For this assignment, I have selected the movie The Help. Presented in theaters in 2011, The Help is centered on a novel written by Kathryn Stockett in 2009. The Help refers to the hired help that many white families had in the south to assist in raising their children. Both the film and novel follow the story of black maids in Jackson, Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement while raising a young white woman. This movie was intended to push aside stereotypes and prove to people who think people of color, specifically women, are lazy, not useful, and less valuable. By sharing their side of the story, individuals like Minny and Aibileen. They are maids for white families that can express the experiences that they endured.
At this time, one of the white children, Eugenia “Skeeter” is pursuing a career in journalism and becoming a writer after graduating from Ole Miss. When she returned home, she got the idea to write from the perspective of one of her maids to show the undaunting and segregated life that they live. Many try and persuade Skeeter to not write about this topic because it would expose the maltreatments of the ladies, especially since slavery is supposed to be over.
Minny is one of the maids who is trying to work and make a positive name for herself. She is later fired for using the guest bathroom rather than using the set bathroom for people of color at the house she was working. She was also called a thief by Hilly, who she was working for. Hilly chooses to spread this rumor in hopes to make it impossible for her to find a new job.
Though this film was referencing life in the 1960s, the airing of it in the 21st century is beneficial to show how things were years ago. The discrimination that occurred during these times was uncalled for and unbelievable. However, bringing awareness to these conditions and experiences can hopefully continue to help show that regardless of our race, internally, we are the same. My hope is that as the years go on, there will be continuous improvements made to eliminate the stereotypes. And like Skeeter, a small effort/ push can make a difference. 
