In "The Accursed" by Joyce Carol Oates, the quote suggests that deeply rooted societal norms and ways of life do not fade away on their own. Instead, they require significant intervention or disruption to change. The phrase implies a sense of urgency and perhaps aggression in the need for transformation, highlighting that merely waiting for a natural decline is unrealistic.

This perspective reflects the complexities of societal change, where entrenched beliefs and systems can resist evolution. Oates underscores the idea that proactive measures, even drastic ones, may be essential to dismantle oppressive structures, emphasizing the necessity of radical action in the face of established power.