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World's Collided

Women were given roles in society just like in Handmaid’s Tale. During the 1950s, there were some traditions in the US where married women were to be housewives. They were expected to be in charge of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children while the men would work. It was also a common practice that men were the head of the household and would have more authority than the women. Most times, they would not be allowed to have friends or jobs because it would be distracting to them from their “role” as an obedient wife and mother.

In the novel, the women were given roles such as Handmaids, Marthas, Aunts, Econowives, and Wives. In order to serve men they each served a purpose. The handmaids would carry the children for their assigned family and they would switch families after they have given birth. The marthas were known to be the housekeepers. Aunts have a high status in Gilead, and they train the other women according to the roles assigned to them. Econowives were wives of poorer men, while the wives were married to commanders.

Women’s oppression in current events are reflected in the novel. There are still cases of women discriminated against for the color of their skin and social class, let alone their gender. Whether that would be in the workforce, a school, or in their daily lives. It is a true reality that many women experience. Someone very dear to me experienced having a lower salary compared to a new male co-worker that just started working for the same position, despite the fact that she has been working there for many years.  In the workforce, they also have to deal with the glass ceiling which prohibits them from being advanced into higher job positions.

The main difference from the world today to the novel is that the dystopian society is not occurring now, but that does not mean it is impossible. In the Handmaid’s Tale, the women had a lack of education, and were not allowed to do many things. In this day and age in America, we are able to have public education which is open to any gender and race because of the recognition of human rights. Awareness is being brought into the treatment of women and many people are continuing to fight for their rights. In Gilead of Handmaid’s Tale, there were not that many women that rebelled. Similarly, I could compare the world of the novel to the countries that practice dictatorship. Such as North Korea, they restrict their women from wearing certain hairstyles, makeup, and access to the world wide web.

Overall, I know that there are still women that fall as victims and are scared to leave toxic situations because they think they have no other choice. I just hope that at some point, those women are able to realize how strong they are, they can fight through the oppression, and be aware that if something does not feel right, it probably isn’t right at all. Bless everyone, may we all spiritually grow with a healthy mental state and be aware that we are loved.

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The Eyes They Fear

The “Handmaid’s Tale” reminds me of a similar novel such as “1984” by George Orwell in terms of a dystopian society, constant surveillance, and loss of identity. In George Orwell’s novel, the eyes were a symbol of those watching, spying, and working for Big Brother. There were posters with eyes on them, telescreens that view the actions of the people, and the common phrase “Big Brother is watching you.” Big Brother is a representation of the leader of the party, which has a huge influence on the creation of this unjust society.

I will attach this meaningful song by Isabella, one of the major characters and main antagonist from The Promised Neverland. This manga and anime series are about orphaned children that learn about the dark truth of their fate and existence which they plan to escape from.

In Handmaid’s Tale, Offred and Ofglen come across the eyes that came out of a black van and the cars are seen avoiding it. I can imagine the fear that the citizens feel when seeing it because it meant that someone was going to be taken for punishment.

“I look up quickly: it’s a black van, with the white-winged eye on the side.” (Atwood 156).

It is hard to trust other people they came across in the different houses they would be assigned and transferred to. Though Offred was able to find some trust in Ofglen for now. People are to be very careful because no one knows who is a spy and would betray you for their protection, interest, and gain.

The characters in Handmaid’s Tale, Offred and the Commander, remind me of Winston Smith and Julia from 1984 because of their unacceptable relationship. Their relation for the means of pleasure and human contact is against the society’s strict rules and is disapproved of by the people. In the case of Handmaid’s Tale, Serena Joy will punish Offred if she ever finds out about her secret relationship with the Commander. In 1984, Winston was tortured and brainwashed into admiring Big Brother after he committed such acts with Julia. There is no end to the people's suffering.

Just A Thought:

The people in Handmaid's Tale are forced into a masquerade party as they are to live a different identity to blend in this two-faced society.

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Just A Reflection

The “Handmaid’s Tale” reflects an insight of the expectations that I had as a girl, how there would be people out there that objectify women, and to be very cautious. Due to the daily news about female victims, I grew up with strict family members.

This novel contains moments in life which I could relate to. Growing up, there would be people around me who would attempt to control me, make sure I always behaved like a lady, and implant fears into my mind about how dangerous some people are towards girls or women.

On a personal level, my aunt and grandmother would always remind me to wear very modest clothing. My aunt reminds me of the character Aunt Lydia in the “Handmaid's Tale”. Either it would be a dress or skirt that was over the knee, avoid using tight clothing, or long shirts. Honestly, I still wore what I wanted because my mom was fine as long as I was comfortable or was able to express the style I like. My aunt wore the same type of clothing she would tell me not to wear such as tight jeans or leggings herself, so I never found a reason as to why I would listen to someone who doesn't want me to wear tight jeans. I constantly remind myself to not feed into fear.

The wives in the story would always slut shame the handmaids as they were jealous and they remind me of the few people around me that would criticize friendships between opposite genders. Suspicions and rumors would rise just because some people would assume that friendships between a guy and a girl would automatically mean that they were dating or just more than friends. Some people would ignore it and others would feel pressured to prove that they had nothing more between their friendship.

Offred always heard stories from Aunt Lydia about how women were attacked and unprotected before the development of the Republic of Gilead, I had peers or people around me that experienced such events. Unfortunately, peers from my old school that were victims of assault were told that it was their fault for allowing such things to happen to them. There is no reason for a victim to be blamed for how the predator assaulted them because of how revealing their clothing was or what they wore. Even the women from years ago wore heavy layered clothing covering their entire body and were still raped. It is not a matter of what people wore, it was the horrible behavior, mentality, and decisions made by those sexual predators.

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I will begin a new series and the first theme is: novel.

I specifically chose "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood as it especially touches a serious topic about how women were treated.

It relates to how authority was abused/ used to manipulate women, gender roles, and beliefs influencing the treatment towards women.

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About Me:

• Divine Grace

Hobbies:

• enjoy watching anime and movies

• reading mangas, webcomics

• singing & listening to music

• painting (very calming)

• playing the piano, ukelele, & electric guitar (more of a beginner for the guitar but I'm working on it ^-^) . I also want to try the kalimba.

Personality Traits:

• observant, creative, resolute, compassionate

General Info:

• Especially that I have been indoors more the past year, I want to focus on self-care and work on my mental/ physical health.