The Help

As the women's stories emerge, what examples of suffering do we see?

-       Racism – Jim Crowe era – restricts the lives of black townspeople, but also restricts white citizens who do not want to conform to society’s expectations. This racism determines educational, occupational and economic opportunities for black and white citizens alike.

-       This is further conveyed through the horrendous stereotypes of black people suffer – lazy, dirty, disease-ridden. Such attitudes are woven into the fabric of everyday life in Jackson, and thus, it is very difficult to challenge such stereotypes.

-       Hatred is also felt on the part of black members of the community. Due to such inhumane treatment, a deep mistrust of whites on the part of the black community is passed on through the generations.

-       If black citizens were to attempt to bring about change, violence was often employed to ‘subdue’ them

-       Grief – Through Abileen’s son’s death, the audience is exposed to the overwhelming pain felt at the loss of one’s child. On one level, this pain is conveyed as something universal, that all mothers would experience. However, when the audience discover the cause of Abileen’s son’s death, the grief becomes much greater for Abileen as racist, white members of society, who possessed prejudice attitudes towards black people, caused her son’s death. The racism of her society resulted in the death of her child, and that made the loss significantly more painful.

-       Gender – All women, both black and white, experience some difficulties overcoming the gender stereotypes created by society. White women are valued for their beauty, ability to find a husband, and ability to produce children; while black women expected to be passive workhorses, relegated to menial work such as cooking and cleaning. Both groups of women encountered great suffering if they did not fit such molds. This is particularly conveyed through the distant relationship Mae Mobley has with her mother simply because Mrs Leefolt does not find her daughter sufficiently attractive. Skeeter also experiences similar difficulties as she is not able to find a husband, and would rather spend her time writing and working.

How did the women respond to this? Give some examples.

Different women responded in different ways. When dealing with the racism of their community, often, the black women would develop various tactics that would ensure they did not provoke further hatred among their employers. An example of this is when Minnie tells her daughter on her first day of work to make sure she doesn’t ‘sass mouth’ her employer, no matter what has been said. Other women turn to faith, and the idea that although life may not become better for them personally, they are able to make a difference for future generations. This is particularly seen through Abileen’s determination to write The Help with Skeeter, despite the consequences it may bring, as she realizes that the publication of such stories would ensure that black women are heard. Although it is a small step, it is still a step in the direction of making a difference.

What part did their Christian faith play?

The Christian Faith played a very significant role for many women throughout the film. Abileen’s strong religious conviction was one of the main reasons why she decided to write The Help. Abileen attended church every Sunday, and one particular sermon about courage resonated with her. These sermons provided many women, particularly black women, with the courage to ‘keep going’ in the face of adversity. While they were not able to control many aspects of their lives, their religion and faith in God was something that the racist attitudes of their society could not affect. Thus, the Christian Faith was a source of great strength for many women.

How did you respond to the issues raised in the movie?

I think the film explores these very significant issues in a very moving and inspiring manner. The Help exposes the audience to the trials women, both black and white, had to experience during the era in which the film was set. I also think the film accurately portrayed the absolute scandal one would encounter if one refused to conform to society’s expectations.

The issue of racism in the South is something that always interests me, as I cannot seem to understand what would possess one faction of society to hate another sector of society to such an extent. The restrictions placed upon black citizens by society were absolutely atrocious, however the courage that many character’s displayed throughout the movie were extremely inspiring.

While the issue of racism was particularly prevalent during the 1960s, one must also not forget the issue of gender stereotypes experienced by all women. Living in a society when men and women are essentially equal in many aspects of life, it is easy to forget about a time when the situation was not the same. I am extremely grateful for all the advances that have been made by women to ensure equality, however I believe there is still some work to be done, as all the women of the world do not share in this equality. In many countries around the world, there are still women who are denied their basic rights, among them the right to education. It is my view that, as women of the first world, with this privilege, comes the responsibility to fight for those who do not have a voice. Thus, I believe that this issue raised throughout The Help is still prevalent today, even though we may not be experiencing the affects of it first hand.