The Racial Dynamics in 'The Handmaid's Tale': A Deeper Dive

Introduction

The 2017 television series adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale (2017-2023) is a dystopian exploration of power and subjugation. While the series accurately portrays the brutal nature of Gilead, the regime's treatment of African Americans is a significant point of contention. In this article, we will delve into the subtle yet critical portrayal of racial dynamics in the show and address the question of whether the series accurately depicts the racial treatment in Gilead.

Exclusion of Racial Discrimination in the Show

One of the most notable aspects of the television series is its decision to portray a colorblind regime. Unlike the book, Gilead in the TV series does not explicitly single out African Americans for extra brutal treatment. This choice was made by the showrunners for several reasons, primarily to create a more inclusive and diverse cast. By not foregrounding racial tensions, the series aims to focus on broader themes of oppression, rather than specific racial dynamics.

Color-Blind Casting and Apartheid Settlements

The showrunners opted for a colorblind approach to casting, aiming to represent the multiethnic nature of the fictional Gilead. For instance, Moira, a character played by Cush Jumbo, is portrayed as a mixed-race woman, while Hannah, played by Samira Wiley, is adopted by a Commander, thus avoiding the explicit portrayal of racial segregation. These choices are indicative of the showrunners' attempt to create a more universal narrative that transcends racial boundaries.

However, the show does not neglect the realities of racial dynamics. We see a black Commander, Horace Adrian Walters, in Season 2, played by Brenton Thwaites. This character representation underscores the idea that while Gilead may be a white supremacist regime, it does not target all non-whites equally. Instead, it continues to enforce its oppressive policies on all marginalized groups, including African Americans.

Privileged Perspective and Criticisms

The book by Margaret Atwood and the TV series itself have faced criticism for their handling of racial dynamics. The series has been accused of white feminism, which suggests that the privileged viewpoint of the creators may have influenced their portrayal of the regime. The showrunners, despite their colorblind approach, acknowledge the gaps in their perspective and the need for broader representation.

The show's portrayal of the N-word is another critical point of contention. In the book, the N-word is used casually by the characters, reflecting the real-world usage of the term in the United States. However, in the TV series, June, a white protagonist, never hears the N-word explicitly. This is likely due to June's limited interactions outside of her household. The showrunners chose this narrative device to focus on the specific oppression faced by white women, rather than explicitly highlighting racial discrimination.

Future Racism in Gilead

It is entirely possible that the regime's initial colorblind policies are only temporary. The series' Season 3 includes a scene where Aunts specifically ask for a Handmaid who is not of African descent. This scene suggests that Gilead's leaders may eventually implement more explicit and brutal racism to maintain their power. The show's ongoing exploration of this subtext underscores the dynamic nature of the regime, with potential for shifting policies and political maneuvers.

Conclusion

The portrayal of racial dynamics in the TV series The Handmaid's Tale is nuanced and multifaceted. While the showrunners aimed to create a more universal narrative, there are gaps in their perspective that have led to criticisms. The series's decision to be colorblind in its casting and representation of African Americans reflects an attempt to broaden its scope. However, the show's ongoing narrative suggests that the regime's policies could evolve to become even more oppressive, raising critical questions about the nature of power and oppression.

Keywords: Racial dynamics, Handmaid's Tale, N-word, colorblind casting, white supremacism