Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale prides itself on painting a dark image for women in Trump’s America, even though the show has absolutely nothing in common with Trump’s actual America. Still, that doesn’t stop the series from bringing its #Resistance narrative to life in the most ridiculous ways. The next stop is taking the phrase “barefoot and pregnant” a little too seriously.
The May 9 episode “Other Women” comes after June/Offred (Elizabeth Moss) is found and recaptured trying to escape Gilead. Being pregnant, she remains invaluable to the society despite how anti-women they clearly are. To really drive that point forward, the show finally gives us the biggest feminist nightmare: June, barefoot and pregnant, chained to a bed.
Warning: explicit language.
Lydia: Blessed be the fruit. I’ve seen you eaten well, Offred. Third day in a row.
June: It’s June. You know my fucking name.
I know the fearful “barefoot and pregnant” image has been pushed by feminists for decades, especially against Republicans, but this is a new level of paranoia. It would be almost hilarious if not for the fact that some feminists actually believe this is real. Until someone can point to me the real-life account of a conservative government chaining women barefoot and pregnant to beds, maybe it’s time to try a new tactic. Reality could be a good start.
