We've come to the end of season three of The Handmaid's Tale and of course there a couple of cliffs we're left hanging over -- I feel a season four in the offing. We found this season incredibly bleak, as did many other watchers, and star Elizabeth Moss suggest we basically get over ourselves. "When people say the show is hard to watch, I get my hackles up," she said. "If you can't face our show, then how are you going to face what's actually happening in the world?"
Point taken. A few weeks ago the revered Canadian author of the The Handmaid's Tale Margaret Atwood tweeted about a deeply disturbing situation in Alabama, where reproductive rights are very much under the control of men. A woman was charged with manslaughter after she was shot during an argument and her fetus died. The prosecutors argued that she instigated the fight and was therefore responsible for her unborn child's death.
Atwood offered that this was an example of her novel coming to life. Some dude suggested that Atwood didn't get it, and this was one of many responses:
Again in season three there were plenty of scriptural references, hymns, and religious imagery. I find these unsettling yet they remind us that patriarchal theocracies have always subjugated women using religion as justification. I have pre-ordered The Testaments, the much anticipated sequel due in September. We'll see where Atwood takes us next. Are we ready?
It is shocking to see how much of the Handmaid's tale is partially true in some American areas. And the prevailing white, male domination attitude is also present here in Canada. I am always reminded of my mother's admonition to always get out and vote, since our female ancestors had to fight so hard to have the right to be recognized as "persons". We had come a long way but, now a fair bit of regression is evident in our western society. SAD!And very frightening!
ReplyDeleteIt is a challenge to stay hopeful but each person gets a vote and it's important for Christians to be vigilant and purposeful. Thanks Judy.
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