The Theme Of Race In The Help By Kathryn Stockett

The 1960’s was a time of difficulty and desperation for African Americans living in the south. Racism and inequality were major issues that affected the lives of these African Americans. In the novel, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, the author addresses the theme of race and its many effects on society, social class, stereotypes, standard of living, violence, and education. Race has a significant influence on how an individual is treated by society. The policy of segregation in the 1960’s stated that all blacks had to have their own schools, churches, cemeteries, and other places that were utilized by the public. This policy was set into place with a concept that was known as Jim Crow Laws. The original purpose of Jim Crow Laws was to create

“You cannot give these tribal people money [...]. There is no Jitney 14 Grocery in the Ogaden Desert. And how would we even know if they’re even feeding their kids with it? They’re likely to go to the local voodoo tent and get a satanic tattoo with our money” (Stockett 204). The previous passage illustrates the character of Hilly’s response as to why the league does not simply donate money to Africans in need. Hilly develops an impression that Africans are irresponsible and incapable of providing for themselves. In another quote from the book, “But I know I’ll have to rewrite everything [Aibileen’s] written, wasting even more time,” the character of Skeeter illustrates a common misconception by many whites that blacks are illiterate. Along with the previously stated stereotypes, Africans were also perceived as unclean, full of disease, and capable of criminal behavior in the 1960’s (Black

In the 1960’s, there was a vast difference in resources available to white and black schools. Test items suggest that the average black student’s score was 95 percent of that of white students. This was due to the lack in educational resources which included a quality curriculum and skilled teachers (Darling-Hammond). The following quote from The Help shows how racism in education personally affected African Americans in this time. “‘You're the smartest one in my class, Aibileen,’ she say. ‘And the only way you're going to stay sharp is to read and write every day.’ So I start writing my prayers down instead a sayin em. But nobody call me smart since” (Stockett 26). Aibileen was praised by her teacher for being the smartest of her class. However, she had to dropout of school in order to make a living for her family. With equal opportunities for both whites and blacks, this could’ve been prevented. In conclusion, the theme of race in Kathryn Stockett’s novel, The Help, is very evident and addresses its influence on society, social class, stereotypes, standard of living, violence and education. These characteristics were a major attribute to the everyday life of those living in the south during the Civil Rights Era. The novel is a well-written representation of these attributes and brought a sense of realization to these common issues that were occuring in the