In "Splinter the Silence," Val McDermid reflects on the challenges of maintaining optimism about social equality in the face of persistent and outdated attitudes. The quote highlights how easy it is to feel hopeful when confronted with the idea of progress rather than with the harsh realities of everyday discrimination and sexism.

The mention of "Neanderthals" symbolizes the individuals who cling to outdated behaviors and beliefs, suggesting that while it is comforting to envision a world moving towards change, actual experiences reveal a more complicated and often disheartening situation. The author points out that actual change is difficult to perceive when familiar negative behaviors persist in society.