Movie Night: The Help

I must say that I regret waiting so long to see this movie.  The Help had always intrigued me, not only because I came from a society whose middle class could employ helpers - but also because I was intrigued by its racial implications.

I think the best aspect of this movie is that it depicted the good and the bad.  There were kind-hearted white families that treated their helpers like family and not all who employed maids were antagonists.  Although their society was very different then, there were individuals who knew that people should be treated equally.  As we watched I struggled against the unjust dictates of society just as Emma Stone's character did.

Our family was blessed with helpers who made life easier for us.  They cleaned our home, did the laundry, washed the dishes - they took care of the chores that gave us more time to study, to enjoy life and to develop our interests.  They were my friends - we shared stories and experiences.  They took care of me and my sisters.  And they even gave me advice on how to take care of my future family.

But unlike the helpers in the movie, we shared a bathroom with them.  We ate meals with them.  We understood that they were a blessing to us.  They are a part of our family.

I was shocked at how badly black women were treated in this movie.  It was so ironic how the housewives discriminated against the people they trusted with the lives of their children everyday.  How the young girl who hugged her nanny during storms could grow up to be the type of person who discriminated against her.  It was a very sad life, but through the power of the pen - the situation of two brave women, two discriminated maids, changed for the better.

They were empowered because the truth had set them free.  They had lifted the veil of hypocrisy and spoke of a topic that no one dared speak of at the time - how they felt to be themselves.  What begun as a book interview became a crusade, the help found their voice and their courage made them heroes.

The movie made me laugh and cry with each character.  It was very inspiring.  It's a movie about rising above the bad situations and overcoming obstacles.  It's about conquering your fears and winning!  I would recommend this movie to all my friends!

As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, may we always remember to be kind to those around us.  Remember the golden rule, do unto others what you want others to do unto you.  Have a prosperous new year, my friends.