It is impossible for a stranger traveling through the United States to tell from the appearance of the people or the country whether he is in Toledo, Ohio, or Portland, Oregon. Ninety million Americans cut their hair in the same way, eat each morning exactly the same breakfast, tie up the small girls curls with precisely the same kind of ribbon fashioned into bows exactly alike; and in every way all try to look and act as much like all the others as they can.

Summary

This quote criticizes the prevalence of conformity in American society, suggesting that there is little diversity or uniqueness to be seen when traveling across different cities or regions within the United States. The author argues that Americans tend to conform to certain norms and customs, such as their appearance and daily routines, making it difficult to distinguish one place from another. This critique can be seen as a commentary on the lack of individuality and the pressure to blend in rather than embrace diversity and express personal uniqueness.