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Leah
What sort of asinine question is that??
Kateřina
No. Just no. I quite like basic human rights.
Anne Ryan
Only if I were Donald Trump.
Sara
I feel like this question is really profound, I mean if a woman was subject to abuse, raped, hurt or anything along those lines I could see how easily this world would appeal to them. It's almost a safe haven for them. I asked this at my book club and they all had the typical reaction until I told them to look at it from the perspective of a severely abused woman and they saw the same thing I did. I think that's what makes this story so terrifying, it is easily something that could happen if approached a particular way.
Annie B.
Come true? You do realize this is real life for millions of women in other countries, right? Where is the outcry?
Ryan
I originally saw this questions and laughed out loud. I mean, who, in their right mind, after reading this, would possibly say, "Uh, yeah, sounds like a great place"?
Of course, as a semi-intelligent reader who understands the ironic and cautionary purposes of literature like this -- as many others of those responding to this thread -- we would think that.
But how many people are out there, actively working to take away women's rights at this very second, treating their wives/girlfriends as subordinates, demanding a "women only cook and clean and have /dinner on the table at 5 pm" household?" The inequalities and double standards are everywhere out there and how many people are totally fine with it, silently encourage it, and disregard the facts when these issues are brought up? I had a student this year write a paper titled "Why Feminism is Unnecessary." How many people are growing up this ignorant, not cognizant of the fact that feminism isn't "women demanding men bow to them" but "women are equal with men"? The misogyny that underlies that fallacy!!!
I think more people than we realize -- albeit none of us, here -- would answer this question in the affirmative, and moreover are actually voting for and rooting for making America "great" again.
(Mike Pence is going to be leading this country soon, and he's of the belief that he can't be in the same room with a women without his wife there... why? Because his religion has "taught" him that all women are succubi that can't help raping him if he's for one second caught alone and unawares? Trump... do we even need to start with the things he's done/said? And people knowingly voted in favor of this?! Yeah, I think there are a lot of people who wouldn't mind Gilead coming true....)
Of course, as a semi-intelligent reader who understands the ironic and cautionary purposes of literature like this -- as many others of those responding to this thread -- we would think that.
But how many people are out there, actively working to take away women's rights at this very second, treating their wives/girlfriends as subordinates, demanding a "women only cook and clean and have /dinner on the table at 5 pm" household?" The inequalities and double standards are everywhere out there and how many people are totally fine with it, silently encourage it, and disregard the facts when these issues are brought up? I had a student this year write a paper titled "Why Feminism is Unnecessary." How many people are growing up this ignorant, not cognizant of the fact that feminism isn't "women demanding men bow to them" but "women are equal with men"? The misogyny that underlies that fallacy!!!
I think more people than we realize -- albeit none of us, here -- would answer this question in the affirmative, and moreover are actually voting for and rooting for making America "great" again.
(Mike Pence is going to be leading this country soon, and he's of the belief that he can't be in the same room with a women without his wife there... why? Because his religion has "taught" him that all women are succubi that can't help raping him if he's for one second caught alone and unawares? Trump... do we even need to start with the things he's done/said? And people knowingly voted in favor of this?! Yeah, I think there are a lot of people who wouldn't mind Gilead coming true....)
X
Troll in the dungeon.
Rene
With Donald Trump as president and the Republicans controlling both the Senate and the House of Representatives, nothing is impossible ...
Fabiano
This is a very bold and thought-provoking question.
I feel sad to see so few people understood (what I believe is) the user's intention when asking it.
"That's stupid! Of course I don't." What kind of question is that, you wonder.
Well, my dear friends, no matter how preposterous asking this might sound, a large group of you simply forget that it has already come true in many parts of this beautiful world.
It did happen 40 years ago (can you believe that?) in Iran when the Islamic Revolution took place.
It also happened 40 years ago in Argentina when the Dictatorship stole 500 new-born babies from the arms of their tortured mothers, many having been given to "good Christian families."
It happened in 2012 when 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai was shot on a bus riding home after taking an exam just because she believes girls and women in her country are entitled to education.
It may happen here in Brazil next October if Jair Bolsonaro gets elected as President.
No, I don't wish Gilead would come true because simply reading about it in this stunning book frightens me to death. But there are many people that actively work for Gilead to happen. And what's even scarier is that there are many many more that just don't care whether it happens.
So it's our duty to not just feel disgusted by this question but to fight here and now to never let it come true.
I feel sad to see so few people understood (what I believe is) the user's intention when asking it.
"That's stupid! Of course I don't." What kind of question is that, you wonder.
Well, my dear friends, no matter how preposterous asking this might sound, a large group of you simply forget that it has already come true in many parts of this beautiful world.
It did happen 40 years ago (can you believe that?) in Iran when the Islamic Revolution took place.
It also happened 40 years ago in Argentina when the Dictatorship stole 500 new-born babies from the arms of their tortured mothers, many having been given to "good Christian families."
It happened in 2012 when 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai was shot on a bus riding home after taking an exam just because she believes girls and women in her country are entitled to education.
It may happen here in Brazil next October if Jair Bolsonaro gets elected as President.
No, I don't wish Gilead would come true because simply reading about it in this stunning book frightens me to death. But there are many people that actively work for Gilead to happen. And what's even scarier is that there are many many more that just don't care whether it happens.
So it's our duty to not just feel disgusted by this question but to fight here and now to never let it come true.
Maria
Of course not. But it's not about what we want, is it? Some of it is already happening. Families separated, the wealthy elite having access to education and privileges the working class can only dream of, government deciding what healthcare we need and must have, divide between ethnicities.... I'll just shut up now.
Ernest
The Taliban is doing their best to make it come true in Pakistan.
How would you like to live under them fools?
How would you like to live under them fools?
Mary FitzSimons
Only if you're Mike Pence's handmaid, Tony. ;-)
Elizabeth Langdon
dude... sooooo edgy
Buzzcogs
It already exists in Saudi Arabia
susannah
Only a person who thinks women enjoy being raped and forced to carry the product of the rape could imagine anyone would "wish Gilead would come true".
Stephanie
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
Jen ~The dreamer~
I believe there are religious groups in the US now who practice this on their own compounds. We're just not privy to all the information. Do I want this to happen to the US as a whole? No. Do I think it could happen? Hell yes, and it's terrifying. The government is already trying to take away women's rights on a few things. Once they see they can do it, I think they'll keep going.
Skiamakhos
Aw HELL no! It sounds like a hideous set-up all round. Are you a fan of the Spanish Inquisition, the Iranian or Saudi governments or ISIL? It's a right-wing theocracy where there is no freedom. It's bloody awful for the women, and hardly fun for anyone else except the few guys at the top. Horrible.
Roman Stadtler
Of course not! I don't hate women.
Krystl
Why on Earth would anybody want it to become reality? Surely nobody actually believes the bible should be interpreted that way?!
BAC
I lived in Saudi Arabia and Dubai for a time. It's already true in some places.
Iris
O my God, No. However let's not be high and mighty and think it could not happen in the Western world. It has happened ,look at how late countries gave the vote to women ,it is no so long since husbands controlled their wife's property. Women earn less than men in the same jobs. Think about the cuts that are being discussed in women's health care and unfortunately sexual harassment is still taking place in the workplace.
Joshua
Only a disgusting human being would wish for that, you aren't a disgusting human being, are you?
Kaity Guanio
The simplest answer is no. But the truth is that Gilead is already happening, whether we like it or not, whether we see it happening or not.
Meghna (the_bookshelflife)
Aunt Lydia said something very profound, "there are two types of freedom. there's freedom To and there's freedom from. In the days of anarchy, you had freedom to, now you have freedom from".
We must use our freedom To judiciously, so that Gilead does not ever come true.
We must use our freedom To judiciously, so that Gilead does not ever come true.
Ashley Cooprider
Absolutely not. Unless a woman/man/child were extremely abused and/or brainwashed, I can't imagine anyone liking such a place. Except, of course, disgusting men who have the same mind as Nazis or other sadistic types. I certainly hope that YOU do not wish it to come true. Even Christians (at least all the Christians I know, and I am also a Christian) believe in free will. Gilead is not free will.
Kirk
given the rise of Christian fundamentalism in the US and the foothold that the conservative right has down there, its not a big stretch to see a Gilead in the US.
Kim
Hasn't it already in some form, in some countries?
Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all)
Gilead does not describe a "christian" society, but the kingdom of the Beast, which skews interpretation for its own ends. Nothing about the system is really Bible-based but that has never stopped those who think their own ideas are better than God's. When they mentioned the numbers the handmaids wear, it was a dead giveaway. Read Revelations 13.
Unfortunately, given the sociopolitical climate of the past 15 years or so, the scenario becomes ever more possible. We are also told that even sincere believers (or just "good people") will be deceived into thinking it's a good thing.
Unfortunately, given the sociopolitical climate of the past 15 years or so, the scenario becomes ever more possible. We are also told that even sincere believers (or just "good people") will be deceived into thinking it's a good thing.
Nuno Duarte
Hell, no!!!
Not for women but also not for men's sake. Everybody looses when half of the mankind is um chains.
Not for women but also not for men's sake. Everybody looses when half of the mankind is um chains.
Cathy
Agree with Leah, a completely idiotic asinine question!!!!
Michael Res
It's so weird looking at this now! You asked this just over a year ago and now it has come true. Does anyone know how to get books on the black market?
Shela Muriel
No I do not. I like my human rights. And I like reading so there is no way I want Gilead to come true.
Ellie Merryweather
Absolutely not - but it's very interesting to examine what kind of person *would* want Gilead to come true. Or rather what would be the logic behind their arguments.
Joe
Clearly a guy wrote this question.
Lydia Underhill
Did you READ the book?!
Isi Silva
It's already true in so many places...
Bev
That's the dumbest question I've ever read. What woman would want to live in Gilead??
Sarah Feinman
No. Terrified. I would never want it to happen. But it shows that it COULD happen.
Heather Sloan
Under Donald Trump maybe..
Esme
I believe you can find a very similar set up FLDS church if you really want to live with multiple women who are expected to have no purpose in life other than as incubators.
Nazanin Abbac
hell, we are living Gilead in Iran for 40 years!!!
Mehrdad Mizani
It has already come true in Iran, 1979.
Susan
Uhhhmmm, how about hell NO-???
Danesa
no way! to live in that kind of society would be depressing for everyone. There's no sense of individuality. Yes each society has tiers of class, but this it made it seem like no one was truly happy with their life.
Megan
This answer contains spoilers…
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Christopher Field
No, I don't, but most of us would adapt, as that is what we are most proficient at. I agree with Atwood on that. Do you Tony...why?
Graeme Rodaughan
That's a lot like asking the Wachowski Brothers "do you wish the Matrix was true?"
Kim Richter
Since 2016 democracy in the US has been slowly deteriorating. We see a large group of the population aligning with an authoritarian political group using a false slogan of Making America Great Again. Our Constitution is challenged, voter fraud propaganda is hard at work, free and fare election laws are being manipulated, and women's reproductive rights taken away by this ultra-conservative, male-led political group. How close are we to the destruction of our democracy?? Are we on the horizon of such a crisis? Other countries have experienced it, why do we think it couldn't happen in America?
Laura Prendergast Simonelli
I am reading the book after watching the series on Hulu. Where this world is today, I don't believe our society would ever turn into a Gilead government. And goodness no, I'm too strong of a woman to ever let my rights be wiped away like in Gilead, never. And I don't agree that we are experiencing anything that dreadfull, really people get a grip.
Sharon
Very thought provoking question. I love reading the answers because there are many views to consider.
Vaishnavi Mangalvedhekar
I think it's such a scary concept to think about as women who are used to, and even take basic human rights for granted. It also makes me think about a line in the book "there's freedom to, and freedom from" Although we have the freedom to do things, some might prefer freedom from certain things. I cannot support it, but somewhere, in the back of my mind, I understand where this preference comes from. And Gilead being the way to achieve freedom from terrifies me.
Micia
Did a guy ask this question?
Lee Osborne
I certainly think there's a lot of American conservatives/fundamentalists who would read Gilead's public manifesto and approve of it. I think Atwood's genius is showing us the sleazy, hypocritical underbelly that would exist beneath the pious exterior of such a regime, however "moral" or "Biblical" it claimed to be.
Christine Erickson
We're not all that far away from it really. The haves vs. have nots, white privilege, and so on. If we would add theocracy to the mix, I could see it coming to that point. Actions couldn't be questioned, and the rule would be absolute, in God's name... Really, really, a good reason to keep church and state separated.
a
Yeah Gilead is based
Melinda Eaton
In ways I feel like women have come so far and yet we haven't moved. I don't think of Donald Trump when I look at this question, I think of Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby. It does seem like we still have men out there who think of women purely as sexual objects and nothing more. It is really sad to read this book and think how easily it could become true. How long have we let men like the before mentioned treat us in a degrading way and thought there isn't anything we can do about it.
Irene
Do you realize that many women in old order Mennonite and Amish sect live similar lives. Man are in charge of everything. Women are for child bearing and raising children, housework and to "serve" their man. There are severe restriction imposed on some of them including not allowed to read or educate themselves, no freedom to travel, head covering, clothing, etc. Forced marriages to old man. Terrifying!
Jahanzeb Tippu
Well, we should be prepared for anything if we have fascist leaders like Donald Trump.
Jack
I would like to be the devil's advocate for this question. While the book does portray a dystopian view of the near-future, an argument could be made that it is, in some ways, better than the present. For example, the handmaids are given a salute by the Guardians, as a sign of respect. Moreover, it is noted that there is a "freedom from". From the book: "Now we walk along the same street, in red pairs, and no man shouts obscenities at us, speaks to us, touches us. No one whistles."
Lastly, while the "particicution" ceremony is violent, cruel and mostly used for scapegoating, would not some victims of rape wish that kind of vengeance, perhaps justifiably so ?
Lastly, while the "particicution" ceremony is violent, cruel and mostly used for scapegoating, would not some victims of rape wish that kind of vengeance, perhaps justifiably so ?
Sam
Nobody would, I guess.
Grace
Arthur E. Hertzler coined the phrase: "The only way to keep a woman happy is to keep her barefoot and pregnant." Readers have correctly cited fundamentalist Muslim and FLDS communities where Gilead exists. But the guy who coined this phrase was a run-of-the-mill American. Not an FLDS either.
Ronda
Bizarre. I can't imagine anyone who would see this as a good thing. No one in Gilead has any kind of a stable relationship--neither women nor men! When there is no freedom, there is also no love. Men are no more free in this society than women are, and no more fulfilled.
I thought the writing was really poor in this book, And I really couldn't bring myself to care about these two-dimensional characters so completely devoid of personality. A society like this one could never continue for long, because everyone in it would self-destruct. Without caring relationships, there is no reason to live.
I thought the writing was really poor in this book, And I really couldn't bring myself to care about these two-dimensional characters so completely devoid of personality. A society like this one could never continue for long, because everyone in it would self-destruct. Without caring relationships, there is no reason to live.
Terri
I think you would like it. Would you?
Stephanie
Absolutely not. How can you possibly speculate about that?
Sarah BB
Hell no. Its terrifying that this could become our reality
riitta ౨ৎ
I wouldn't want to wish any aspects of Gilead coming true, however, the truth is that our world itself has many parts of Gilead in it right now, and the best we can do is it fight for it.
Louie Morais
One has to consider that if a country with such an ideological premise and purported objective based on the continuation of the human race ever existed, it would attract all sorts of backward thinkers scattered in several right wing, evangelical and fringe libertarian movements across the world.
The only reason Gilead is met with any opposition in Atwood's universe is because they overthrew the bases of power of the most powerful country in the world, displacing these powerful actors but not handicapping their influence. This process not being gradual and offering a contrast as clear as night and day makes it easy for the world to see the drastic changes imposed and object to Gilead's reforms.
Nevertheless, "gileadism" is alive and kicking all over the world, surviving in pockets that don't attract the attention of the world because they are unimportant, too scattered, or too far away to make us realise how big they are when one weighs them all together
At the same time, the bases that give gileadism the environment to thrive in our backyards are not being laid in the noise of overnight coups but gradually and insidiously, like very slow growing grass "under the eye" of elected governments that see those proto-ideologies as just another fair set of opinions that deserve as much space as any other ideology for the sake of "balance", "freedom of speech" and "democracy".
For sure, a catalyst is missing, thanks Gods, to cause people and governments to exercise their twisted ideologies under the guise of the "greater good of the humankind" but have you ever considered that in practical terms, we have no spelled out universal legal predispositions that dictate that in a situation where the future of humankind were at stake we, as a race, would rather go extinct than lose our humanity by enslaving and exploiting other human beings in the pursuit of our preservation?
I am of the opinion that if we ever had to face our extinction, we should simply accept it, celebrate the great gig we had and live our last days the best way possible with free internet, Netflix and Amazon Kindle open access and massified psychological treatment for all. Just like Childhood's End.
The only reason Gilead is met with any opposition in Atwood's universe is because they overthrew the bases of power of the most powerful country in the world, displacing these powerful actors but not handicapping their influence. This process not being gradual and offering a contrast as clear as night and day makes it easy for the world to see the drastic changes imposed and object to Gilead's reforms.
Nevertheless, "gileadism" is alive and kicking all over the world, surviving in pockets that don't attract the attention of the world because they are unimportant, too scattered, or too far away to make us realise how big they are when one weighs them all together
At the same time, the bases that give gileadism the environment to thrive in our backyards are not being laid in the noise of overnight coups but gradually and insidiously, like very slow growing grass "under the eye" of elected governments that see those proto-ideologies as just another fair set of opinions that deserve as much space as any other ideology for the sake of "balance", "freedom of speech" and "democracy".
For sure, a catalyst is missing, thanks Gods, to cause people and governments to exercise their twisted ideologies under the guise of the "greater good of the humankind" but have you ever considered that in practical terms, we have no spelled out universal legal predispositions that dictate that in a situation where the future of humankind were at stake we, as a race, would rather go extinct than lose our humanity by enslaving and exploiting other human beings in the pursuit of our preservation?
I am of the opinion that if we ever had to face our extinction, we should simply accept it, celebrate the great gig we had and live our last days the best way possible with free internet, Netflix and Amazon Kindle open access and massified psychological treatment for all. Just like Childhood's End.
Cloudy
Gilead is true, many countries all over the world have a lack of human rights just like Gilead.
MartinaTreveris
Well, when i see a idiot like Trump, Orban and other right wing politicians as president, i have somtimes the impression, that Gilead is already there in its beginning. .
Tomas
Of course NOT! This i Trump's dream come true!
Eliana
As a women who likes reading, other women, and human rights, f*** no. For some reason, the thought of being raped and forced to carry children on threat of death doesn't appeal to me. I wonder why that is?
Bc Brandt
Absolutely not. No humane, moral person would want Gilead.
Ailin Sad
The Gilead described by Margaret Atwood has somehow been reality in some parts of Iran. I say "some", because not everyone here believes the bearings should be put this way and they're trying their best to fight against it, against the authority and against what is called "THEIR" laws.
Personally as a person who's currently living in Iran, I do feel the pain the characters in the book have to confront.
Personally as a person who's currently living in Iran, I do feel the pain the characters in the book have to confront.
Neslihan Yilmaz
Only psychopaths! If you are trying to be sarcastic that is kind of sick sarcasm, see a shrink asap!
Manu Oliveira
of course not!! wtf is this question
Peta
I have a feeling these two "ladies" might: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS35E...
Nathan
Hell no, but some people do...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christi...
Tony Goriainoff
Neither Gilead, nor anything remotely resembling Gilead.
Kathryn
As I start watching this show for the 3rd time I found myself asking the same question. “Does anyone agree with the thoughts of Gilead?” I found this thread and took a look at the comments. I can see how this could easily become political. What I think is funny is nothing like what the commenters thought happened. Here we are, 8 years after president trumps first term and nothing happened. Nothing will this time either. It’s a bit dramatic to think it would.
R. Motta
Yes, I think women would be happier having stronger values and less choice.
The commander does an irrefutable exposition of the virtues of Gilead's social system. The answer of Defred is so frivolous, she only wants romantic love.
The commander does an irrefutable exposition of the virtues of Gilead's social system. The answer of Defred is so frivolous, she only wants romantic love.
Uku
Question asker has to be one of those who also wish that The Purge would come true. x..x Nobody sain would ever want that to happen nor the cannibalistic dystopia potrayed in Agustina Bazterrica's novel Tender as The Flesh. Nobody. Why? Because those horrible things described in dystopias are immoral and are against human rights. Also there are at least two religions in the world which currently are clashing against basic human rights. People should have right to be safe and own their bodies and be accepted as they are.
Zara Day
To answer the question, no. Gilead is a lose/lose no matter your gender. It would make for some kinky bedroom play, but that doesn't make it something that is desirable irl.
It is, however, an interesting question because it reminds me of Serena Joy, a woman who actually was an advocate for this new regime. I think some women really would like to see a society that is more in line with Western Christian ideals of gender roles. If it were something people could enter into themselves, I wouldn't be opposed to people practicing this stuff. The Amish and Quakers exist after all. But it's when you subjugate people and force them to follow these customs and roles at penalty of death, that is when it goes from your weird fetish to dystopian.
The book is about the United States being overthrown by a religious terrorist regime. I would say if you want to see Gilead come true, just wait a while because it's happening right before our eyes. One Supreme Court decision at a time.
It is, however, an interesting question because it reminds me of Serena Joy, a woman who actually was an advocate for this new regime. I think some women really would like to see a society that is more in line with Western Christian ideals of gender roles. If it were something people could enter into themselves, I wouldn't be opposed to people practicing this stuff. The Amish and Quakers exist after all. But it's when you subjugate people and force them to follow these customs and roles at penalty of death, that is when it goes from your weird fetish to dystopian.
The book is about the United States being overthrown by a religious terrorist regime. I would say if you want to see Gilead come true, just wait a while because it's happening right before our eyes. One Supreme Court decision at a time.
Madalyn Derochie
Being a women I happen to like my rights and I don't feel like being a literal breeding animal goes along with those rights.
Kim
Do I want to be raped and forced to bear children!?
Do I want my every move to be supervised and chaperoned?
Do I want my freedom taken away?
Do I want to lose my basic rights?
Do I want to lose the ability to read, write and think for myself?
And if I don't agree with the religion be sent away to a concentration camp!?!
"Oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no no!!!" Hard pass! I really prefer to keep my basic human rights and freedom, thank you very much. I have no desire whatsoever to be a slave to anyone, and I definitely do not want to bear children.
Do I want my every move to be supervised and chaperoned?
Do I want my freedom taken away?
Do I want to lose my basic rights?
Do I want to lose the ability to read, write and think for myself?
And if I don't agree with the religion be sent away to a concentration camp!?!
"Oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no no!!!" Hard pass! I really prefer to keep my basic human rights and freedom, thank you very much. I have no desire whatsoever to be a slave to anyone, and I definitely do not want to bear children.
Melissa Espenschied
No, though I do understand how some would find it ideal. Some women who are consumed by their fear of today's modern world where walking outside of your house alone could end with you being kidnapped, raped, sold, or even killed might like the idea of Gilead for the safety and security it offers. Some women who have started a family, especially a rather large family only to have their partner walk out on them (or die) and now live in poverty, struggling to make ends meet and provide for their children might also like the idea of Gilead. Then there are those men who prefer total control over the women in their lives.
Stephen
Certainly not. We are supposed to live in an enlightened age, an age of technological advances,in medicine.....a species above all others!!
Unfortunately we are not.Despite all of the above we,as a species are destined to destroy ourselves. Look at advanced societies of the past.Rome fell,Egypt crumbled.We too face the same fate. Except our crumbling Pyramids will be tower blocks,our abandoned Arena,s will be sports stadiums. Look at the timeline of the dinosaurs,see how long they lived before extinction, compare that to OUR timeline which is just the blink of an eye.Will humanity still be here in another million years?
Unfortunately we are not.Despite all of the above we,as a species are destined to destroy ourselves. Look at advanced societies of the past.Rome fell,Egypt crumbled.We too face the same fate. Except our crumbling Pyramids will be tower blocks,our abandoned Arena,s will be sports stadiums. Look at the timeline of the dinosaurs,see how long they lived before extinction, compare that to OUR timeline which is just the blink of an eye.Will humanity still be here in another million years?
Kiarashkp
Absolutely not. I guess many western and European readers are not aware of what condition women are facing in places like middle-east. In some countries a woman could be considered as a man's property. Yes, educated men don't believe in this so their wife is free but almost. as an example in Iran if a woman wants to go out of the country due to work or education needs an official permission of her husband(in case married), father or grandfather, if not she is not permitted to leave the country what so ever. you see the thing is that the right of choosing one's future is dependent on men not women themselves. in another example women have to wear Hijab(or at least cover their hair with a scarf), this is in the national constitution so not obeying would be a crime. you might ask then why is it there? Because the writers of the law say It is based on Quran. and women who don't cover their hair in front of people who are not Mahram(a word when a man is permitted to see a woman's hair) must be punished, both in life and after life. So you see the right for choosing not just future but some routine clothings is violated as It is in the book. Gilead has came true in some countries I wish in end sooner than we expect. how? by education.
Martin
No, I don't--not in ANY form, shape, or way. Male or female led society, it doesn't matter who is in charge. Power is the seed that corrupts.
Throughout human history, there are countless of examples--even today, in this modern Jewell of a world--where the premise of this book is the reality for millions of, not only women, but men and children: slavery. Sexual slavery, in this case for the purpose of breeding, is just one of many hardcore realities, historical and present, that the vast majority of humanity closes its eyes to because such is always the easiest solution.
But rest assured, if humanity continue down the path we travel today: climate changes, over-population, rape of the eco-system, etc. we will end up with our own dystopian story, perhaps something like a handmaid's tale, perhaps worse. People doesn't seem to understand the concept of that the human species is our own worst enemy. And that dystopian fiction is but a snapshot of our own worst fears. Power corrupts, ladies... screaming for empowerment... that too has consequences because power itself is the problem, not the wielder.
The road to hell is paved with the best of intentions, as is depicted in this book. The necessary, methodical breeding of women to bring children into the world to ensure the survival of the human race. But at what cost? And is it worth it? Who is to really say if the sacrifice given is worth the consequence in the eyes of the characters? Only they can answer.
But it's a damn fine book!
Throughout human history, there are countless of examples--even today, in this modern Jewell of a world--where the premise of this book is the reality for millions of, not only women, but men and children: slavery. Sexual slavery, in this case for the purpose of breeding, is just one of many hardcore realities, historical and present, that the vast majority of humanity closes its eyes to because such is always the easiest solution.
But rest assured, if humanity continue down the path we travel today: climate changes, over-population, rape of the eco-system, etc. we will end up with our own dystopian story, perhaps something like a handmaid's tale, perhaps worse. People doesn't seem to understand the concept of that the human species is our own worst enemy. And that dystopian fiction is but a snapshot of our own worst fears. Power corrupts, ladies... screaming for empowerment... that too has consequences because power itself is the problem, not the wielder.
The road to hell is paved with the best of intentions, as is depicted in this book. The necessary, methodical breeding of women to bring children into the world to ensure the survival of the human race. But at what cost? And is it worth it? Who is to really say if the sacrifice given is worth the consequence in the eyes of the characters? Only they can answer.
But it's a damn fine book!
Pixie
I feel like this question is most likely a troll.
Carmen
Never in a million years!
Kendall Moore
Only to see it like Sodom and Gomorrah; an irradiated, dead society that destroyed itself through sheer desperate brutality and oppression.
Pascal Bateman
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Abby
This is disgusting
Abigail Sanchez
Absolutely not. This idea is considered abuse, slavery and total disregard for women.
Ellen Bales
What? You mean it isn't true?
Puneetsingh
I would not wish this for anyone
Zara Pennington
No I quite like my human rights, and being allowed to read as you are on book based site i think you might enjoy that too.
Anna Neill
It is a real place look at the middle east
Thanasis Zio
Not again!!! It was true through the middle ages and same parts of the book are still true for some countries. It was disturbing enough allready just reading about it, so hell no!!!!
Linus Boom
I am currently reading this book and i really would not want Gilead to become reality. Sure, is is structured and it 'protects' women. However, terrible things happen to people and it would be absolutly horrifying.
Stefan
Sure, out of two reasons:
1. The entire world is so vague it is either just seen form a single perspective and as such misses the actual nuances or it is so broken it would be overthrown almost as quickly as it was screwed over in the first place.
2. I would get along really well.
1. The entire world is so vague it is either just seen form a single perspective and as such misses the actual nuances or it is so broken it would be overthrown almost as quickly as it was screwed over in the first place.
2. I would get along really well.
Andrea
No, I wish that Gilead was no longer true. There are certain parts of the world where Gilead is a reality for many women since they aren't allowed to hold property or go to school; where young girls are married off without their consent, and where women are sold into prostitution against their will.
Entisar Hattia
It will be come but in Islamic way, more interesting more lovely .
Nioves Mitchell
So where some women lose ALL of their rights and some keep some?
They're slaves. They don't have a choice. If there was a need to re-populate, the women should be given the choice to be surrogates. Not to be stripped of their own children and made to breed like cows.
They're slaves. They don't have a choice. If there was a need to re-populate, the women should be given the choice to be surrogates. Not to be stripped of their own children and made to breed like cows.
Ct2
No what happens in my experience is that you are not attracted to totalatarian regimes or controlling men as a consequence of abuse. More commonly you become separate from your body, compartmentalise, and your self-belief and even your view of reality is eroded. This sort of damage takes years to heal. Sadly it is hard not to become nonempathic or judgemental of others pain. Keeping a flame of anger alive is essential as this can be the fuel that allows you to break free.
winnie m.
Bitch, the fuck? Is this a joke?
Denise
omg... I agree... why would you even ask that? Who in their right mind would wish that?
Garv Taneja
Saudi Arabia still exists.
Aaron Gardner
OMG YES, that would be the best world ever! I'd have a whole army of Jack Reachers
Eman
Hell, no. Sadly enough it was true somewhere in history, and it still is somehow.
One of the things I loved and terrified me about this book is that every monstrosity mentioned did actually happen in real life.
One of the things I loved and terrified me about this book is that every monstrosity mentioned did actually happen in real life.
John
I would prefer a dystopia less cartoonishly written.
David Moorhouse
Probably asked by a red-neck Trumpista. Beggars belief doesn´t it? As a fifty something man, I get it that some people are stuck in old rôle-model mind-sets, but wanting Gilead? Padded cells and medication for that person methinks.
Clay
No. No civilized person -- male or female -- would. If it did come true, even on a smaller scale than depicted in Atwood's book, it would be incumbent on civilized people to get rid of it.
Kislay Chandra
In some parts of the World, Gilead already exists.
Roberta Gold
It IS coming true! Ahhh!
No, who would want that?
No, who would want that?
Dipali
Huh. Did you not understand the concept of Gilead?! Women are oppressed and there is 0 equality. Why do we want to go back in time?!
Arlene Lahtinen
Hell no! Really that is all I have to say in answer!
Nicole
It has, this is exactly what ISIS is doing.
Daniela
Why!?!?! And NO WAY!
Richard
Good grief, no.
M
Honestly, this question struck me as a dumb one--the hell would anyone want Gilead to come true? But then I thought about how my position wavered while watching the show (mainly because of Joseph Fiennes's role as the Commander). IF--A BIG IF--we end up in such a screwed up world like in the book, for some reason a part of me agrees with the fundamental idea of Gilead, how the still fertile women could contribute to the population, maybe just a little. Yet when I come to think about it, it only benefits the rich and powerful people. Damn it! What took me so long? Why can't they do IVF? Is it really Bible-approved for women to go around and give children to different men? Honestly, Bilhah only gave Jacob children. OMG THIS JUST CAME TO ME! Can this be the final rebuttal to the idea of Gilead?
Savannah
Stumbled across this...terrifying
Kaan
hahah I smell a little troll around here....
Mary
I would like to
Know the reasoning behind this idiotic question
Know the reasoning behind this idiotic question
Gabriella Carney
Nope. Not at all.
Judy Fager
No, No, No!! Why would anyone want to live this way?!
Annie Alvarado
NEVER!!!!!!!!!
Grace
I now understand what the poster was meaning to ask after reading through these comments, the wording of it had me confused and shocked for a while. An interesting question once understood.
I agree with points made by Sara and Ryan.
I agree with points made by Sara and Ryan.
Jennie
That's a pretty stupid question. That's my answer
rimbluebooks (Rim)
HELL NOOOO
What's wrong with you!!!!!
What's wrong with you!!!!!
Pavel Lishin
No. It's all-around awful for literally everyone involved, except the very, very few people at the top - and even they get purged after a few years.
Wendi Schwinler-Wagner
I don't understand the question?
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