Why The Handmaid’s Tale Was Altered to Remove the White Supremacist Backstory
Why 'The Handmaid’s Tale' Was Altered to Remove the White Supremacist Backstory
During a pre-airing talk with Margaret Atwood, Elizabeth Moss, and some of the series' producers, a pertinent question was raised about the omission of a white supremacist storyline. Margaret Atwood's response was nuanced and insightful. According to her, while the book was written in the 1980s, she initially perceived a racial supremacy edge to the Christian fundamentalist movements in America. However, in the series adaptation, the production team felt that focusing on racial issues would detract from the core narrative. In a 'real' Gilead, fertility and survival would be more critical than racial divisions.
The TV Series vs. The Novel
It's important to clarify that the novel 'The Handmaid’s Tale' and the television series have diverged in their storytelling. The TV series has been altered, while the book remains largely unaltered. The book does not mention black people or any other race. There is one brief reference to the 'Children of Ham' being relocated to the 'National Homelands'. This is an in-absentia theme, as the novel’s Gilead is depicted as a white society, akin to apartheid South Africa.
Considering the novel’s portrayal, it is highly likely that the fictional Gilead modelled on apartheid South Africa was a whites-only society, with no people of colour. Therefore, the white-supremacist theme in the novel is an indirect one, as there are no people of colour present in Gilead to serve as a race issue. Racism in Gilead is the elephant in the room, but one that is not directly addressed in the text.
The Importance of Inclusion in the Series
However, the television series adaptation has taken the liberty to include diverse actors, such as black, Latinx, and Asian characters. This decision adds depth and authenticity to the story. Without these actors, the series could feel incomplete or even foreign to a modern audience. The choice to hire actors of colour reflects a modern interpretation and reinforces the novel’s themes of resistance and resilience.
As mentioned by the producers, the focus on fertility and the survival of the characters takes precedence over racial divisions. In a world where the number of fertile women is critically low, racial issues take a backseat. The producers' decision to celebrate diversity on screen was a conscious and necessary one to make the story more relatable and engaging for a contemporary audience.
Conclusion
The alteration of the 'White Supremacist Backstory' in 'The Handmaid’s Tale' serves as a reminder that censorship and adaptation are essential for storytelling. The television series has taken the original work and adapted it to better reflect the contemporary world and the issues faced by modern audiences. By doing so, it has not only stayed true to the spirit of the novel but also expanded its reach and impact.