Convention Quote by Margaret Atwood
““Once she wasn't supposed to like it. To have her in a position she didn't like, that was power. Even if she liked it she had to pretend she didn't. Then she was supposed to like it. To make her do something she didn't like and then make her like it, that was greater power. The greatest power of all is when she doesn't really like it but she's supposed to like it, so she has to pretend.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, 1985
Power can be exercised by forcing someone to act against their true preferences, then demanding they feign approval, creating a deeper control over their identity.
In simple terms: Control through forced compliance and pretended approval.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist manipulation that demands false consent.
Themes
power
control
identity
gender
manipulation
Mood
uneasy
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
psychological
When to use this quote
- workplace politics
- personal relationships
- media narratives
- political propaganda
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify when you are being forced to pretend?
- What are the costs of maintaining a false façade?
A Different Perspective
Such manipulation can backfire, causing resentment and loss of trust.
