Is the Trump Presidency a Modern Handmaid's Tale?
Feminists and conservatives seem to draw parallels between the current political climate and literary dystopias. For instance, critics argue that the Trump presidency is an embodiment of The Handmaid's Tale — a cautionary tale of oppressive regimes and women's rights. However, an old-school feminist argues that such a dire comparison is not entirely accurate, yet highlights the troubling trend of policies that could lead to a return to such oppressive conditions.
On the one hand, an old-school feminist does not align with the new label of "sensitivity-triggered" feminism but rather holds steadfast in the belief that feminism is about equality and human rights. "I am an old-school feminist, not this new brand of feminism that everything triggers," she asserts. She explicitly disavows the notion that President Trump is a harbinger of Gilead, the fictional dystopian society of The Handmaid's Tale. "Trump is the furthest thing from holy or biblical or a commander," she states. Instead, her concern lies in the series of small policies passed that limit women's access to birth control and abortion, measures that she sees as an attempt to control women's reproductive rights.
She emphasizes, "Those are more Gilead-like." While she admits that The Handmaid's Tale is a cautionary tale, she stresses that it is a dystopian science fiction that warns against what might happen if we remain complacent. In contrast, she contends that the Trump administration is not an exact representation of such a regime.
The Handmaid's Tale: A Real-Life Cautionary Tale
She identifies The Handmaid's Tale as a "cautionary tale" and a dystopian science fiction that describes what might happen if we do not resist oppressive regimes. She notes that the show portrays not just the dystopian future but also a world that could arise if humanity is not vigilant. Her concern stems from the real-life parallels, particularly the Trump administration's actions. The administration's general misogyny and specific policies, such as the separation of families at the southern border, have alarmed her even more than the fictional narrative.
Margaret Atwood, the author of The Handmaid's Tale, has stated that while the story is fiction, no element of the story is fictitious. Every aspect of the tale describes things that have happened or could happen in real life. Atwood notes, "There is no element in The Handmaid's Tale that is not something that has been done before," and further warns, "Many of those things happened not long ago and sometimes very quickly." This makes the parallels with current politics all the more disconcerting.
"I certainly think of myself as a small-f feminist," she reflects. "I believe women are human beings and deserve the same rights and respect as everyone else. I may not be an activist, but I am certainly aware of the danger when such measures are passed." She points to the real-life examples, such as the separation of families, which she sees as a direct parallel to the harsh punishment and separation of mothers and children in The Handmaid's Tale.
The critic concludes by emphasizing the importance of vigilance and awareness. She believes that the lines between fiction and reality are blurring, and it is up to all of us to resist the forces that seek to diminish women's rights and freedoms. The Handmaid's Tale, while a work of fiction, serves as a reminder of the very real dangers that await when human rights are not protected.