I find Atwood a challenge to read, its like searching for diamonds in a compost heap, it is all very forgettable but occasionally there will be a sentence that makes you sit up and start reading again. Agreed, the themes she expores are potent and interesting, however the means in which she does so are mediocre. Please feel free to inspire me with your opinions as i'm having to read her alot as of late, and quite frankly its killing me.
At the bottom of the video is a thing that says '360p'. Click on it and change it two '240p'. If you EVER encounter an audio problem on a video, try this. Thumbs up so everyone can see.
My god! At the bottom of the video is a thing that says '360p'. Click on it and change it two '240p'. If you EVER encounter an audio problem on a video, try this. Thumbs up so everyone can see.
@VincentBrooke1 You have saved my life! Thank you for audio direction. What's the difference between the two formats, and why would someone pick one that isn't accesible to a lot of people? Thanks :)
Two vibrant, expanding souls: Margaret Atwood and Bill Moyers. One translation of Yahweh claims to be "I am becoming that which I am becoming" and over the decades I have received much pleasure, guidance, and spirit from what Atwood and Moyers are becoming. (Down to earth, Part 1/3 has no sound while Part 2/3 and 3/3 are delightfully audible.) Thank you for offering this powerful conversation to us.
You know, I don't recall the Puritans having reproductive concubines. I suppose a few must have had them on the side, since, you know, that always happens. But that's not what her book was about, was it?
I've seen this interview many times. Atwood has so much good information to share here. I think it's so sad, but true, that many times people DO look for someone to blame in many situations, or many people. If we looked to ourselves instead of that kind of Jungian 'shadow projection' how much better things would be in this world!
although at 7.30ish Atwood says that she never quotes the New Testament in her novel, she does, on more than one occasion, most explicity on pg 89, where Offred quotes the Beatitudes.
the Beatitudes have been altered by Offred because she is quoting the government which has altered the Bible to suit their own ends.
but either way she quotes the New Testament, and I'm calling bullshit.
@lollerskates77777 She says in this video at about 7:40 that the theocracy she's put in The Handmaid's Tale never calls itself Christian. She then goes on to say: "It's slogans etcetera, etcetera all from the Old Testament". (Presumably that the novel uses slogans from the Old Testament, but the new form of government itself does not call itself Christian)
I would give anything to be in her presence, let me just say. I would not need to, she is extremely gracious, and warm, and friendly. Her brilliance shines like a blazing super-nova. Her words here are chilling, especially in lieu of the Bush/Cheney regime, and its hideous fall-out, chiefly, the decimation of civil liberties inherent within the constitution of the US.
What a book! I really have to remember to breathe; I realize then that it's Offred who's not breathing, I get a slight glimpse as to the mental terror of being in a room with nothing to do...
Gives one a new perspective on what we have and what we may not have should Atwood, in this video, be right; that this country can easily be turned into a theocracy
If you liked Oryx & Crake, you should go out and grab her new book, The Year of the Flood, which is a successor to Oryx & Crake (well, same setting but it's told through a parallel perspective).
Read her books lately? This "old hag" is easily one of the more brilliant living writers, by the reckoning of most people who have read her, including myself.
As a writer though, she just intimidates me, and makes my lay down my pen in despair. I can't write anything worthy of comparison with her work, or intellect. So why bother? I'm depressed by my inadequacies.
Writing isn't a competition - I know what you mean, it's hard to see others' stylistic abilities and avoid measuring yourself up to them. You will never write an Atwood book, and she will never write a book the way you would. Ideas about quality comparison aside, just keep exploring notions - philosophical, political, et cetera - that drive you. Figure out what aspect or form of storytelling you like the most and develop!
Interestingly enough Christianity borrowed so much from Pagan believe, with the exception of the Goddess...clearly duality bothered them, worship of a female as a God and not a vessel distrubed them. Atwood is an amazing writer
Worship of women does not necessarily mean that women are empowered. There is no empirical evidence supporting the existence of a matriarchal society anywhere in the world at any point in history, or today. Christianity did more to empower women than Judaism or any of the pagan religions. Expressing a view that you agree with does not make somebody a good writer.
The Handmaids' Tale made me mad on how women were treated.I wrote Margaret and she was nice enough to write me back.I still have her letter and will framed it.
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Atwood's book is so unrealistic. It could never happen. Never mind that Jesus advocated separation of Church and State. Never mind that most Christians want small government. Never mind that Christianity is the most pro-female religion in the history of the world. Never mind that Paul commanded men to "Love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and gave his life for her."
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I've met a number of Southerners in my life. They're very polite and hospitable. Their women (unlike the snotty princesses here in the North who expect men to wait on them hand and foot) are strong, smart, and assertive. I honestly don't know what you're talking about.
Even assuming that most southerners were like the ignorant rednecks you paint them as, does that mean that all the Christians in the world are like them? No, it doesn't.
Since you've met a number of Southerners, you probably have a better grasp on the culture. I mean, hell, I only lived there for 22 years.
I'm not sure what "their women" have to do with this conversation. That's a nice generalization though coming from the guy accusing me of thinking all Christians are ignorant.
Lastly, I never said that all Christians are ignorant. Quit putting words in my mouth.
Reply if you want, but I'm done with this conversation.
no one could have predicted the genocide of the jews by hitler, but it happened. it is by no means a reflection of christian values. it is a dystopian text that explores how humans can gain control through religion, under the pretense that they are good people.
@loqutor shes not slandering christianity, she's criticizing the repercussions of religion as a whole, just look at what happens in the middle east due to religious beliefs. Christianity has recently been relatively tamed, but it's past is just as barbaric, think of the crusades, and the witch burnings. She's simply providing some warning to what could happen if religion became radicalized in the western world once again.
@loqutor Fiction is fiction which means "not based on real life" so she can write whatever she fucking pleases even if it's "unrealistic" by your standards.
@loqutor I would argue the Sikhism is more 'pro-female' (?!) than Christianity. It has a long-established philosophy of gender equality, which Christianity has a pretty shoddy record in if I'm honest. If you're going to compare Christianity to other religions, do your research first.
Ah, Mags. The Matriarch of stuffy, backroom, old world, feminist pretensionism. Canadian literature's answer to Margaret Thatcher. More Eva Braun than Joan of Arc, ergo, your shit stinks too, Toots. Pierre Burton has finally relieved us of his existence, can your mortal coil soon be seen disappearing into the horizon? Get thee gone woman... sorry, I'm out of pretentious prose. I thought I'd reach you on your level. I failed. That is my failing as a mere man.
I wouldn't compare her to the witch that is Margaret thatcher. Margaret atwood is reasonably left-wing and compassionate. thatcher however, is a soulless tumour on the brain of British society
I used to hold to the idea that people, as individuals, were conscientious, intelligent and moral; and that only within a mob mentality does humanity revert to stupidity and downright nastiness.
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Well, you're probably the type who finds confirmation of her superior nature and incisive insight into human nature to be borne out in just about everything, not just YouTube comments.
Religions always get a "bum rap" from these intellectuals in our tipsy times of Modernist Anglo-American Conceits. Oh really, as if we Americans are in danger of a "Theocracy" other than that found running everything in Israel today. Please. Fundamentalists get blamed for the extremes of human history. That's not right, unless you credit Catholicism for our modern, liberal, Western Culture, and why not? Attitudes of Ingratitude are why we still need God. Salem witch trials? Food poisoning.
Thank u 4 posting this interview. She is an intelligent writer, and very honest and humble with all her answers. Was this interview b4 the bush administration or during it?
Wow, I haven't been following the comments in this for a while. Sad to see it's gotten kinda ugly. I suppose such things are to be expected, with Christians always trying to prove their case without listening to the logic of other side.
The Bible was not written 100s of years after Christ died. The OT was there long before him and the newest of the Gospels was written less than a 100 years after his death.
Get your history correct before you spout, please.
I was simply drawing parallels between the world of the Handmaid's Tale, and one that exsists. Some similarities (SUMPTUARY LAWS) are simply irrefutable. And I wasn't extolling Atwood. In fact I found the ending of her book anticlimatic and the novel a little overall preachy. But no matter, whether it's me or not who was the victim of your ham-handed, insulting comments, I say good day, and peace ;) I have better things to do that get into arguments on youtube.
Did you catch the fact that in 'A Handmaid's Tale', 'Gilead' was a U.S.A transformed by theocrats.
It's part of a liberal argument that 'Fundy Christianity' could actually lead to such a thing.
It's bullshit.
The enviable pillars on which the West is founded: rule of law, freedom of expression and thought, freedom of religion, exist BECAUSE of the tradition of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
disillusioned for the reasons I cited and more. So, if those insults were hurled at me, well, I, again, have no idea what I did to deserve your animosity.
Atwood was surmising that 'this could happen in the U.S. and Iran. Of course it happened in Iran. It's controlled by Islam. They haven't had the enlightenment. Well, she's wrong about the U.S. It hasn't happened in the U.S. . It won't happen. She is engaging, as so many comfortable westerners do, in the luxury of relativism: "We're no better than they are. Hey, maybe we're actually worse."
Margaret Atwood's a lousy writer who never grew up.
theocracy in which women are not of the same worth as men. (In Ir, women cannot hold major office or the position of a judge and can never become president, for example.) If you were saying I insulted all who live in Islamic societies, which you did in a comment possibly directed at me, I had no idea I was insulting my aunts, uncles, cousins and a grandmother who reside in Iran, a county in which over 70% of people are under 30. Why? Well, clearly, a supermajority of those over 30 have left the
Hey circushead, my email notified me that one or more of your comments was/were directed at me?! But you cite ideas that weren't included at all in what I posted, and I have no idea who you were calling a "loser," "liar or utterly deluded." If it were I you were referring to, well, I have no idea what on earth I said to deserve your insults and ridiculous virulence. I was simply drawing a comparison between the sumputary laws that exsist both in Iran, as well as Atwood's world of Gilead, also a
Hmm, well it "could" happen; let's wait and see. That's what fundamentalist Christians have been saying about the Rapture for 2000+ years.
Like I said 4 months ago...Atwood's statement "Things aren't going well; it must be the liberals" - pretty much sums up half the comments on the internet.
I just read The Handmaid's Tale. I have to say, I saw so much of what has already happened in that book. My mom's Iranian, and the last time I was there was last yr; I was 17. The dress code, the Guardians (of the Revolution) playing morality police, the totalitarianism, the scapegoating Atwood talks abt here (in Iran: the West, Israel). It's nuts: I was w my cousin, and a Basij almost arrested me for not wearing socks. Reza had to take his off on the street for me to wear to cover my ankles...
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Did you happen to notice that the novel is set in America? In this sense, the novel didn't come true. Atwood played to brainless liberals who create a bogeyman out of Christianity because it promotes a belief in and reverence of God. There are no Christian sects who recommend overturning the Constitution of the U.S. None! It's a fantasy. Atwood's a hack.
Brilliant! The one true religion in this country is the government.The government pretty much controls everything. Be that the case we are relinquishing our freedoms, therefore, there is no more democracy. If we are not a theocracy yet, are we a police state? Looks like our government is on our way to becoming God!
I also read the book three times to put the book together. I didn't HAVE to read the book three times; I wanted to. The Handmaids' Tale is one of her best. I would suggest that anyone who would like a fabulous read; to pick up a copy:)
I think she is a fine author. She seels an amazing amount of books; why can't people stop with the hate? If you do not like her or wish to leave rude comments; why watch the video? Move on... it seems common sense doesn't exsist these days... maybe one day common sense will emerge.
the Handmaids Tale is true - women are having babies that are being stolen every minute of the day - NOT BY RELIGION - but by government. It's called "child protection." Social workers are the new witches. It's become very fashionable to be an aetheist - a good way to be a member of a club.
Yeah, but Christian Reconstructionists get almost all of their laws and civic views from the Old Testament. So do most Augustinians and Calvinists. To them, basically, Jesus only overthrew kosher, polygamy(except in certain circumstances,) and some types of slavery(that's a shady one.) They are fairly similar to the Gilead type with regard to religion. The Old Testament is a huge component of many Christian denominations-- definitely a larger component than in Judaism in my opinion.
The Tanakh IS the old testament and Judaism has a strong emphasis on following the religious laws within them. Like going through a grocery list everyday. Jesus informed the heracies to get away from consuming oneself with the details of the laws in the old testament but to focus on ones faith in God because not believing in him and his son is the only unforgivable sin.
I was raised in reformed Judaism and the emphasis was overwhelmingly on the Talmud and not on the Torah law, though it was expected to study Torah law. Plus, the general attitude towards the Torah was that "only a fool would believe it." Most Christian Reconstructionists believe the Torah law. All in all, I'd say the Torah is only important to, at least reformed, Judaism as a traditional document.
Margrett atwoord if you are reading this then I want to let you know because of your stupid ' Handmaid's Tale' everyone in my class has to suffer your writing. Your book is the most boring book I've ever read, it's even worse than 'To kill a MockingBird ". So please go fuck yourself and die you stupid white bitch.
Her argument about how people will 'probably have to give up their freedoms in order to preserve them' This happened in Russia after the Russian Revolution. In the early stages there was direct workers control and the Bolsheviks persuaded them 'in order to defend the revolution' to give up their free and voluntary socialism for an authoritarian one. This has happened throughout history.
"The Handmaid`s Tail" is a work of sheer genius. I`m not a femanist nor am I a liberal. Atwood`s novel is one of the great dystopian novels of the 20th century.
that sounded slightly rude, i dont understad why you would do that. Maybe you really needed to urinate when you wrote it. Maybe you didnt. Either way its unacceptable, i wouldnt call you a "pisspot". its a shame reall, i thought you were nice. Oh well.
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Because smug Canadians feel it is their duty to inform America what it should and should not do.
It is rather like the two year old who, strapped in the car seat, imagines she actually controls the progress of the automobile by tugging at her straps.
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But, you see, that's not smugness, because they can actually do it. They're a power. And they're a power for good. You get to sit back and enjoy all the benefits of that power, and you still reserve the right to sneer at them.
Should we have just given the Axis powers whatever they wanted and not fought them?
Should we have combatted Hitler via strongly worded letters to the editor of the New York Times, and demonstrations where everyone held hands and sang, "Imagine"?
I know what a "necessary evil" is. Although I don't really think you wanted an answer to that question.
"Should we have combatted Hitler via strongly worded letters to the editor of the New York Times, and demonstrations where everyone held hands and sang, "Imagine"?" - No, I think we should hold hands and sing it every day.... just kidding, but seriously, but after learning about the events that lead to WW2 I know is not that simple.
If you also know your history, I think you will agree that WW2 was not the only possible "solution" to the problem, rather it was the second worst possible solution, second only to a Lost War.
* about subjection, there is not one person I know personally who is not subjected in some way.
But why did you ask me all this? I only said one thing on this page: "How many countries are you currently at war with?" instead of an answer I get all this? why?
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Margaret Atwood doesn't seem to have considered the the oppression of women by a certain religion that is not Christianity, and the potential for it to establish a repressive theocracy here.
Oh no, all anyone wants to discuss is the oppression that could be enacted in the name of Christianity. These same people are TERRIFIED to say one negative word about Islam. Liberals use the F word ('fascist') against those who are not fascist, and before actual fascists (Islamists) they merely cower.
She's like a dryer more arrogant version of Gloria Steinem.
JoshLo3340 3 weeks ago
vip sound for me too
fewmetsiam4ux 1 month ago
UGH! i hated the ending i wish she'd told us what really happend to offred instead of leaving us on a cliff hanging there >:(
GirlWithBlondeHair 2 months ago
Thanks Margaret for your insights into Islam!!! What a fine canard to couch it in terms of Christianity.
Tuskerman 3 months ago
In a way, she's touching on the WBC.
ayaneforever 3 months ago
Audio works fine for me... Idk if iPod makes a difference for that.
ArmadaProds 3 months ago
is it just me or is there NO sound?
shahoney 3 months ago
where is the sound?
HannahWacko 3 months ago
be a lot better with sound
vancouverbman 4 months ago
I find Atwood a challenge to read, its like searching for diamonds in a compost heap, it is all very forgettable but occasionally there will be a sentence that makes you sit up and start reading again. Agreed, the themes she expores are potent and interesting, however the means in which she does so are mediocre. Please feel free to inspire me with your opinions as i'm having to read her alot as of late, and quite frankly its killing me.
craigisaknob 4 months ago 2
WAH WAH WAH FORD DOESN'T KNOW MY NAME WAH WAH WAH I WON MAN BOOKER EVERYONE SHOULD KNEEL BEFORE ME WAH WAH WAH.
Shut the fuck up you overrated little hag.
pear928 5 months ago
ok, try video.pbs.org/video/1383772819/ for the entire segment
1michelemichele1 5 months ago in playlist Bill Moyers
I would love to see (or hear) this interview in its entirety. Anyone have a link they could share or something?
1michelemichele1 5 months ago in playlist Margaret Atwood
what happened to the audio ?
part 2 works fine.
claudelebel55 6 months ago
This has no audio. Is there a mirror video somewhere?
01someone10 6 months ago
I'm not getting any sound when I watch this!
arniepuff 7 months ago
Ms. Atwood writes for the "sophisticated" mind, the intellect, the thinkers of society. Her books are too bookish for me, if you get my drift.
cheeriosinabowl 7 months ago
No volume!!!
thebageldog 8 months ago 6
Were is the sound?
lucyannie100 9 months ago 8
Why did PBS disable comments for the original of this video? Freakin' PBS!
dukenthaylor 9 months ago
why is the sound not working?
StephenBagley247 9 months ago
@StephenBagley247
View in 240p,... got it
StephenBagley247 9 months ago
What happened with the audio?
Ask god to fix it...
Southparkateer2 10 months ago 2
View in 240p for the audio. Meow.
googlinggooglization 1 year ago 27
GAHH WHY IS THERE NO SOUNDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Shirleyxia74 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
At the bottom of the video is a thing that says '360p'. Click on it and change it two '240p'. If you EVER encounter an audio problem on a video, try this. Thumbs up so everyone can see.
thanks VincentBrooke
spangleJ 1 year ago
Is there audio for this? Or did a Christianist/Religious Reich person delete it?
HollywoodHillsCookie 1 year ago
1984 is a a lot better book
lamestguyintown 1 year ago
@lamestguyintown A lot better than your grammar
slashluva4evr 10 months ago
She's one ugly israeli jew i tell ya.
1arcticcat1 1 year ago
My god! At the bottom of the video is a thing that says '360p'. Click on it and change it two '240p'. If you EVER encounter an audio problem on a video, try this. Thumbs up so everyone can see.
VincentBrooke1 1 year ago 4
@VincentBrooke1 Thanks.
Clagnaught 1 year ago
@VincentBrooke1 You have saved my life! Thank you for audio direction. What's the difference between the two formats, and why would someone pick one that isn't accesible to a lot of people? Thanks :)
HollywoodHillsCookie 1 year ago
You're welcome, m'darlin'. I don't know the difference, I just think one is high quality and the other... low quality...? :S
VincentBrooke1 1 year ago
The sound isn't working for me either.
LeppardPrintAnimal 1 year ago
NO SOUND!!
lebexpat72 1 year ago
沒有聲音!!! No sound! ><
PeggyTeachesChinese 1 year ago
Where's the sound? I can't hear anything!
williamstdog9 1 year ago
Is there no sound for anyone else on this, besides me? (Parts 2 and 3 play okay.)
HollywoodHillsCookie 1 year ago 3
anyone know where this is originally from?
sebby00 1 year ago
Audio doesn't work on my computer
charold3 1 year ago 2
Two vibrant, expanding souls: Margaret Atwood and Bill Moyers. One translation of Yahweh claims to be "I am becoming that which I am becoming" and over the decades I have received much pleasure, guidance, and spirit from what Atwood and Moyers are becoming. (Down to earth, Part 1/3 has no sound while Part 2/3 and 3/3 are delightfully audible.) Thank you for offering this powerful conversation to us.
sesanner 1 year ago
You know, I don't recall the Puritans having reproductive concubines. I suppose a few must have had them on the side, since, you know, that always happens. But that's not what her book was about, was it?
AKASquared 1 year ago
I've seen this interview many times. Atwood has so much good information to share here. I think it's so sad, but true, that many times people DO look for someone to blame in many situations, or many people. If we looked to ourselves instead of that kind of Jungian 'shadow projection' how much better things would be in this world!
artintelligence73 1 year ago
although at 7.30ish Atwood says that she never quotes the New Testament in her novel, she does, on more than one occasion, most explicity on pg 89, where Offred quotes the Beatitudes.
the Beatitudes have been altered by Offred because she is quoting the government which has altered the Bible to suit their own ends.
but either way she quotes the New Testament, and I'm calling bullshit.
lollerskates77777 1 year ago
@lollerskates77777 She says in this video at about 7:40 that the theocracy she's put in The Handmaid's Tale never calls itself Christian. She then goes on to say: "It's slogans etcetera, etcetera all from the Old Testament". (Presumably that the novel uses slogans from the Old Testament, but the new form of government itself does not call itself Christian)
spectralbat 1 year ago
google Doe's Account
twarks144 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Embers Fall, a book inspired by Margaret Atwood's style, posted for free at worstwriterever . wordpress . com
worstwriterever 1 year ago
she just spoke at my school! It was amazing. She is absolutely brilliant and very charming as well.
whirlwind0318 1 year ago
Thank you very much for posting this entire interview! Gracias!
claudeghe 1 year ago
I would give anything to be in her presence, let me just say. I would not need to, she is extremely gracious, and warm, and friendly. Her brilliance shines like a blazing super-nova. Her words here are chilling, especially in lieu of the Bush/Cheney regime, and its hideous fall-out, chiefly, the decimation of civil liberties inherent within the constitution of the US.
trippintonk 1 year ago
as anyone seen, Heaven on Earth?? It's a movie she wrote--but I can't find it on here anywhere!!! Can someone please post it???
1likestoplaymusic 1 year ago
her book is extremely powerful. and she is a very intelligent women
jetmoo 1 year ago
What a book! I really have to remember to breathe; I realize then that it's Offred who's not breathing, I get a slight glimpse as to the mental terror of being in a room with nothing to do...
Gives one a new perspective on what we have and what we may not have should Atwood, in this video, be right; that this country can easily be turned into a theocracy
THEREIZNOGOD 1 year ago
Comment removed
alador2212 1 year ago
alador2212 - so what you are saying is "Blah blah I'm a troll react to me I want attention no one pays any attention to me, tee hee durrrr"
ThingNation 1 year ago
Comment removed
alador2212 1 year ago
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what the hell is she on about. speak english!
iheartbows 2 years ago
learn english
cymbeli 2 years ago
@iheartbows ?......
Xinoutorah 1 year ago
PINK BLOUSE!
skanemermaid 2 years ago
She's coming to my book fair friday im so excited. XDXD shes a genius
Chopinatic27 2 years ago 3
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wanna hear a joke ?
woman's rights XD
sewagedweller 2 years ago
Lol!!!
joshv89 2 years ago
This woman just predicted America post 9/11
phrenology888 2 years ago 5
What an incredibly insightful person.
gilesderoet 2 years ago 16
If you liked Oryx & Crake, you should go out and grab her new book, The Year of the Flood, which is a successor to Oryx & Crake (well, same setting but it's told through a parallel perspective).
andyx1205 2 years ago 2
why doust the expecting mothers bear fruit
azazel637 2 years ago
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Did she write the emancipated vagina or, up your ass. All feminists sound the same to me.
azazel637 2 years ago
It's not hard to see how a new wiiter would be intimatated. I'm sure I'm not the first.
barriehomeboy 2 years ago
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the voice of this old hag gives me epileptic fits. Could she be anymore irritating?
azazel637 2 years ago
Read her books lately? This "old hag" is easily one of the more brilliant living writers, by the reckoning of most people who have read her, including myself.
BenMcCormack91 2 years ago 25
you are a dickhead.
she is a genius.
you are a douche.
do i need to hurl more insults at you??
addicted2skins 2 years ago 3
As a writer though, she just intimidates me, and makes my lay down my pen in despair. I can't write anything worthy of comparison with her work, or intellect. So why bother? I'm depressed by my inadequacies.
barriehomeboy 2 years ago
Writing isn't a competition - I know what you mean, it's hard to see others' stylistic abilities and avoid measuring yourself up to them. You will never write an Atwood book, and she will never write a book the way you would. Ideas about quality comparison aside, just keep exploring notions - philosophical, political, et cetera - that drive you. Figure out what aspect or form of storytelling you like the most and develop!
Just keep writing!
BenMcCormack91 2 years ago
Comment removed
barriehomeboy 2 years ago
she is very wise
(i like the good day ) thing u added
alone45wolf 2 years ago
Interestingly enough Christianity borrowed so much from Pagan believe, with the exception of the Goddess...clearly duality bothered them, worship of a female as a God and not a vessel distrubed them. Atwood is an amazing writer
NotJustLiving 2 years ago
Worship of women does not necessarily mean that women are empowered. There is no empirical evidence supporting the existence of a matriarchal society anywhere in the world at any point in history, or today. Christianity did more to empower women than Judaism or any of the pagan religions. Expressing a view that you agree with does not make somebody a good writer.
loqutor 2 years ago
The Handmaids' Tale made me mad on how women were treated.I wrote Margaret and she was nice enough to write me back.I still have her letter and will framed it.
quarqill 2 years ago
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Atwood's book is so unrealistic. It could never happen. Never mind that Jesus advocated separation of Church and State. Never mind that most Christians want small government. Never mind that Christianity is the most pro-female religion in the history of the world. Never mind that Paul commanded men to "Love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and gave his life for her."
loqutor 2 years ago
Never mind that a majority of modern Christians do not adhere to any of the teachings or ideas you listed.
aluckypunk 2 years ago 17
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Oh, and I suppose you are personally familiar with a majority of modern Christians, as well as the Bible.
loqutor 2 years ago
Tsk Tsk. Have you ever heard the expression, "When you assume you make an ass out of you and me"? Well you just made an ass out of yourself.
As a former Christian, I've read the bible in it's entirety. Cover to cover. Even all of those stupid laws in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Having grown up in the southern region known as "The Bible Belt", I AM familiar with the mindsets of a great many Christians.
So, are you actually going to address my comment now, or try to tear me down some more?
aluckypunk 2 years ago 5
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I've met a number of Southerners in my life. They're very polite and hospitable. Their women (unlike the snotty princesses here in the North who expect men to wait on them hand and foot) are strong, smart, and assertive. I honestly don't know what you're talking about.
Even assuming that most southerners were like the ignorant rednecks you paint them as, does that mean that all the Christians in the world are like them? No, it doesn't.
loqutor 2 years ago
Well, you've bested me.
Since you've met a number of Southerners, you probably have a better grasp on the culture. I mean, hell, I only lived there for 22 years.
I'm not sure what "their women" have to do with this conversation. That's a nice generalization though coming from the guy accusing me of thinking all Christians are ignorant.
Lastly, I never said that all Christians are ignorant. Quit putting words in my mouth.
Reply if you want, but I'm done with this conversation.
Good Day!
aluckypunk 2 years ago 11
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You may not have said that all Christians are ignorant, but you sure as hell implied it.
Your arrogance is absolutely astounding.
loqutor 2 years ago
"Their women?" What exactly does that mean?
moronicnotions 2 years ago
she is obviously extremely bright and talented, but some of her writing scares the shit out of me. And I mean that in the best possible way
breeeegs 1 year ago 2
no one could have predicted the genocide of the jews by hitler, but it happened. it is by no means a reflection of christian values. it is a dystopian text that explores how humans can gain control through religion, under the pretense that they are good people.
123hanzy 2 years ago
@loqutor You do know that women's rights issues and women's suffrage is a very recent phenomenon in western culture, right?
Btw, I think you missed the fact that:
Margaret Atwood's book was a piece of FICTION. Like Lord of the Rings, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, and what not.
andyx1205 1 year ago
@andyx1205 Actually, women have had lots of rights ever since the Middle Ages.
I know it's fiction. She's still using it to slander Christians.
loqutor 1 year ago
@loqutor shes not slandering christianity, she's criticizing the repercussions of religion as a whole, just look at what happens in the middle east due to religious beliefs. Christianity has recently been relatively tamed, but it's past is just as barbaric, think of the crusades, and the witch burnings. She's simply providing some warning to what could happen if religion became radicalized in the western world once again.
Huliojohnson 1 year ago 2
@andyx1205 What on earth are you saying? Women's suffrage is a very recent phenomenon in Western culture? Where do you suppose it began?
stevesg92 9 months ago
@loqutor Fiction is fiction which means "not based on real life" so she can write whatever she fucking pleases even if it's "unrealistic" by your standards.
stevesg92 9 months ago
@stevesg92 I never said she shouldn't be allowed to write it. Stop putting words in my mouth.
loqutor 9 months ago
@loqutor Never heard of suspension of disbelief, then?
Alexdurrant7 6 months ago
@loqutor I would argue the Sikhism is more 'pro-female' (?!) than Christianity. It has a long-established philosophy of gender equality, which Christianity has a pretty shoddy record in if I'm honest. If you're going to compare Christianity to other religions, do your research first.
elh666 6 months ago
Hmm wow.
Chamelionroses 2 years ago
I adore her. She's just amazing.
Zibbele 2 years ago
"the trains will run on time..."
how many of us just want that comfort and security over the truth?
DelphiPianoGirl 2 years ago 3
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Ah, Mags. The Matriarch of stuffy, backroom, old world, feminist pretensionism. Canadian literature's answer to Margaret Thatcher. More Eva Braun than Joan of Arc, ergo, your shit stinks too, Toots. Pierre Burton has finally relieved us of his existence, can your mortal coil soon be seen disappearing into the horizon? Get thee gone woman... sorry, I'm out of pretentious prose. I thought I'd reach you on your level. I failed. That is my failing as a mere man.
laceup1967 2 years ago
I wouldn't compare her to the witch that is Margaret thatcher. Margaret atwood is reasonably left-wing and compassionate. thatcher however, is a soulless tumour on the brain of British society
joejjohnston 2 years ago 4
Who is the man interviewing her?
lemon8808 2 years ago
Bill Moyers.
lurdanhelhart 2 years ago
I used to hold to the idea that people, as individuals, were conscientious, intelligent and moral; and that only within a mob mentality does humanity revert to stupidity and downright nastiness.
YouTube comments never fail to prove me wrong.
bairdgirl121 2 years ago
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Well, you're probably the type who finds confirmation of her superior nature and incisive insight into human nature to be borne out in just about everything, not just YouTube comments.
circushead 2 years ago
Religions always get a "bum rap" from these intellectuals in our tipsy times of Modernist Anglo-American Conceits. Oh really, as if we Americans are in danger of a "Theocracy" other than that found running everything in Israel today. Please. Fundamentalists get blamed for the extremes of human history. That's not right, unless you credit Catholicism for our modern, liberal, Western Culture, and why not? Attitudes of Ingratitude are why we still need God. Salem witch trials? Food poisoning.
mdelcamp1 2 years ago
Thank u 4 posting this interview. She is an intelligent writer, and very honest and humble with all her answers. Was this interview b4 the bush administration or during it?
bohochic8 2 years ago
Wow, I haven't been following the comments in this for a while. Sad to see it's gotten kinda ugly. I suppose such things are to be expected, with Christians always trying to prove their case without listening to the logic of other side.
Oops.
aluckypunk 2 years ago
Rapscallion--
The Bible was not written 100s of years after Christ died. The OT was there long before him and the newest of the Gospels was written less than a 100 years after his death.
Get your history correct before you spout, please.
hopefulbackpacker 2 years ago
Great vid, 5 stars!
Thanks for the post :)
PowerAndPerception 3 years ago
I was simply drawing parallels between the world of the Handmaid's Tale, and one that exsists. Some similarities (SUMPTUARY LAWS) are simply irrefutable. And I wasn't extolling Atwood. In fact I found the ending of her book anticlimatic and the novel a little overall preachy. But no matter, whether it's me or not who was the victim of your ham-handed, insulting comments, I say good day, and peace ;) I have better things to do that get into arguments on youtube.
michellecatherine 3 years ago
Did you catch the fact that in 'A Handmaid's Tale', 'Gilead' was a U.S.A transformed by theocrats.
It's part of a liberal argument that 'Fundy Christianity' could actually lead to such a thing.
It's bullshit.
The enviable pillars on which the West is founded: rule of law, freedom of expression and thought, freedom of religion, exist BECAUSE of the tradition of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
circushead 3 years ago
disillusioned for the reasons I cited and more. So, if those insults were hurled at me, well, I, again, have no idea what I did to deserve your animosity.
michellecatherine 3 years ago
Atwood was surmising that 'this could happen in the U.S. and Iran. Of course it happened in Iran. It's controlled by Islam. They haven't had the enlightenment. Well, she's wrong about the U.S. It hasn't happened in the U.S. . It won't happen. She is engaging, as so many comfortable westerners do, in the luxury of relativism: "We're no better than they are. Hey, maybe we're actually worse."
Margaret Atwood's a lousy writer who never grew up.
circushead 3 years ago
theocracy in which women are not of the same worth as men. (In Ir, women cannot hold major office or the position of a judge and can never become president, for example.) If you were saying I insulted all who live in Islamic societies, which you did in a comment possibly directed at me, I had no idea I was insulting my aunts, uncles, cousins and a grandmother who reside in Iran, a county in which over 70% of people are under 30. Why? Well, clearly, a supermajority of those over 30 have left the
michellecatherine 3 years ago
Hey circushead, my email notified me that one or more of your comments was/were directed at me?! But you cite ideas that weren't included at all in what I posted, and I have no idea who you were calling a "loser," "liar or utterly deluded." If it were I you were referring to, well, I have no idea what on earth I said to deserve your insults and ridiculous virulence. I was simply drawing a comparison between the sumputary laws that exsist both in Iran, as well as Atwood's world of Gilead, also a
michellecatherine 3 years ago
Hmm, well it "could" happen; let's wait and see. That's what fundamentalist Christians have been saying about the Rapture for 2000+ years.
Like I said 4 months ago...Atwood's statement "Things aren't going well; it must be the liberals" - pretty much sums up half the comments on the internet.
RyeItGrrl 3 years ago
I just read The Handmaid's Tale. I have to say, I saw so much of what has already happened in that book. My mom's Iranian, and the last time I was there was last yr; I was 17. The dress code, the Guardians (of the Revolution) playing morality police, the totalitarianism, the scapegoating Atwood talks abt here (in Iran: the West, Israel). It's nuts: I was w my cousin, and a Basij almost arrested me for not wearing socks. Reza had to take his off on the street for me to wear to cover my ankles...
michellecatherine 3 years ago
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Did you happen to notice that the novel is set in America? In this sense, the novel didn't come true. Atwood played to brainless liberals who create a bogeyman out of Christianity because it promotes a belief in and reverence of God. There are no Christian sects who recommend overturning the Constitution of the U.S. None! It's a fantasy. Atwood's a hack.
circushead 3 years ago
Brilliant! The one true religion in this country is the government.The government pretty much controls everything. Be that the case we are relinquishing our freedoms, therefore, there is no more democracy. If we are not a theocracy yet, are we a police state? Looks like our government is on our way to becoming God!
rosestgermain 3 years ago
I also read the book three times to put the book together. I didn't HAVE to read the book three times; I wanted to. The Handmaids' Tale is one of her best. I would suggest that anyone who would like a fabulous read; to pick up a copy:)
mitchizhere 3 years ago
I think she is a fine author. She seels an amazing amount of books; why can't people stop with the hate? If you do not like her or wish to leave rude comments; why watch the video? Move on... it seems common sense doesn't exsist these days... maybe one day common sense will emerge.
mitchizhere 3 years ago
We wish to dissent from the manufactured consensus that Atwood is a great writer. She isn't.
circushead 3 years ago
the Handmaids Tale is true - women are having babies that are being stolen every minute of the day - NOT BY RELIGION - but by government. It's called "child protection." Social workers are the new witches. It's become very fashionable to be an aetheist - a good way to be a member of a club.
CPSSucks 3 years ago
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The Handmaids Tale was written at the same time as V for Vendetta was. I find a lot of dystopian future books from that time. Still great books
hgwellstube 3 years ago
The Handmaids Tale was written at the same time at V for Vendetta was. I find a lot of dystopian future books from that time. Still great books
hgwellstube 3 years ago
margaret atwoods a clown!!!
greghasnofriends 3 years ago
clean my room then make me a sandwich woman
allthatisman08 3 years ago
Great Author! Handmaid's Tale: One of her best novels:)
mitchizhere 3 years ago
she's a one trick pony - a superficial irony that didn't evolve. Canadian literature stinks.
CPSSucks 3 years ago
"A rather twisted sort of thing that would say: In order to preserve our freedoms, we have to give them up for now."
"In order to preserve freedom, we have to demolish freedom."
Patriot Act anyone? Margaret Atwood was right.
dubledeath 3 years ago 3
Her and Orwell. Definitely.
zombiesoiree 3 years ago
yea i looked in google apparently they don't give that info plus i checked everywhere
rapidspit 3 years ago
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a bet she has a kiddie porn dungeon...
NorthValleys 3 years ago
One more thing, Joe McCarthy was right! There were soviet agents in the government. FDR probably, in my opinion, wanted to help Stalin.
numberonesurvivor75 3 years ago
Margaret Atwood should debate Gary North! It would get ratings.
numberonesurvivor75 3 years ago
Seriously, she has Christian Reconstructionists all wrong. The libertarianism of their society would forbid such a practice
numberonesurvivor75 3 years ago
Atwood never wrote anything about Christians. It was all based on the Old Testament, so you're comment is irrelevant.
dubledeath 3 years ago
Yeah, but Christian Reconstructionists get almost all of their laws and civic views from the Old Testament. So do most Augustinians and Calvinists. To them, basically, Jesus only overthrew kosher, polygamy(except in certain circumstances,) and some types of slavery(that's a shady one.) They are fairly similar to the Gilead type with regard to religion. The Old Testament is a huge component of many Christian denominations-- definitely a larger component than in Judaism in my opinion.
numberonesurvivor75 3 years ago 2
The Tanakh IS the old testament and Judaism has a strong emphasis on following the religious laws within them. Like going through a grocery list everyday. Jesus informed the heracies to get away from consuming oneself with the details of the laws in the old testament but to focus on ones faith in God because not believing in him and his son is the only unforgivable sin.
Aznthuggin88 3 years ago
I was raised in reformed Judaism and the emphasis was overwhelmingly on the Talmud and not on the Torah law, though it was expected to study Torah law. Plus, the general attitude towards the Torah was that "only a fool would believe it." Most Christian Reconstructionists believe the Torah law. All in all, I'd say the Torah is only important to, at least reformed, Judaism as a traditional document.
numberonesurvivor75 3 years ago
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Margrett atwoord if you are reading this then I want to let you know because of your stupid ' Handmaid's Tale' everyone in my class has to suffer your writing. Your book is the most boring book I've ever read, it's even worse than 'To kill a MockingBird ". So please go fuck yourself and die you stupid white bitch.
thank you
rinwhr 3 years ago
lol, moron
skwarok1 3 years ago
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fuck u nigga
rinwhr 3 years ago
Her argument about how people will 'probably have to give up their freedoms in order to preserve them' This happened in Russia after the Russian Revolution. In the early stages there was direct workers control and the Bolsheviks persuaded them 'in order to defend the revolution' to give up their free and voluntary socialism for an authoritarian one. This has happened throughout history.
FA8T 3 years ago
does anyone know atwood's email
rapidspit 3 years ago
I believe it's peggyboring@zzzzz.snoozenet
circushead 3 years ago
4:40 - Things aren't going well it must be the liberals... Wow, She has just summed up half the comments on the internet.
RyeItGrrl 3 years ago
And the other half would be "...it's the neo-cons"
circushead 2 years ago
"The Handmaid`s Tail" is a work of sheer genius. I`m not a femanist nor am I a liberal. Atwood`s novel is one of the great dystopian novels of the 20th century.
BigHosMan 3 years ago 3
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she is so boring
MichaelPotapof 3 years ago
your comment is so lame.
OrchidMaroon 3 years ago 2
emal. if you spell it backwards. Thanks for the heads up though, i appreciate it.
MichaelPotapof 3 years ago
No problem, pisspot.
OrchidMaroon 3 years ago
that sounded slightly rude, i dont understad why you would do that. Maybe you really needed to urinate when you wrote it. Maybe you didnt. Either way its unacceptable, i wouldnt call you a "pisspot". its a shame reall, i thought you were nice. Oh well.
MichaelPotapof 3 years ago
aaw.. i didn't mean it rudely.
it goes in the same category as "stinker" and "turkey".. I've been hanging out with toddlers too much lately methinks. LOL.
But no, I didn't need to go pee at the time.
OrchidMaroon 3 years ago
I agree.
CPSSucks 3 years ago
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i think she should get back in the kitchen
TheMajorWorks1324 3 years ago
Very smart lady.
PowerAndPerception 3 years ago
people start comparing ppl to devils, not exactly, but very closely becuz one did sumthing an they started blaming the other: muslims.
meemooh1992 3 years ago
We blame the Muslims because they did it.
circushead 2 years ago
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I don't get it. She's Canadian. Why do they keep talking about America?
TwigDjango 3 years ago
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Because smug Canadians feel it is their duty to inform America what it should and should not do.
It is rather like the two year old who, strapped in the car seat, imagines she actually controls the progress of the automobile by tugging at her straps.
circushead 3 years ago
And smug Americans feel it is their duty to start wars and play world police.
I'm thinking that in this theoretical car of yours, you are the six month old who doesn't have a clue what the fuck is going on.
aluckypunk 3 years ago
amen, brother.
ganesh64 3 years ago 2
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But, you see, that's not smugness, because they can actually do it. They're a power. And they're a power for good. You get to sit back and enjoy all the benefits of that power, and you still reserve the right to sneer at them.
That's because you completely suck, you loser.
circushead 3 years ago
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America starts wars, eh?
What a simplistic analysis.
What are you, fifteen?
circushead 2 years ago
How many countries are you currently at war with?
PowerAndPerception 3 years ago
War is bad, but it's preferable to subjegation.
Do you know what a 'necessary evil' is?
What do you think about World War Two?
Should we have just given the Axis powers whatever they wanted and not fought them?
Should we have combatted Hitler via strongly worded letters to the editor of the New York Times, and demonstrations where everyone held hands and sang, "Imagine"?
I'd LOVE to hear your response to this.
circushead 3 years ago
I agree that war is bad.
I agree that subjection is bad.*
I know what a "necessary evil" is. Although I don't really think you wanted an answer to that question.
"Should we have combatted Hitler via strongly worded letters to the editor of the New York Times, and demonstrations where everyone held hands and sang, "Imagine"?" - No, I think we should hold hands and sing it every day.... just kidding, but seriously, but after learning about the events that lead to WW2 I know is not that simple.
PowerAndPerception 3 years ago
cont...
If you also know your history, I think you will agree that WW2 was not the only possible "solution" to the problem, rather it was the second worst possible solution, second only to a Lost War.
* about subjection, there is not one person I know personally who is not subjected in some way.
But why did you ask me all this? I only said one thing on this page: "How many countries are you currently at war with?" instead of an answer I get all this? why?
Are u arguing with the wrong person?
PowerAndPerception 3 years ago
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Oh, really? "Not that simple?"
Interesting.
So, how do you feel about the Nazis? Did we goad them into it?
circushead 3 years ago
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Margaret Atwood doesn't seem to have considered the the oppression of women by a certain religion that is not Christianity, and the potential for it to establish a repressive theocracy here.
Oh no, all anyone wants to discuss is the oppression that could be enacted in the name of Christianity. These same people are TERRIFIED to say one negative word about Islam. Liberals use the F word ('fascist') against those who are not fascist, and before actual fascists (Islamists) they merely cower.
circushead 3 years ago