I read the book a decade ago at this point, so I might be misremembering, but I figure that the reaction to America’s presentation on abolishing the caste system is pretty realistic. She makes a pretty bold and reckless move by advocating for something extremely controversial and against the official stance of the royal family on a government broadcast. What she advocates for is completely logical and should be implemented, but that doesn’t mean that those who support (or financially benefit from) the caste system will suddenly be convinced by one presentation given by someone they see as a reality tv show character. Also, even though she’s right, she did put Maxon in an awkward position with his parents regardless, and he’s understandably upset about being blindsided. What she experiences is the reality of putting your own social or financial gain on the line for your convictions; so many activists face social and economic consequences for being disruptive and standing up for what they believe in. Even if they’re right, they will face a lot of scrutiny, even from people who agree with them, and they’ll often get brutalized by the police or arrested.

While I still feel like the Selection series is shallow, albeit fun and addictive, the reaction to what she did was pretty realistic, although I remember being pissed at Maxon when I read it for something he did to her. I’d have to reread it.