I never learned to say shit before a lady. I don't believe in progress in quite the way you seem to. You believe in it more than Grandmother did. As for those purely cultural patterns of convention you think I ought to escape from, they happen to add up to civilization, and I'd rather be civilized than tribal or uncouth.
The quote reflects a character's resistance to change and progress as perceived by another individual. The speaker expresses discomfort with expressing crude language in front of women, suggesting a deep-rooted respect for tradition. They also disagree with the belief that progress is inherently good, positioning themselves as more aligned with the older generation's values, particularly those of their grandmother.
Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes the importance of cultural conventions, arguing that they...