Racism In The Handmaid's Tale Novel
The Handmaid's Tale is a novel that has gained a lot of attention since its publication in 1985. The book, written by Margaret Atwood, is set in a dystopian future where women are stripped of their rights and are forced to bear children for the ruling class. The novel has been praised for its portrayal of a world where women are oppressed and has been used as a tool to highlight the dangers of misogyny and patriarchy. However, the book also addresses issues of racism, which is often overlooked in discussions of the book.
The Role of Race in The Handmaid's Tale
The Handmaid's Tale is set in a society that is racially segregated. The ruling class, the Commanders, are all white, while the lower classes, including the Handmaids, are made up of people of color. This division is apparent in the way that the characters are described in the book. The Commanders are described as having "fair hair" and "blue eyes," while the Handmaids are described as having "brown skin" and "dark eyes." This description reinforces the idea that the ruling class is white and the lower classes are people of color.
One of the most significant examples of racism in the book is the character of Moira. Moira is a black woman who is a childhood friend of the book's protagonist, Offred. Despite being a strong character who fights against the oppressive society, Moira's race is never fully addressed in the book. Her experiences as a black woman living in a white supremacist society are never explored, and her character is reduced to being a sidekick to Offred.
The Implications of Racism in The Handmaid's Tale
The racism in The Handmaid's Tale is not only a reflection of the society that the book depicts but also has implications for the real world. The book reinforces the idea that people of color are the lower class and are not deserving of the same rights as white people. This is a dangerous message, as it reinforces the idea that racism is acceptable and normal.
The lack of attention given to Moira's experiences as a black woman is also problematic. By reducing her character to a sidekick, the book perpetuates the idea that black women are not significant or important. This reinforces the idea that the experiences of people of color are not worth exploring or acknowledging.
The Importance of Addressing Racism in The Handmaid's Tale
Addressing racism in The Handmaid's Tale is essential as it highlights the intersectionality of oppression. The book shows how different forms of oppression, such as sexism and racism, intersect and reinforce each other. By addressing racism in the book, we can begin to understand how different forms of oppression work together to create a society that is discriminatory and oppressive.
Furthermore, addressing racism in The Handmaid's Tale can also help us to understand how racism works in the real world. The book's portrayal of a racially segregated society reflects the reality of many societies around the world. By acknowledging this, we can begin to address the problem of racism and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Conclusion
Racism is an important issue that is often overlooked in discussions of The Handmaid's Tale. The book's portrayal of a racially segregated society and the lack of attention given to Moira's experiences as a black woman are problematic and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. However, addressing racism in The Handmaid's Tale can help us to understand how different forms of oppression intersect and reinforce each other. By acknowledging the problem of racism in the book, we can begin to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.