Victim Blaming In Victim Shaming

The first theme apparent within Atwood’s novel is “victim blaming”, also known as “slut shaming” in most cases. The concept of blaming a victim for any form of sexual harassment or assault has always existed but more recently, it has changed to a more derogatory term, “slut shaming”. The change from victim to slut mirrors the attitudes of people who view those that have experienced any form of assault. If anything the new term truly captures how victim blaming is committed by society. It no longer views that person as a person that is harmed, it implies that they are the ones who deserved what it was that they experienced. Most importantly it creates the idea that it is the responsibility of that person to make sure something terrible does not happen to them. This form of blaming is pervasive in our society, but in Atwood’s novel there are several examples as well. As Atwood writes, “Modesty is invisibility, said Aunt Lydia. Never forget it. To be seen… is to be… penetrated. What you must be, girls, is impenetrable…” (28) Offred remembers this as she is being asked to take a photo by some visitors. She knows it is wrong for her to not only be seen but to engage with anyone in public. This scene reinforces the idea that if a woman draws attention of herself in any way, there is a possibility of consequences, such as, sexual harassment or assault. In order for women to not be physically harmed, they must make themselves “invisible”, as Aunt Lydia tells the handmaids. Just as