 Why don't Harry's parents want him to join the UN?
It's not so much the decisions a man does make that mark him as a Man—but the ones he refrains from making. Two types of recruits are accepted by the UN Inspector Corps: those with a fanatic loyalty to the ideals of peace and world order, and those who are loyal to nothing but themselves. It was the home of factory workers, clerks, semiskilled technicians, all who do the drudge work of civilization and know they will never do more. "You could join the American Army," his mother said. Trained to use small arms and gas weapons, they guarded certain borders, bodyguarded diplomats and UN officials, even put down riots that threatened international peace. As the UN evolved into a strong world government, the UN Inspector Corps steadily acquired new powers. Rather than resign, he accepted punishment which assigned him to weeks of dull, filthy extra labor. Men planted bases on the moon and in four years, 1978-82, ringed the world with matter transmitters; but the black population of Africa still struggled toward political equality. He began a propaganda war against neighboring South Africa, promising the liberation of that strife-torn land. The United States and Russia, trying not to get entangled, asked for more investigation by the UN. They would enter Belderkan, arrest Umluana and try him by due process before the World Court. If the plan succeeded, mankind would be a long step farther from nuclear war.
 Harry's parents feel that joining the UN means he is turning his back on America.
 Harry's parents think he is too lazy to succeed in the UN.  Harry's parents want him to go to trade school.  Harry's parents feel that joining the UN means he is turning his back on America.  Harry's parents don't want him to be a soldier.