In chapter 3, we get more firsthand details about the life of poor people in 2024, which is just about everyone who isn't swimming in wealth. The news of astronaut Alica Leal's death on the latest Mars mission is publicized, to which the people in Lauren's neighborhood voice their opinions on space travel being a waste of money. As the government throws billions towards it, the majority of society lives in what would be considered poverty today. It has become fashionable to look dirty, and gasoline is cheaper than clean water. The contrast between classes is striking: as the rich are progressing, the rest are regressing.
Lauren tends to have different views on life and the future than those in her neighborhood. After Amy's death and the cremation of her body, Lauren spends more time with Joanne who seems to be exactly what the rich want her to be: she doesn't believe they can escape their situation and simply hopes for a better life after death. Lauren is much more involved in her future and won't settle for less which I admire her for. It seems that many people agree with Lauren about the government's incompetence, but seem to be accepting and content with the fact that nothing will change. Lauren's imaginative approach sets her apart from Joanne, and so far she is alone in that approach.
Good point. Butler is very pointed about this -- the poverty here is vivid and pervasive (though certainly does reflect very real aspects of our own world).
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