Things have not improved, at all. Irene’s frustrations with that Clare Bellew haven’t simmered in the slightest. In fact, they are more rampant than ever. Every time Clare comes up Rene spirals into what seems to be an extensive inner monologue with a strong sense of inner turmoil. What is she so conflicted about? I know Rene has a strong belief in honesty, and I agree that what she is doing is preposterous, but why is Irene so invested? She mentioned people belonging to groups when talking about Clare’s decision to assimilate to the white community. While I understand her point, that ideology only enforces the idea of segregation and racism. Both are things I want to escape, for the sake of our boys.

I brought up the idea of moving to Irene again, specifically to Brazil. A place where this family can thrive for who we are. A place where this “color line” does not exist.  Irene seems so intensely rooted in the United States though. I think she feels, comfortable maybe? Something about exploring another lifestyle shakes her to the core. She suggested Chicago, Illinois, and then Los Angeles, California. If she is comfortable with those, then why even bother leaving Harlem? Maybe that is her intent entirely. Irene appears to need to stay where she feels comfortable. Maybe that is why she is so frustrated with Clare, because she embraced a community that Irene does not feel comfortable exploring. As usual, part of me understands, but part of me commends Clare for shattering the “color line” in her own way. Even if that way ends up leaving those with the same mode of thinking as Irene behind, it still makes a statement.

 

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