In "The American Dream" the speaker’s argument that Americans must come together as equals is supported by?

In this chapter, maya describes her confusion about lesbianism. she wrongly thought that were the same as lesbians.

[he] let his gaze wander to the swirling water of the stream racing madly beneath his feet. a piece of dancing driftwood caught his attention and his eyes followed it down the current. how slowly it appeared to move! what a sluggish stream! what contrasting words are used to describe the stream in this passage?

How is the word laud and welcome different