Margaret Atwood Discusses Feminism, Censorship and Artificial Intelligence at BABELL

Margaret Atwood packed the Praça dos Leões

BABELL brought one of the greatest writers in contemporary literature, Margaret Atwood, to Porto. Praça Gomes Teixeira was transformed into a literary stage to welcome the Canadian novelist, in a session moderated by Tânia Ganho, with readings by Mia Tomé.

The session centred on the author's career and the role of literature in a time of social and political transformation, but quickly broadened its horizons. Atwood did not mince her words when speaking about the current state of the world: she expressed concern over the political climate in the United States and the resurgence of extremist ideologies. She compared this phenomenon to a small seed that nobody worries about at first, left to grow until it is too late. An image that, in a disturbing resemblance to her magnum opus, sounded less like a figure of speech than a warning.

The conversation also touched on feminism, artificial intelligence, censorship and cancel culture.

With her trademark irony, Margaret Atwood revealed that she had used an AI model only once in her life, delivering her verdict in just a few words: "It's garbage in, garbage out." When pressed to choose her favourite book from her vast body of work, her answer stayed true to form: "I never make such choices, because the others will hear about it and they'll get their revenge."

The session ended with a prolonged standing ovation.