“The Help” is a powerful movie that tackles issues of discrimination, empowerment, and identity in the context of 1960s Mississippi. Through the experiences of its characters, the movie portrays the deep-seated racism and prejudices of the time, and the ways in which individuals can work to create meaningful change despite overwhelming odds. This article provides a detailed analysis of the themes and characters presented in the movie.
Discrimination
One of the central themes of “The Help” is discrimination, and the intersection of race, gender, and class in shaping prejudice. The movie portrays a variety of forms of discrimination, ranging from the subtle (such as the snubs and insults directed at Aibileen and Minny by their white employers) to the overt (such as the violence committed by the Ku Klux Klan against civil rights activists).
The different characters in the movie face different forms of discrimination. For example, Aibileen and Minny face discrimination both as African American women and as domestic servants, while Skeeter experiences discrimination based on her gender and her education. The way that each character responds to this discrimination is also different. Some, like Aibileen and Minny, simply try to survive within the oppressive system, while others, like Skeeter, actively work to change it.
Overall, the movie suggests that discrimination is a deeply entrenched problem in American society, and that it will take a concerted effort by individuals of all races and backgrounds to overcome it.
Empowerment
Another key theme of “The Help” is empowerment – specifically, the ways in which individuals can use their talents and resources to create change in their communities. The movie portrays a number of characters who take different approaches to this challenge.
For example, Skeeter uses her writing talents to create a book that exposes the hidden lives of black domestics, while Aibileen and Minny use their insider perspectives and knowledge of their white employers to subtly subvert the power dynamic. Other characters, such as Celia and Johnny, use their wealth to support civil rights organizations and to provide material support to those in need.
While the movie acknowledges that creating meaningful change is difficult and often dangerous, it ultimately suggests that it is possible – and that it requires individuals to use their unique talents and resources to full effect.
Identity
Finally, “The Help” explores the theme of identity, and the importance of individual agency in shaping one’s own sense of self. The different characters in the movie struggle to define themselves in relation to others, and must grapple with the assumptions and prejudices that shape their interactions.
For example, Skeeter initially struggles to understand her own identity as a white woman living in a society that privileges whiteness above all else. Aibileen and Minny must navigate the complex power dynamic of their relationships with their white employers, and must decide whether to conform to the expectations placed upon them or to push back against them.
Ultimately, the movie suggests that identity is fluid – that it is shaped by our experiences and relationships, but also by our choices and actions. By taking control of their own identities, the characters in “The Help” are able to shape their own destinies and to create a better future for themselves and for their communities.
Key Takeaways
- “The Help” is a powerful movie that explores themes of discrimination, empowerment, and identity in the context of 1960s Mississippi.
- The movie portrays a variety of forms of discrimination, from the subtle to the overt, and offers nuanced insights into the ways in which race, gender, and class intersect to shape prejudice.
- The different characters in the movie take different approaches to empowerment, using their unique talents and resources to create change in their communities.
- Finally, the movie suggests that identity is fluid and shaped by our experiences and choices, and that individuals have the power to shape their own destinies.
FAQs
What is the movie “The Help” about?
“The Help” is a movie set in 1960s Mississippi that explores themes of discrimination, empowerment, and identity. The story follows the experiences of a group of female characters from different racial and social backgrounds, who work together to expose the hidden lives of black domestics and to challenge the racial prejudices of their community.
What specific forms of discrimination are portrayed in the movie?
The movie portrays a variety of forms of discrimination, ranging from the subtle (such as snubs and insults) to the overt (such as violence committed by the Ku Klux Klan). The different characters in the movie also face different forms of discrimination based on their race, gender, and social status.
How does the movie explore the theme of empowerment?
The movie explores empowerment through the experiences of its different characters, who use their unique talents and resources to create change in their communities. This can take many different forms, from writing a book to supporting a civil rights organization to using insider knowledge to subtly subvert the power dynamic. Ultimately, the movie suggests that meaningful change requires individuals to take control of their own destiny and to use their talents and resources to full effect.