. i dont really know.oof, just relax with some memes mate.