Literature
Misplaced Focus on Christianity in The Handmaid’s Tale: Why Islamic Examples Are More Relevant
Why Do We Focus on Christianity When Discussing The Handmaid’s Tale When All the Closest Examples Are in the Islamic World?
Throughout the
discussion of Margaret Atwood’s
The Handmaid’s Tale,
many viewers and critics gravitate towards a Christian framework. However, exploring the
Islamic perspectives and examples would provide a more relevant and
thought-provoking
analogy to the oppressive
themes
presented in the book and television series. In this article, we will delve into how
Islamic
principles and examples can better reflect the true intentions of
Atwood's
work, specifically in comparison to themes of
White Supremacy and the
Déclassé status of women.
White Supremacy and its Absence in Islamic Teachings
The theme of
White Supremacy
never finds its roots in
Islamic
teachings. On the contrary,
Islam
emphasizes the equality of all human beings, stating that no race or ethnicity is
superior
to
another. This
contradicts
the
ideology
promoted in the oppressive world of
Atwood’s
handmaid. Instead, consider the
Ku Klux Klan
(KKK), an organization known for promoting an extreme form of
White Supremacy
. The KKK's agenda for
society’s
purification
is rooted in a twisted interpretation of
Christianity
, which goes against the основные принципы of true Christian teachings, as articulated by Jesus Christ.
The Déclassé Status of Women and Islamic Practices
In the world portrayed in
Atwood’s
Handmaid's Tale, women are stripped of their rights and autonomy, treated as mere instruments of procreation.
Islamic
principles in this regard take a very different approach. Islamic teachings emphasize the
protection
of women and
practicing
modesty in the form of
covering oneself
. This tradition of covering the head with a
hijab
has its
roots in the
historical context of instability and threats to women's safety. As the world has evolved, many women in my country choose to
opt out
of wearing a
hijab
, and this is perfectly fine and acceptable. Similarly, the
viewpoint
in
Atwood’s
Handmaid's Tale
ignores the
humanity
of women and reduces them to mere
breeding tools
. This aligns more closely with the
Amish
society, where women are expected to marry, bear children, and submit to their husbands' wishes. Divorce is
intentionally
made
non-existent
, and those who break the rules face
banishment
.
The foundation of
Amish
ways of living is rooted in a strict interpretation of
Christianity
, much like the
Handmaid's Tale.
The Quiverfull Movement and Procreation
Further evidence of this connection can be found in the
Quiverfull
movement, a Christian subculture that
encourages
having large families, eschewing
birth control
and
sterilization
. This movement
sees
children as a blessing from God and actively resists any form of family planning. While this
movement
does not directly link to
Atwood’s
work, it highlights the
ideological
parallel between certain interpretations of Christianity and the oppressive
worldviews
presented in the
Handmaid’s Tale.
Conclusion
While the
Christian
focus in
The Handmaid's Tale
is prevalent, it is misguided. Instead, a
reassessment
is needed to see how
Islamic
principles and examples more accurately reflect the oppressive themes. By
emphasizing
the absence of
White Supremacy
and the treatment of women, both
Islamic
and
amish
practices provide a more relevant and
intuitive
analogy. This
approach
removes the
Islamophobia
that comes with a
Christian
focus and
allows
for a more respectful and
inclusive
discussion of
Atwood’s
work.
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