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I do not believe that the events that took place in "The Handmaid's Tale" could happen in the future of the United States. In the novel, some people are not even "allowed out, except for...walks, twice daily, two by two around the football field, which was enclosed now by a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire" (4). In the United States today, everyone is given equal voice and equal rights and nothing can be enacted without the consent of the majority. Because of this equality, no American in their right mind would willingly put themselves nor anyone else in such a prison-like environment that their every move is being so strictly monitored as it is in the book. Additionally, it is close to impossible for people to kill off the entire American government and equally unlikely that the citizens of the nation would obey these murderers as it all happens in the story. Could it happen in the future? Maybe not exactly the way the book describes it, but unfortunately I do believe that a dystopian future is a possibility for the nation, if enough wrong decisions are consecutively executed.
I don't think the events that occurred in Gilead in the novel could happen in the United States because of the foundation the nation was built upon. Events such as the forced separation of families, lack of basic freedoms given to U.S. citizens, and the forced sexual relationships between a handmaid and Commander would not happen in the future. I hope that no nation becomes so backward as to replicate the oppression filled, sexist society in Gilead where Offred describes herself and other handmaids as “... two-legged wombs, that’s all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices” (Atwood 136). The U.S. colonists fought for independence from Britain in the 1770s because they no longer wanted to be oppressed by the King. Even after the U.S. was its own free nation, the citizens of the United States made sure the government did not possess more power than it should that could be used to dominate its people. As a result of the basis of the creation of the U.S. being to escape oppression, I do not think anything like that described in "The Handmaid's Tale" could occur in the future of the U.S.
Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politics for big changes to be made quickly. Another reason why ..."I did not mention nations other than the United States in my comment, however, I agree with your thoughts Declan. Despite third world countries having less secure, stable governments ruled by dictators, I do not think the events portrayed in "The Handmaid's Tale" could occur in these areas as a result of other nations or groups, such as the United Nations, stepping in on that specific country's affairs to cease any behaviors they find detrimental to society.
Kyla wrote: "Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politics for big changes to be made quickly. Anot..."Declan and Kyla, your responses got me thinking: with the technology known in the world today, another war could set whatever country faces defeat so far behind all other nations and could take a very long time to return to modesty. Do you guys think that the next war could result in a dystopian society somewhere on Earth? Personally, I think it is possible, but not in the same way that the dystopia in "The Handmaid's Tale" is depicted. What do you guys think?
I do not think that the society that is present in Gilead could occur in the United States. However, this oppression towards women is already present in other societies and/or could happen in the near future in other countries. I do not believe that this society could be sustained in America due to the essential principle of democracy present in the U.S. Even if some people began to popularize this idea, I think (and hope) that there would be too many people to go against this ideology and would never let it actually happen. Democracy in the United States has created a nation of people that know their rights, (some) push for reform and change and attempt to protect essential human rights. The ideology connected with being a handmaid also goes against core values present in American society, all people are created equally and are born with natural rights that are protected in numerous amendments. Unfortunately, in other countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, their treatment of women can be comparable to the treatment of handmaids on many levels. Sharia law is very strict in Saudi Arabia and makes women completely subservient to men. In the United Arab Emirates, women are constantly discriminated against for their gender. In both of these nations, women are not protected against domestic violence and abuse. Many people in these nations only think of women as birth givers and that women's only role is to take care of the home and support their husband.
Kyla wrote: "Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politics for big changes to be made quickly. Anot..."I agree that the circumstances in the Handmaids tale are not present in other nations, however, I do believe that in many countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the treatment of women is much worst than described in the Handmaid's tale. The handmaids at least consented to their lifestyle, many women in these countries do not have a choice at all, men control almost every aspect of their life. Although many handmaids are disliked by other women, their role in society is seen as crucial and extremely important. In these countries, women are disregarded and have little value. Maybe the exact circumstances in the handmaids tale will not occur but the conditions of women in these countries and other countries similar will worsen.
Jonathan wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politics for big changes to be made ..."I do believe that war could possibly cause a losing country, or countries, to be set back economically and politically, however I do not think that in this age anything like the extremist theocracy described in "The Handmaid's Tale" could occur. Although poorer countries in the Western Hemisphere function very differently than the United States, I think the United Nations or other countries would step in to help as much as possible to prevent a dystopian reality. At least one could only hope that the world has at least a little bit of good in it that competing countries would help each other out in dire situations. With this though one needs to take into account what Sage touched upon with the society in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and many other Middle Eastern countries which can be considered theocracies following Sharia law that oppress women.
Personally I do not think that what took place in this novel, could ever take place in reality in the United States. I believe that this generation is far to progressive for human and women rights that something so drastic like the Handmaids Tale could ever become a reality. The main plot surrounding the Handmaids Tale is that women, the Handmaids, are used for their bodies to get pregnant and reproduce. At one point in the novel, while in a bath, Offred states " I used to think of my body as an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation, or an implement for the accomplishment of of my will...one with me. Now the flesh arranges itself differently. Im a cloud, congealed around a central object " (71-72). Offred explains that she no longer feels that her body is hers, it is simply an object that is used when needed. Its just so hard to imagine something like this ever happening in the future, because in America most people have such a negative attitude toward, anything that discriminates any people, or violates human rights.
Kyla wrote: "I don't think the events that occurred in Gilead in the novel could happen in the United States because of the foundation the nation was built upon. Events such as the forced separation of families..."I do agree that Gilead could ever become a reality, however, like you stated, the nation was built off Independence and free will, this did not stop Americans from using slavery for three centuries, so it could be argued that despite the fact that the United States was built off of wanting independence from the British, it does not always mean every human is treated fairly or given rights. Starting in the seventeenth century and lasting all the way until the nineteenth century, African Americans were sold as property, physically and mentally abused and forced to work, until death. Obviously the events that took place in this fiction novel, are horrifying to think about ever happening in real life but slavery was not much different. Slaves were constantly separated from their families, and were obviously not given basic rights. In the novel it says " It isn't running away they're afraid of. We wouldn't get far. Its those other escapes, the ones you can open in yourself, given a cutting edge" (8). This was a chilling sentence to read knowing that the Handmaids would rather not be alive then live in the conditions they are living, making the reader believe that a reality of this is impossible, so its crazy to think, that something, so similar to this happened here, in the United States, where humans, real people were living with similar conditions, and possibly craving death rather then live the way they currently are. Despite all this, slavery has not existed since the 1800s, and this nation is becoming more and more progressive everyday , and the majority of people living in the United States, are disgusted by slavery, racism, sexism and so on. Its just interesting to think that although America. has a foundation of independence that may not mean, people of the United States have always treated others in this country the right way the right way.
In my opinion I do not believe this could occur in the future due to the established laws that give rights to the people. This is something that can not be taken away from them. People seek change and strive to make it happen. Females in the novel have the exception to bear children and they are given little choice. " There wasn't a lot of choice but there was some, and this is what I chose"(94).This could not happen due to the numerous attempts that women tried to gain equal rights, it is not possible that women can just get rid of their efforts in women's rights. Feminism is something that is still relevant to this day.
Abby wrote: "Personally I do not think that what took place in this novel, could ever take place in reality in the United States. I believe that this generation is far to progressive for human and women rights ..."Absolutely, women empowerment is such a huge part of society and the obstacles that they have been through to gain equality is a huge factor to women. Offred states that "There is no such thing as a sterile man anymore, not officially"(61).
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You said that the dystopian society couldn't happen in the United States because of the very fair trial system, equal voice, freedom of the press, etc. But then you ended by saying it could possibly be in the future of the nation. Can you tell how you think that could happen even though it is extremely strenuous to invoke big change? Like I said before I don't believe this can happen in the US but it could happen in a Third World country. But still even if the desperate times called for desperate measures I think the UN or power house nations would step in before it could happen. Now that I am thinking of it, it could possibly happen in North Korea due to Kim Jong Un holding all the power in the nation and they also practice isolationism which could also play a factor in the process of becoming like the Republic of Gliead.
I do not believe that the exact events presented in the novel could happen in the future. This is because in modern day society there are certain rights given to all people, and because there are organizations such as the United Nations that exist to keep peace and security around the world. However the extent of these rights vary from country to country. There are many forms of human rights violations occurring all over the world at the moment. In China Muslims are being put in concentration camps and murdered for their religion. Religious persecution is still a very real thing in the modern day world, as well as the persecution of gay people and the unfair treatment of women in African and Middle Eastern countries. So although I do not think a society as radical as Gilead could occur, it's not completely impossible for something similar to it to happen, which is a scary thought. In Gilead, homosexuality and giving women abortions is punishable, as evidenced by "Each has a placard hung around his neck to show why he has been executed: a drawing of a human fetus. They were doctors, then, in the time before, when such things were legal”(32). A scenario like this happening is not a far stretch since only a few months ago Alabama and Texas were proposing laws to make getting, or performing an abortion punishable by the death sentence. Homosexuality is also valid reason for execution in Gilead, “Gender treachery. Their bodies still wear the guardian uniforms. Caught together, they must have been, but where? A Barracks, a shower? It's hard to say”(43). In Sudan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia, homosexuality is punishable by the death penalty. So although I don't believe the same exact thing could occur as what's in The Handmaid's Tale, I do not believe it's that far of a reach to say something close to it could happen.
Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politics for big changes to be made quickly. Another reason why ..."I agree that the fact that people are so involved in politics the chances of this happening in real life are slim. Another reason that a real life Handmaids Tale is unlikely is because of the amount of human and women's rights activist and groups we have here in the United States. Think about how prevalent movements such as MeToo are in todays society, a movement that fights any type of sexual harassment or assault. Despite the fact that Offred states " Nor does rape cover it: nothing is going on here that I haven't signed up for" (94). Obviously what is happening in this scene and throughout this novel is not okay, and even though Offred says its not rape, clearly it is sexual assault and frankly I just cannot see this dystopian universe ever becoming real. Groups like the U.S Human Rights Network is just one of hundreds of Human Rights groups in the United States. Because this country has become so invested in making sure ever person is treated fairly, and the number of activist and movements grow everyday, I can't see a future like this ever happening, at least in the United States.
Kyla wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politics for big ch..."Thanks for your input. Your response was very well stated; I agree that the other countries would step in and help prevent a losing nation from entering a dystopia. One could only hope that it never has to get to that scenario, though. It is crazy how evolved we have become, and how many things could have made Earth an apocalyptic hell. So many things had to go right in order for us to be here today: the meteor hitting the planet and killing off the dinosaurs, monkeys and apes adapting to survive by learning to walk on two feet and use the other limbs to grab and stabilize, and so much more. I can't even visualize where we would be if everything had not gone the way it did on the world's timeline. Naturally, nothing is perfect though, and there are some hiccups in this planet's history. But thankfully, we're still here and we're thriving. Let's hope to continue down that path.
Declan wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "I do not believe that the events that took place in "The Handmaid's Tale" could happen in the future of the United States. In the novel, some people are not even "allowed out, exce..."I see what you are saying Declan. If any nation were anywhere near the darkness of a dystopia, other, more powerful nations would most likely step in and help them rise. However, I believe that eventually there will be a greater chance that some nation will crumble in order to maintain balance on Earth. Like you said, North Korea could be a potential candidate, due to their current leadership and practices. But no one knows what will change in the next 15 years. Any country could make a poor decision that leads them down a negative path. Historically, this happens all the time, with examples like Pearl Harbor, Napoleon's invasion of Russia, and any Civil Wars. Anyway, what I am trying to get at is that right now, it looks like it will be North Korea or no one heading towards an apocalypse, but really it's anyone's game.
Abby wrote: "Personally I do not think that what took place in this novel, could ever take place in reality in the United States. I believe that this generation is far to progressive for human and women rights ..."Abby, I agree with the fact that this society could never live in the United States in that Women's Rights have been such a big part of our history. But, I think that the quote that you used can perfectly describe prostitution in many other societies. Prostitution is very similar to the actions that were documented in this novel, therefore I believe there to be little presence of this novel in modern day society around the globe.
Eva wrote: "I do not believe that the exact events presented in the novel could happen in the future. This is because in modern day society there are certain rights given to all people, and because there are o..."Hey Eva, I think you are completely right that something close to the novel could emerge in other parts of the world. The evidence that you gave was perfect in supporting that some rights and social morals given in one country can be different in others. But with the involvement of the United Nations, I believe that if anything as radical as this form of society existed, the UN would do its best to take care of it.
Jonathan wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politi..."Well, I do not think one can categorize history with only "some hiccups" and describe people "thriving". As our other group members like Eva and Abby have described, people are being persecuted to this day because of how they identify themselves and for what they believe. Slavery, discrimination (for any reason, including for religious reasons, racism and homophobia) and terrorism should not be brushed over with the term "hiccup". These and many other issues are serious and detrimental to society. Although there are organizations that work to limit prejudice and inequality, people still fear for their lives every hour of every day. I get what you were trying to say, however, the phrasing wasn't the best, sorry. I do hope though that people change for the better, the next generation of people do not know what inequality is, and peace will come.
Eva wrote: "I do not believe that the exact events presented in the novel could happen in the future. This is because in modern day society there are certain rights given to all people, and because there are o..."This is similar to a point I was trying to make in my post. The situation between the handmaids and other violations of human rights in current society may not be exact but are definitely comparable. Offred describes her feelings towards her family that she has been separated from, "If I thought this would never happen again I would die...There's nobody here I can love, all the people I could love are dead or elsewhere" (95). The separation of families can be related back to what you said about Muslims and homosexuals being persecuted. It can also be connected to the current deportations occurring in the United States under the Trump administration. Usually deportation officers try to keep families together, especially mothers and children but for the first time, children are being separated and put in unknown camps. It is difficult for these families to reunite again due to the fact that a majority of the time, they do not know where one another is being held.
Jonathan wrote: "I do not believe that the events that took place in "The Handmaid's Tale" could happen in the future of the United States. In the novel, some people are not even "allowed out, except for...walks, t..."Although ideally, we would like to think that everyone in America is treated equally but sadly that is not the case. Many are still discriminated against because of their gender, race or sexuality. There is still a magnitude of ethical conflicts. Due to the anti feminist sentiments in the United States, this could be comparable to Gilead. In Gilead, men have all the power. They are the ones who are having sex with another person, they don't have to feel the pain of watching the person you love be with someone else, their wives are subservient to them. Women are not allowed to read or even taught, to keep them obedient, "You can see the place, under the lily, where the lettering was painted out, when they decided that even the names of shops were too much temptation for us" (25). In other countries, women still have trouble getting an education because of gender discrimination.
Even though I am not the moderator I would still like to pose a question to all of you. I am pretty sure all of us took AP World II with Mrs. Tiu, who covered information regarding the various different slave systems existing between the 15th and 19th centuries. Do any of you remember studying sex slaves which were used in both North and South America and countries in the Eastern hemisphere? The conditions in which sex slaves lived were very similar to those that handmaids resided in. The sole purpose of both groups was for sexual relations that could possibly result in a pregnancy. Men, especially slave owners, valued their concubine slaves more than there skilled male slaves because they provided pleasure as well as a reproductive tool to acquire more slaves, similar to the handmaid's who were important in Gilead because they were fertile, or "fruitful" (Atwood 61) and could reproduce.
I do not think such strictness and lack of power amongst the general public will become a reality in the future. Times are changing and I understand that some parts of the world are still stuck in their ways and these issues may never fully go away but in lots of countries around the world originality and acceptance are becoming more normalized. Women and their opinions are being recognized instead of ignored, members of the LGBTQ+ community are noticed as people too, and racism is not as powerful of a force as it was even a hundred years ago. In today's society, anybody can be somebody and make a stand for what they believe in. Especially with access to the media, it has become easier than ever to get your voice heard. TIME named sixteen-year-old Greta Thunberg as the "Person of the Year" is year proving that anybody can make a difference and challenge what is already put in place by our officials. I find it hard to believe that these rights could be taken away so easily especially after expressing how we feel and who we are became a daily thing.
Melissa wrote: "I do not think such strictness and lack of power amongst the general public will become a reality in the future. Times are changing and I understand that some parts of the world are still stuck in ..."Yes, there are many ways to voice your opinion these days in the novel Offred states "I want to be valued, in ways that I am not; I want to be more than valuable"(97). The denial of what she desires impacts her greatly. She has no say in what she wants and what she believes.
Sage wrote: "Eva wrote: "I do not believe that the exact events presented in the novel could happen in the future. This is because in modern day society there are certain rights given to all people, and because..."That is a very good point you make about the deportations happening in the United States. This is so similar to how Offred's daughter was taken from her, Offred doesn't believe she will ever be reunited with her daughter in the novel. In real life, children are also being torn away from their parents and their are no documents that are keeping track of who these children's parents are or where they're from. This a gross misconduct by the United States and is a very good comparison between the book and real life as well. When Offred was trying to sneak across the Canadian border with her family she says this, “When we get to the Border we'll pretend we're just going over on a day trip; the fake visas are for a day. Before that I'll give her a sleeping pill so she'll be asleep when we cross. That way she won't betray us. You can't expect a child to lie convincingly”(85). Obviously they get caught and this is when Offred's daughter gets taken away from her. This is a very similar situation to a lot of stories of deportation in the United States.
Melissa wrote: "I do not think such strictness and lack of power amongst the general public will become a reality in the future. Times are changing and I understand that some parts of the world are still stuck in ..."You make a very valid point in that women, people of color, and those in the LGBTQ+ community are gaining much more respect than ever before. However, these developments are only occurring in some countries, this is not applicable around the world. This is because, contrary to your claim, there is a lack of power among the general public in several countries around the globe. The world has seen a great number of rights being given and respect being shown towards minority groups in specific countries, this is true. However, I don't believe that something occurring that is similar to that in The Handmaid's Tale, in the sense that an entire group of people can have their rights taken away, is completely impossible. This is because it has happened in the past, whether it be in Nazi Germany with Jewish people, or most countries having had some form of slavery. Also because of present day events in the Middle East and Africa as I had mentioned in one of my previous posts. I do hope though that something similar to Gilead could never come into fruition and that a society could never become as backwards and radical as that.
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Eva wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I do not think such strictness and lack of power amongst the general public will become a reality in the future. Times are changing and I understand that some parts of the world are..."I did mention in my original statement that I understood that this acceptance was only taking place in certain countries and some parts of the world are stuck in their restraining ways. Also, I think what sets us apart from the history you mentioned is the technology we have today. Word travels almost instantly where in the past it could take days or weeks. In addition in the instances, you mentioned only groups of people were being targeted, in Gilead, all of society was under restraints.
Stephanie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I do not think such strictness and lack of power amongst the general public will become a reality in the future. Times are changing and I understand that some parts of the world are..."Offred reminisces of her past life and how she used to express herself several times throughout the book. Atwood writes "Students went there a lot; every spring they had a Humphrey Bogart festival, with Lauren Bacall or Katharine Hepburn, women on their own, making up their minds. They wore blouses with buttons down the front that suggested the possibilities of the word 'undone'. These women could be undone; or not. They seemed to be able to choose. We seemed to be able to choose, then" (25). She seems to miss the days where she had the option of making her own choice, no matter how minor it may be.
I highly doubt that the Utopian society in "The Handmaid's Tale" will ever be present in the future but the chance is never zero. I feel that a society like this would never come into existence in a first world country like ours, but there is a possibility it could happen in a third world country that is still developing where there could be a power gap. But this list only consists of "could" and "if" so there is no really good explanation on how and why a Utopian society like this would emerge.
It's a plot based question but it is thought provoking. Some answers are far too literal. Of course, nothing exactly like Gilead would happen; however, after total devastation from war would a country limit personal freedom because of fear? Have we seen examples of countries, our own included, limiting the freedoms of some groups after experiencing war, terrorism, devastation?
Medically, there would be no need for handmaiden's - yet I think that Atwood was using the literal rape of these women to represent other oppression that do and could occur. It's a hyperbole of such oppression.
In your opinion do you think the events in the novel could happen in the future?