Re: the family
As a futurist and a scifi fan, I have always liked the idea of a world community so I understand your reference.
At the moment we are a nation in mourning and many of us feel bound together as a family at a funeral, lots of hugging, reminiscing and retelling of family stories, flag waving of a sort. It is a good and effective process.
Pollitt is like the relative that doesn't like funerals so she doesn't show up.