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The Help is a period drama film based on Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel of the same name, written and directed by Tate Taylor, and features an ensemble cast including Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain, Allison Janney, Emma Stone, and Viola Davis. The film is set in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960’s where Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a young white woman and aspiring journalist, returns home after graduating from university. The film focuses on her relationship with two black maids, Minny and Aibileen. Determined to become a legitimate writer and journalist, Skeeter decides to write a book from the point of view of the maids, ultimately exposing the racism they face as they work for rich white families.
During a luncheon hosted by Hilly Holbrook, the women socialize and play card games, addressing the issues they have with their maids, often referring to them as “the help,” including Hilly’s insistence on installing separate bathrooms outside her house for fear of the diseases that the ‘disgusting’ black individuals might have. With the significant differences in socioeconomic status, Hilly and the other housewives have power and control over the maids. In addition, the white women could easily influence and manipulate certain instances, such as when Hilly lied about the reason for Minny’s dismissal and why she should not be employed elsewhere. These powerful interactions are detrimental and discriminatory towards the black individuals who work tirelessly to try to take care of their own families.
The concepts of the “one” and the “other” are heavily demonstrated in this film. The white individuals were considered the “one” and the black individuals were the “other.” The film emphasized the power dynamics and relationships between the two races. Those labeled as an “other” are inferior to those of higher importance; the “one.” The severity of being an “other” is depicted when the maids are emotionally abused and ostracized by their bosses on a daily basis. The mistreatment and enslavement of the black individuals by Hilly and the other white community members showcased the racial injustices that commonly occurred in those days.
Minny and Aibileen find support in their community, faith, and in solidarity with the other maids as they reclaim their dignity as women, as workers and as entirely human members of the larger Jackson community. Both realize they have important stories to tell and authentic voices that must be heard. The Help is about the empowerment of individuals as wells as social justice. It is a moving story depicting dehumanization in an extremely racist culture but also shows the ability to move beyond the unjust structures of society and to proclaim the value of every human being.
Aibileen and Mae Mobley
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