I agree... the word just jumped out at me as I remembered the evolution that Malcom went through as he struck out on his own path.

Funny you should mention the Mormons, I have lived in Utah for 50 years and know a lot about their transformation to uber U.S. "patriots". As much as they viewed themselves as outsiders they couldn't resist the cultural pressures put on them when they desired to join the Union.

I very much doubt that the country will splinter, Like you I think we are stuck with each other, and strongly suspect that the young people coming along will discard much of our old sickness.