Margaret Atwood, the renowned Canadian author known for her dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale, recently spoke at a forum in Calgary, discussing democracy, public education, and the common good. Despite being called prescient in the past, Atwood admitted that she failed to predict the outcome of the recent U.S. election, which saw Donald Trump win another term in the White House. She emphasized the importance of understanding different perspectives and noted that while some Americans may have reservations about having a woman leader, the population is not as polarized as many believe.
Despite her inability to predict the election results, Atwood shared some prognostications following the election outcome. She warned about the power dynamics within the White House, fueled by large egos and conflicting agendas among key players. She suggested that bookies may start taking bets on how long Trump will remain in power and predicted that discussions about class will become more prevalent in the political discourse. Atwood also discussed the themes of her novel The Handmaid’s Tale, emphasizing that the inspiration for the story came from real-life events and discussions within the religious right.
Atwood addressed concerns about the current political climate and the potential for authoritarianism, drawing parallels to the themes in The Handmaid’s Tale. She cautioned against giving in to fear and emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and active in protecting democratic principles. When asked about the famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr. regarding the arc of the moral universe bending toward justice, Atwood expressed skepticism about the idea that justice will prevail without effort and action. She urged people not to rely on a passive belief in a predetermined outcome but to actively work towards justice and equality.
The Handmaid’s Tale, originally published in 1985 and later adapted into a popular television series, depicts a dystopian society in which women are treated as property and forced to serve as handmaids for wealthy, infertile couples. The novel explores themes of reproductive rights, authoritarianism, and environmental disaster. Atwood reflected on the relevance of the book to current events, particularly in light of recent challenges to abortion rights in the United States. She emphasized that the events depicted in her novel are rooted in real-world concerns and serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of eroding civil liberties and individual freedoms.
Atwood’s discussion in Calgary touched on the importance of freedom of expression and the need to engage in dialogue with those who hold different views. She highlighted the complexity of American society and the diverse values and beliefs that shape political decisions. While acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties of the current political landscape, Atwood remained hopeful that through active engagement and vigilance, individuals can work towards a more just and equitable society. Her insights into the political and social dynamics at play in the aftermath of the U.S. election offer a sobering reflection on the need for continued advocacy and activism in defense of democratic principles and human rights.
