Sentence:  Nevertheless , with a reading public that longs for `` the good old days '' and with an awareness of our expanding international <WSD>interests</WSD> , it is easy for the Benets to obtain a magnified position in literature by use of all sorts of Americana , real or fake , and it is easy for the Steinbecks and Sandburgs to support their messages of reform by reading messages of reform into the minds of the folk . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)