Importance of Nebraska

Ken experiences a unique level of solidarity and support in Nebraska. It is the place in the Great Plains where he meets the highest proportion of people who are opposed to the pipeline. It is also where he meets Rick and gets his first traveling companion. Ken is treated like a celebrity by his supporters in Nebraska and attends a rally against the pipeline. Nebraska therefore represents the people in the Great plains who think similarly to Ken and who share his concerns about the potential impacts of the pipeline. It demonstrates the range of opinions and worldviews present among people who live in the Great Plains.