Acceptance
I had a hard time deciding what to post. I wanted to post on what I'd read, but I couldn't stop thinking about the deterioration of the community and the prevalent attitude of 'it is what it is.'
Acceptance is necessary - even vital to life, but it is only half of the struggle. The general feeling of the world set forth in the book is the pervasive attitude of not making waves and concentrating all efforts to slow the decline of their way of life. The consensus of the community is that there is no future. That's why Olivar is so seductive. It's an 'easy fix.' People are ready to turn a blind eye towards any 'potential' difficulties with regards to slavery for the sake of getting out of where they are now. To do something.
It brings to mind the phrase, "the grass is always greener on the other side."
Acceptance is only the first part of the equation. Here is the rest.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Lauren sees what is happening. She is wise enough to grasp that things must change, and is working to prepare herself to effect that change.
I completely agree with your analysis. I feel that Lauren's community is quite complacent in regard to their fate. Indeed the prevailing sentiment among the inhabitants seems to be a rather indifference to the deterioration of their community. Moreover I also sense, especially with Lauren's father, that many seem to long for the way things once were. Essentially they disavow any need to adapt to new circumstances and believe that if only they imitate the past this alone would alleviate their problems. Of course Lauren mentality is quite contrary to this and I think her willingness to embrace change and its inevitability ultimately will ensure her survival.
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