"I think the reaction to a World War II situation would be the same today as it was in 1942. Initially, people would question, but once patriotism got stirred up, the whole thing would gather momentum and we'd all pull together"

Parker Stevenson's quote reviews the potential societal and mental characteristics in the face of a crisis akin to World War II. It suggests that in spite of the passage of time and modifications on the planet, the basic responses of individuals to a significant national or worldwide crisis may stay mostly unchanged. Here's a deeper interpretation:

At first, Stevenson presumes that upon the onset of a crisis comparable in magnitude to World War II, there would be a duration of questioning and uncertainty. This response is natural, as human beings tend to come to grips with the implications and prospective repercussions of a massive upheaval. They look for to understand the causes, the stakes involved, and the roles they may be expected to play. This initial phase is marked by apprehension and a demand for answers, reflecting the crucial thinking that defines democratic societies.

However, Stevenson suggests that regardless of this preliminary questioning, a sense of patriotism would ultimately emerge. The metaphor of patriotism being "stimulated" indicates that hidden nationalistic sentiments can be awakened under pressure. This aligns with historic understandings of how societies typically react to external risks by rallying around shared identities and values, producing a merged front. In times of crisis, cumulative identity becomes an effective tool for cohesion.

Furthermore, Stevenson implies a kind of inevitability in the progression from suspicion to solidarity. The phrase "the whole thing would gather momentum" suggests a cascading impact where preliminary seeds of patriotism propagate throughout society, culminating in a prevalent collective effort. Here, Stevenson captures the contagious nature of unity and dedication-- as soon as an emergency of society aligns with the cause, it amasses a self-sustaining inertia.

In general, Stevenson's quote underscores the resilience and adaptability of social structures when challenged with existential threats. It highlights an enduring belief in the unifying power of shared function and cumulative action, even in an increasingly divided world.