The Shocking Reason ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Got Banned in America

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In simpler terms, Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale will be its last, and its topics are strikingly relevant today. Interestingly, the book that serves as the basis for this Hulu series has been banned several times in the U.S.

The much-loved television series will conclude after six seasons, with its last installment debuting on Hulu on April 8. The preview hints at a rebellion among the Handmaids, however, Gilead’s oppressive rule shows no signs of abating before that point.

As a fervent supporter, I’m deeply concerned about the current state of our government in the United States. The remnants are now under siege, partially due to Gilead’s influential propaganda machine known as New Bethlehem. This supposedly “liberalized” zone offers women opportunities to read, write, and work, which is a significant step forward. However, regrettably, these liberties are not universally enjoyed across America.

This chilling depiction of a dystopian society was initially presented in Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Regrettably, this book has been prohibited from being read in certain educational establishments.

Why The Handmaid’s Tale was banned

ever since it was published, The Handmaid’s Tale book has encountered challenges such as being banned or having attempts made to ban it across various states within the US, often in educational institutions and libraries. This is due to its graphic sexual content, explicit language, perceived anti-Christian sentiments, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters.

For over three decades, starting from 1990 and up until 2019, this book has consistently appeared on the American Library Association’s list of frequently challenged books. Some of the initial reported bans date back to the late ’80s.

1992 saw a controversy arise in the school system of Waterloo, Iowa, as some found the book questionable due to its use of offensive language, graphic sexual content, allegedly disparaging remarks towards minority groups, deities, women, and individuals with disabilities.

In the following school year, the book was taken off the reading list at Chicopee High School in Massachusetts because it had explicit language and adult themes.

In the year 2006, a concerned parent voiced their disapproval about “The Handmaid’s Tale” to the superintendent of Judson school district, stating that the book was inappropriate due to its explicit sexual content and offensive nature towards Christians. Despite a group consisting of teachers and parents advocating to keep the book available, it was provisionally prohibited.

A number of previous instances, particularly those from more recent times, have seen a significant rise. As per the American Library Association, book censorship attempts have hit all-time highs this year, with 695 reported challenges in the initial eight months alone.

By the year 2025, The Handmaid’s Tale was one of the books impacted by Idaho’s HB 710 legislation. This law limits the accessibility of literature considered “inappropriate for minors” not only in schools but also in public libraries, to individuals under 18 years old.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve witnessed the impact of this legislation firsthand – it’s resulted in some beloved classics being reclassified or even banned. This move has sparked legal disputes from publishers and free speech activists who believe the law’s definitions are overstepping boundaries set by the First Amendment rights, which guarantee freedom of speech.

The ironic point here isn’t difficult to notice: this tale, which serves as a cautionary note against censorship, suppression, and manipulation of female bodies, is actually getting censored in reality.

Margaret Atwood fought back with “unburnable” book

2022 saw a series of bans of “The Handmaid’s Tale” in various parts of the US, leading Margaret Atwood and Penguin Random House to collaborate on a fireproof edition of the novel, making it resistant to being destroyed or damaged by fire.

After some time, it was finally sold at an auction for the sum of $130,000. The earnings from this sale were donated to PEN America, a charitable organization that champions the cause of free speech.

In a 2023 opinion piece for The Atlantic, the author continued her discourse on the topic, stating, “Those trying to prevent young readers from exploring The Handmaid’s Tale might find their efforts futile, as such attempts could inadvertently pique their curiosity even further.

In a recent turn of events, the school board in Madison County, Virginia, decided to remove Atwood’s novel ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ from the high-school library shelves, deeming her unsuitable or unacceptable.

She found this situation puzzling as her work is far less graphic than the Bible, and it’s unlikely they would expel it for that reason. It’s possible the true motivation is something else.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d share my thoughts on how Margaret Atwood might have pondered if the board assumed “The Handmaid’s Tale” was anti-Christian, but in reality, the narrative draws inspiration from parts of the Bible itself.

This book contrasts deeply personal faith and fundamental Christian principles, such as loving one’s neighbor and forgiving sins, with oppressive rule and accumulation of power disguised under a religious veneer, which appears to draw heavily from earlier teachings in the Bible.

As a dedicated fan of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” I’m excited to share with you when the next episode in its sixth season will be available. Here’s a guide to help you stay updated on the release schedule for Season 6. We’ve also got recaps ready for Episodes 1, 2, and 3, so if you need a refresher before diving back into Gilead, we’ve got you covered!

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2025-04-10 14:53