The 60s was a time when the relationships between the Blacks and the Whites grew embarrassingly red for many. The shame of it all is brilliantly captured in Kathryn Stockett’s novel, The Help. It’s not surprising then, that the book is an international bestseller. The author portrays three extraordinary women from Mississippi—two black maids and the white daughter of a cotton plantation owner—at a time in American history when segregation showed its ugly side to the world. Up until then, it had somehow been tolerated (and hidden), but with the 60s movements of equality for women and Blacks, those who’d been discriminated against started speaking out.
In 1963—the time period of this novel—my husband and I drove from Winnipeg, Manitoba (500 miles north of Minneapolis) to Tampa, Florida. Passing through some southern states, we were shocked to see colored only motels, colored only bathrooms and colored only drinking fountains. I remember wondering why there was such a big divide. I didn’t understand, as back in our part of Canada, I hadn’t seen many Blacks, but the few I’d encountered were integrated as far as I knew. I wondered about the term “colored”. If the Blacks were thought of as “colored”, then why weren’t the Whites thought of as “bleached” ?
I must’ve been about three or four when I first saw a black woman walk past our home with her child. In my innocence (and ignorance), I said to the little girl, “Why don’t you wash your dirty face?” Understandably, the mother was upset, and my father who’d heard the exchange, balled me out for my insensitivity. He explained that the woman was just like my mother, only she had a different color skin. He made me apologize.
And then, when I was a year older, my Baba—who was caring for me while my parents worked—rented out a room in our home to a fine looking black man, called Crosby. He was very nice to me, and bought me a beautiful doll with curly brown hair. My mother was so appreciative of his generosity that she told him he didn’t have to pay the next month’s rent. Crosby didn’t stay with us very long, as most of the tenants upstairs were young women and they complained that he was leering at them. Mom and Dad weren’t sure if the girls’ complaints were justified, but they didn’t want a female rebellion on their hands. They were very sorry to see him go and wondered for a long while if they’d done the right thing.
Doing the right thing is a major theme in Kathryn Stockett’s nov
el, The Help. She so deftly deals with race relations of the 60s, I was surprised the movie of it was described as the chick film of this past summer. That description does the story it’s based on a disservice. It deserves a wider audience.
Some think the race issue’s been resolved with the election of a black president, but there are many others who think President Obama’s ride has been tainted by those who still believe Blacks are inferior. I don’t recall another president in history who’s had as many obstacles standing in his way. A lot has changed since the 60s, but it appears there’s a lot further to go.
Diana,
I still haven’t seen the movie or read the novel, but I feel this small piece of article is a touching one! It was interesting to know about the story of asking a little girl to wash her face in your childhood.I am sure the world has changed a lot since then, and maybe it still hasn’t! In my country, there is still racial discrimination on the basis of caste,creed and religion, yet we are fighting to overcome them soon.
I strongly feel the internet is a great weapon to fight the demon called “racism”.It nurtures the feeling of “one world” and “all are humans after all ” feeling.
You’re right. The world has changed. The internet has changed it for the better, bringing people together from different backgrounds. However, there are still pockets of people worldwide, who object to others on the basis of race or religion, or ethnic origin. Often, it has to do more with ignorance and/or old wounds passed down through the generations.
Diana, I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
http://windrosehotel.blogspot.com/2011/12/versatile-blogger-award.html
I’m looking for a next book to read. It seems this novel is a great one!
I hope this book’s available here. You are very inspiring Ms. Diana
I really adore your blog! Keep writing, God Bless!
Thank you for your lovely comments. THE HELP is a wonderful read. The first few chapters focus mainly on the Black help, and the author’s use of speech patterns used by the Blacks in the American south take a little getting used to. Once you get into it, you won’t want to put the book down.
Hi Diana:
Thank you for your post, I really enjoyed reading it.
I have read the book and seen the movie. I’m not sure why the movie was categorized as a chick movie either. My husband went to see it with a friend (male) and loved it. I grew up in the sixties and seventies and remember the equal rights movement. I remember thinking that we didn’t have those kind of problems here, living in Toronto I went to school and church with people of all races. Then when I was working in one of my first jobs, in a small city, I overheard my bosses talking about a Pakistani man who had come to apply for a job. They said “I would never hire a Paki!” along with other derogatory comments. It was then that I realized that Canada has it’s issues we are just more polite about it.
Thank you once again for your review and thoughts on The Help.
Ruth, you are so right about Canada. I like to think we are not as prejudiced, but then, like you, I’ve seen it and I’ve heard it, especially about our aboriginal population. For some reason, there are large segments of population that won’t take the time to consider another person’s race, religion, or ethnic roots as an opportunity to learn about another culture, another point of view, another story. If we look deeper, I think we get to understand that we’re more alike than not.
It was so interesting to read about your own personal experiences in your childhood and past and seeing how they also related to race. I have to agree with you – I do believe that having Obama as president has shown just how much progression we’ve made as a world. But there still is a lot of room for improvement to go… it’s all a matter of just getting it done and changing twisted/negative mindsets. Education is a key element to doing this.
Olivia, thank you for your thoughts. Yes, education is a key element. We’re constantly learning. I’ve just been so sad and disturbed by all the angry and hateful rhetoric that was unleashed by Trump. What a terrible example for the world. I’ve spent too much time lately worrying about it and neglecting my writing. I’m going to watch what unfolds and leave it to the American people to sort their government out. Unfortunately, we Canadians are affected and some ignorant people have acted out with racist remarks and actions. I’m hoping and praying that reason and kindness prevail.
Pingback: Writing The Setting For A Novel That Engages The Reader