The comparison between the events leading up to the main events of *The Handmaid's Tale* by Margaret Atwood and the presidency of Donald Trump (both terms) is an interesting exercise in exploring political and social dynamics, particularly in terms of authoritarianism, gender roles, and the erosion of democratic norms. While the contexts are distinct, there are a few points of overlap, especially when considering the broader themes of control, power, and the manipulation of societal structures. Here's a breakdown of key comparisons:
### 1. **Erosion of Democratic Norms:**
- **The Handmaid's Tale:**
In *The Handmaid's Tale*, the transition from a democratic society to the theocratic dictatorship of Gilead is marked by the gradual erosion of basic freedoms. The regime, led by a group of religious zealots, uses both legal and extra-legal measures to consolidate power and control, including the suspension of civil liberties, censorship, and the use of violence to maintain order.
- **Donald Trump's Presidency:**
During Donald Trump’s presidency, particularly in his first term, there was widespread concern about the erosion of democratic norms. Actions like challenging the legitimacy of elections, attacking the press, undermining judicial independence, and pushing for a more authoritarian approach to governance raised fears of an erosion of democratic values. This culminated in the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, attempting to overturn the results of the presidential election.
### 2. **Gender and Women's Rights:**
- **The Handmaid's Tale:**
Gilead is a deeply patriarchal society that uses religion and the subjugation of women’s rights to justify its control over reproductive autonomy. Women are stripped of their rights, their voices, and their autonomy. The handmaids, who are women forced into reproductive servitude, are one of the most striking symbols of this oppression.
- **Donald Trump's Presidency:**
Under Trump's leadership, many saw a rollback of women's rights and protections. The Trump administration appointed conservative judges who were perceived as hostile to reproductive rights, particularly with the ongoing efforts to challenge Roe v. Wade. His rhetoric often normalized misogynistic attitudes, with the "Access Hollywood" tape and his dismissive comments about women making headlines throughout his presidency.
### 3. **Populism and Nationalism:**
- **The Handmaid's Tale:**
Gilead’s rise to power can be seen as a populist, nationalist movement, with leaders tapping into fears and insecurities to justify their authoritarian measures. They frame the takeover as a necessary step to "save" society, invoking fears about a loss of traditional values, security, and national identity.
- **Donald Trump's Presidency:**
Trump's presidency was marked by a strong populist and nationalist agenda. His "Make America Great Again" slogan resonated with a segment of the population that felt left behind by globalization and demographic changes. He often invoked fear of immigration, portrayed America as under siege, and promised to restore what he framed as lost American values, which is similar to the rhetoric used by the Gileadean leaders.
### 4. **Control of Language and Information:**
- **The Handmaid's Tale:**
In Gilead, the regime manipulates language to control the population. The government restricts vocabulary (e.g., the use of the word "freedom") and uses propaganda to ensure loyalty. They even change the meaning of words to reinforce their ideologies, such as the renaming of women based on their function (e.g., "Of Fred").
- **Donald Trump's Presidency:**
Trump's presidency saw an aggressive and frequent attack on the media, calling it "fake news" when reporting was critical of him, and labeling outlets he disagreed with as biased. His administration’s frequent manipulation of facts, exaggeration of truths, and spreading of misinformation also parallel how Gilead manipulates reality and language to control people’s understanding of the world.
### 5. **Resistance and Dissent:**
- **The Handmaid's Tale:**
In Gilead, dissent is brutally suppressed, but small acts of resistance still emerge, whether in the form of underground movements like Mayday or individuals trying to reclaim their autonomy, as seen with Offred’s efforts to resist the regime in small but significant ways.
- **Donald Trump's Presidency:**
Trump’s presidency also saw growing resistance, especially from progressive groups, social movements like Black Lives Matter, and public protests against his policies. Trump's first term, in particular, saw widespread demonstrations against his administration's stance on issues like immigration, race relations, and healthcare. The most notable dissent, however, was seen in the aftermath of the 2020 election, where there was a concerted effort by Trump and his supporters to delegitimize the election results.
### 6. **Authoritarian Leadership Style:**
- **The Handmaid's Tale:**
Gilead’s leaders are depicted as being highly authoritarian, using fear, surveillance, and indoctrination to maintain control. The regime operates with absolute power, where dissent is not tolerated and punishment for opposition is severe.
- **Donald Trump's Presidency:**
Trump was often accused of adopting an authoritarian leadership style, where he frequently undermined checks and balances, disregarded norms, and attempted to concentrate power within the executive branch. His disregard for established political practices, such as openly praising dictators and often undermining the role of the judiciary or Congress, raised alarms about his commitment to democratic principles.
### Conclusion:
While the historical and political contexts of *The Handmaid's Tale* and Donald Trump’s presidency are vastly different, there are thematic parallels regarding the manipulation of power, the subjugation of women, and the rise of authoritarianism. Atwood’s dystopia serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of rights and the ease with which power can be seized, while Trump's presidency demonstrated how political rhetoric, populism, and disregard for democratic norms can shape a country’s future. Both narratives serve as a stark reminder of the consequences when power is consolidated at the top and when marginalized groups are systematically oppressed.
www.theguardian.com
