Devotion to their family, their church, their community, their clubs, their volunteer work brought security,  not insularity.  The World War II generation knew plenty about other cultures including  Germany and their hatred of Jews and hatred of all others.  They understood Japan and the treatment of the Chinese, Korean, and other Asian countries including threats and attacks on the Philippines,  Alaska,  and Hawaii.  Most American communities of the late 40's and 1950's had enough of exposure to expanse.  We need more Ducktowns not less.