The Handmaid's Tale and Contemporary Conservatism: Are We More Concerned?

Are the concerns raised by the dystopian world of The Handmaid's Tale reflecting deeper social and political anxieties?

An Odd Alchemy of Ideologies

One of the most striking aspects of Gilead in The Handmaid's Tale is its unique blend of ideologies, a far-left economic framework mixed with religious fundamentalism. This amalgamation presents a complex picture, particularly when considering contemporary trends in social and economic conservatism. The show highlights how these seemingly contradictory views can coexist in a fictional society, but in reality, they often do not. For instance, social conservatives tend to advocate for economically conservative policies, which makes the implementation of Gilead's model nearly impossible in the real world.

European Muslim Immigrants and Context

One of the most pertinent parallels with real-world events is the role of European Muslim immigrants. Socially, Muslim immigrants generally uphold conservative values, while economically, they tend to support socialist ideals due to the social safety nets they have accessed. This pattern is often seen in European countries where immigrants prioritize the welfare benefits available in their host nations.

Current Concerns and Analogies to The Handmaid's Tale

There has been an increasing level of concern over the rise of social conservatism, specifically in relation to issues surrounding reproductive rights and healthcare. While The Handmaid's Tale is a fictional portrayal, recent legislative moves have mirrored some dystopian elements previously seen on screen.

Heartbeat laws, for example, are legalization efforts that use the term 'heartbeat' to promote fetal protection laws. These laws, however, are scientifically misleading and take advantage of women's fear of losing control over their bodies. The term 'heartbeat' is often used symbolically to suggest the protection of a developing fetus, without clear medical evidence. In practice, a 'heartbeat' in embryonic tissue is merely a viable period before most women are even aware of their pregnancy.

The Disconnect Between Reality and Ideology

The concerns raised by The Handmaid's Tale are grounded in real grievances and concerns in modern society, including the ways in which women's autonomy is being compromised under the guise of 'pro-life' legislation. Drafts of laws and regulations such as 'heartbeat' laws, the false notion that ectopic pregnancies can be transferred to the womb, and claims of 'magical' prevention of pregnancies in 'legitimate rapes' all reflect the kinds of extreme measures portrayed in the show.

These legislative attempts attempt to undermine the bodily autonomy and reproductive rights of women, suggesting a troubling shift towards a more oppressive and patriarchal society. Similarly, the idea that 'abortion survivors' exist and the false rumors spread about infanticide as a form of abortion contribute to a growing sense of paranoia and skepticism amongst women and their supporters.

Conclusion

While The Handmaid's Tale is a work of fiction, it has resonated with many people, especially those concerned about the current shift towards social conservatism. The parallels between the fictional world of Gilead and contemporary political and legislative trends are stark and cannot be ignored.

It is clear that dystopian narratives like those in The Handmaid's Tale serve as a mirror, reflecting the real-life anxieties and concerns of many. If the sentiments and actions in the South and the 'Heartland' do not change, The Handmaid's Tale could indeed feel more like a plausible future rather than just a cautionary tale.

The Handmaid's Tale is, in essence, a fun dystopian story, but its resonance with real-world concerns highlights a deeper need for vigilance in protecting individual freedoms and rights.