"The Help" Got It Right. . . And A Little Wrong

 

     The Help is a movie that has recently been in theaters which was about racial tensions, prejudice, and the battle to overcome them in 1960's Mississippi. Skeeter Phelan, a bright, educated young woman who wants to be a journalist is the focus of this story. She records the experiences of Black maids and writes a book about them in the hopes of exposing the degrading and racist treatment they all face daily. 

     This film has been both praised and criticized for its handling of the topic of racial prejudice. It seems that most critics and moviegoers have overlooked another equally important theme: gender. It is hard to ignore the fact that gender roles play a crucial role in The Help. Almost all of the characters are female. The occupation held by all of the Black women is one that is typically held by women regardless of race. There are also many relationships that center around females: mother-daughter relationships, female friendships, and the influence that women have on their communities. 

     In general, The Help was successful in lifting women up. Skeeter's novel becomes a success, one Black maid attains revenge against her former employer, and specific problems regarding females are given attention throughout the film. However, I had one major complaint. 

     Why is it that in every "chick flick," the main (female) character always wants to be a writer? Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with being a writer. Heck, I want to be a writer. But what if Skeeter has wanted to be a lawyer? Or a politician? Then the film really  could have been something. Instead of simply exposing the problem, Skeeter could have taken concrete steps to help fix it. The Help does such a good job with Skeeter. She is ambitious, headstrong, and intelligent. She truly believes in the cause she is fighting for. These are excellent qualities that oculd have made an excellent film. But instead, The Help pacifies its audience by employing its main character in a softer career, so it can make its message easier to swallow.