The movie The Help is the film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel under the same name. This film introduces us to two black women who have spent all of their lives taking care of predominant white families in the 1960s. Aibileen is a made and nanny of 7 children for the Leefolt family. Minny is an outspoken maid and the best friend of Aibileen who often finds herself getting fired. She soon develops a friendship with her employer, Celia, who finds herself very devoted to Manny. We get to know these women as an aspiring white woman, ‘Skeeter’ chooses to interview them. The movie was a huge hit when it was released and continues to be one today, encouraging people around the world to hold discussions surrounding race and power.
Injustice surrounding identity and power are heavy themes in this novel as it does feature black women working for powerful white families. This is where the concept of “othering” can be applied to describe the relationships being had in the book. Aibileen and Minny are seen as the “other” while the white families are considered to be the “one” as they hold all of the power. Working as a maid the employer is already the one in power, but when the issue of racism comes into play the power dynamics are even more extreme. There is also the issue of power within Minny’s relationship with her husband who is physically abusive in their relationship. However, Minny takes control back by getting the courage to leave him.
The message that the writers and directors of this film wanted to share was how racism was involved in all aspects of life during the time and in the setting. People of color were treated as less than by a majority of white people at the time and often faced challenges with verbal abuse. Minny is a woman who was incredibly outspoken and did not face being treated poorly at all, rightfully so. She goes as far as making her infamous “shit pie” for Miss Hilly after she had been wronged. While this movies addresses very seriou topics surrounding race and power dynamics, there is an element of humor laced throughout the plot. This movie is high on recommendation lists and is a great way to drive important conversations surrounding race issues.
