If you’ve ever read The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood or watched the hit Hulu adaptation, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “Could something like this actually happen?” Now, in 2025, as we navigate the second Trump administration, the parallels between Atwood’s fictional Gilead and our current reality feel eerily close. Let’s unpack the similarities, the potential impacts, and—most importantly—what power we still hold to prevent this dystopian nightmare from becoming our full-blown reality.
The Handmaid’s Tale: A Quick Recap
For those unfamiliar, The Handmaid’s Tale is set in a totalitarian society called Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and reduced to their reproductive functions. It’s a chilling exploration of power, control, and the consequences of apathy in the face of authoritarianism.
Sound familiar? While we’re not quite there yet (thankfully), some recent policies and cultural shifts in the U.S. have made many of us do a double take. Let’s dig into those parallels.
The Similarities: Gilead vs. 2025
- Control Over Women’s Bodies
In Gilead, women are forced into rigid roles—Handmaids for reproduction, Marthas for domestic work, and Wives for status. While we’re not assigning women to “roles” (yet), the rollback of reproductive rights in recent years feels like a step in that direction. With Roe v. Wade overturned in 2022 and more restrictive abortion laws emerging across states, the government has taken a disturbing amount of control over women’s bodies. Fast forward to Trump’s second term: federal legislation is being proposed to further limit access to contraception and reproductive healthcare. It’s not Gilead-level yet, but it’s enough to make you shiver. - Religious Extremism in Politics
In Gilead, religion is weaponized as a tool for control. Similarly, in 2025, religious rhetoric has become increasingly intertwined with government policy. The separation of church and state feels more like a suggestion than a rule these days. Policies rooted in specific religious ideologies are being pushed forward, alienating those who don’t share those beliefs. - The Erosion of Democracy
Gilead didn’t happen overnight—it was a slow erosion of rights and freedoms that people didn’t fight hard enough to protect. Sound familiar? The Trump administration has continued its efforts to undermine democratic institutions, from voter suppression laws to attacks on the press. When people lose faith in democracy, authoritarianism creeps in. - Surveillance and Fear
In The Handmaid’s Tale, everyone is watched, reported on, and punished for stepping out of line. While we’re not living under constant surveillance by secret police, the rise of digital monitoring and crackdowns on dissent have created an atmosphere of fear for many activists and journalists.
The Impacts: What Could This Mean for Us?
If these trends continue unchecked, we could see devastating consequences for marginalized groups, especially women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. The erosion of rights doesn’t just stop with one group—it spreads like wildfire. When one community is silenced or oppressed, it sets a precedent for others to follow.
On a broader scale, the impacts could include:
- A loss of autonomy: Whether it’s over reproductive choices or personal freedoms, individuals could find themselves with fewer rights than they had just a decade ago.
- Normalization of authoritarianism: The more we accept restrictions on freedom as “just the way things are,” the harder it becomes to push back.
- Global consequences: As the U.S. shifts further toward authoritarianism, its influence on other nations could embolden similar movements worldwide.
What Power Do We Have to Stop This?
Here’s the good news: we’re not powerless. The citizens of Gilead may have been trapped in their dystopia, but we still have tools at our disposal to fight back. Here’s what we can do:
- Stay Informed
Knowledge is power. Keep yourself updated on policies and legislation at both state and federal levels. Don’t just rely on social media headlines—dig deeper into credible sources. - Vote (and Help Others Vote)
Voter turnout is crucial. Authoritarian regimes thrive when people feel apathetic or hopeless about voting. Make sure you’re registered to vote and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Support organizations working to combat voter suppression. - Protest and Organize
Peaceful protests and grassroots organizing can make a huge difference. Activism has led to real change in the past—don’t underestimate its power. - Support Marginalized Communities
Authoritarian regimes often target marginalized groups first because they’re seen as easier to silence. Stand in solidarity with these communities by supporting advocacy groups, donating to causes, or simply amplifying their voices. - Speak Up
Don’t stay silent in the face of injustice. Whether it’s having tough conversations with loved ones or calling out harmful policies publicly, every voice matters.
Final Thoughts
While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the current political climate, it’s important to remember that dystopias like Gilead don’t happen overnight—and they’re not inevitable. We still have time to push back against authoritarianism and protect our rights.
Margaret Atwood once said that everything in The Handmaid’s Tale has happened somewhere in the world at some point in history. It’s a chilling reminder that dystopias are built on real-world events—but also a call to action. We have the power to shape our future; we just need to use it.
So let’s get to work—because none of us want to wake up one day wearing red cloaks and white bonnets as our new national uniform. Trust me on that one.