HUMN 303 Week 7 Controversial Art and Censorship

Sample Answer

Controversial Art and Censorship Based on The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale, produced by Miller (2017), is one of the most important television adaptations based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, published in 1985. This show marked one of the most aesthetically dynamic works in social justice expression, based upon gender oppression, authoritarianism, and the struggle for individual rights. By portraying a dystopian society in which women’s autonomy is highly suppressed, the show is raising a clear warning as to what the outcome of societal complacency on issues of justice and freedom could look like.

Social Contribution of the Work

The Handmaid’s Tale’s social contribution is huge and brings critical awareness of women’s ongoing struggles for rights and freedom. The story is told in a society where women are reduced to their reproductive capabilities only, serving as a strong post on contemporary patriarchal systems (Miller, 2023). Such an investigation into oppression does require viewers to face uncomfortable realities concerning power and the ease with which rights can be stripped away. This has triggered a meaningful understanding of social issues and the role of activism needed for the pathway to justice for many viewers.

Aesthetic Value and Reflection of the Human Condition

Aesthetic value is greatly present in The Handmaid’s Tale, as visual telling adds to deeper empathy with the story. Striking cinematography, special color palettes, and considered framing introduce viewers to the characters’ emotional landscape. For example, Kallinen (2020) assures that the red robes of the Handmaids symbolize oppression. The bright color contrasts with the slow and neutral backgrounds of everything surrounding them, making the themes more touching. It influenced me personally in the way I saw art as a very powerful means of communication and pointed out how reflective visual elements can communicate complex social messages.

Censorship and Its Circumstances

Some of the most contentious arguments against The Handmaid’s Tale have theological critics on either side, labeling the work as highly pornographic or politically incendiary (Walker, 2019). Calls for bans-most especially in educational institutions, the unease that so often comes from the challenge of art into status quo norms. For example, conservative groups have worked to ban access to the series in schools because it promotes ideologies that create division. These censorship attempts raise questions about the government’s role in controlling artistic expression. As much as invoking censorship may make sense on protection grounds for certain audiences, it bars essential conversations about critical issues and inhibits the progress said art can bring about.

Influences and Public Reaction

Influences on The Handmaid’s Tale run deep, from historical events to feminist literature to current social movements. Sharma (2022) writes that Atwood’s original novel was influenced by totalitarian regimes worldwide and the injustices women faced in history. These themes are portrayed perfectly for the contemporary audience in the series and click well with the current sociopolitical context. The public reactions have largely been positive, with many praising the show for its timely portrayal of women’s rights and artistic value. It is obvious from the strength of its message that the series has sparked robust discussions concerning gender equality, bodily autonomy, and individual rights.

Should It Be Considered Art?

Arguing whether or not The Handmaid’s Tale should be considered art calls into question the purpose of art in society. Many, not just aesthetic qualities, can define art, make one think, and invoke change (Sharma, 2022). Under this broad definition, The Handmaid’s Tale is doubtlessly considered a work of art. Bruce Miller says, “This show speaks to our times; it’s about power, control, what’s taken away from people, and what people need regarding their autonomy and rights” (Miller, 2023). This assertion underlines the relevance and impact of the series, fixing it within the contemporary discourse as a seminal work of social justice art.

Conclusion

The Handmaid’s Tale represents where art meets social justice and adds immensely to the discourse on gender and power dynamics within society. Due to its great aesthetic value and equally powerful social commentary, it naturally dares viewers to be more engaged in present problems, thus securing the position of art intending to change. It represents a snapshot of contemporary society and allows further debate on protecting individual rights and freedom.

References

• Kallinen, M. (2020). Relevant dystopias Adapting The Handmaid’s Tale for television. Tuni.fi. https //trepo.tuni.fi/handle/10024/123796
• Magee, S. (2018). The Handmaid’s Tale (Season 1, 2017). created by Bruce Miller, based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood. Reproductive Biomedicine & Society Online, 7, 44–46. https //doi.org/10.1016/j.rbms.2018.10.005
• Miller, B. (2017). The Handmaid’s Tale. Hulu. https //www.hulu.com/series/the-handmaids-tale-565d8976-9d26-4e63-866c-40f8a137ce5f?utm_campaign=TheHandmaidsTale_Launch_1-wk_Q2_2017&cmp=7054&mkwid=hitHkaNp&pcrid=81570022067434&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=handmaidens%20tale%20hulu&dclid=CIu-jbXNw9MCFRFDDAod-4IB5Q
• Miller, B. (2023, July 25). The Handmaid’s Tale – Hulu. Hulu. https //press.hulu.com/shows/the-handmaids-tale/bios/bruce-miller/
• Walker, A. M. (2019). Book review The Handmaid’s Tale. Teaching Sociology, 48(1), 63–66. https //doi.org/10.1177/0092055×19890639
• Sharma, S. (2022). Dystopian Societal Vision and Problem of Female Identification in Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. IUP Journal of English Studies, 17(4).