The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

On of the most profound books pertaining to Biases, Prejudice and Oppression I have read was The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I can remember reading this book and then going to see the movie was a sense of anger and frustration of how African Americans were treated.

The treatment of African Americans in this book was very degrading. Being referred to as diseased, unintelligent, animal-like beings who were trained to obey the orders of White individuals to cook their food, clean their homes and even raise their children while being paid such a low income they could hardly afford food from day to day for their own families.

There was one particular incident in the book that I felt was really humiliating which was when Ms. Hilly (President of a Woman's Society/Bridge Club)wanted Ms. Skeeter (Editor of the newspaper) to write an article for their newspaper called the "Sanitation Plan" discussing why it was important for all homes to have separate bathrooms for the Help because they felt that Black people were diseased and dirty. Ms. Abilene (Ms. Leefolt's "Help")was present was serving the ladies while this conversation was taking place. The look on her face in the movie matched the way I felt in the pit of my stomach as I read the book. What provokes my feelings are the thoughts that as far back as slavery and even in the minds of some today; Black people are supposed to be so ignorant, dirty and unworthy of being treated equitable however, Black people were trusted to do the cooking, cleaning and even caring for the children of their White Masters. What an oxymoron!

The unwarranted acts of racism, oppression, classism, and intentional microagressions towards the African American race in this book was a tragedy. However, the way the "Help" banned together to collaborate on the book that was published by Ms. Skeeter who went totally against her own race and class of peers was encouraging and I enjoyed watching how the tables were turned when some of their deepest and darkest secrets were revealed because of the people who they deemed "invisible" witnessed more than they thought and was willing to share it all in the end.

Although, society has progressed in many ways, the book The Help is a reminder of why we should all people should be treated equitable. I thought this book was a great example of the racism, classism, sexism, microaggressive behaviors as well as oppression that once existed in our society and although we have made strides over the years, there is still work to be done.

This book is a GREAT read! I recommend reading the book before watching the movie but either way, your life and perspective will certainly be changed all while your are thoroughly entertained.