Lifetime Reading List: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

With the consideration of the current state of affairs in the United States of America as it pertains to the Black Lives Matter Movement as well as the tensions as we approach the November election, I bumped The Help by Kathryn Stockett higher on my Lifetime Reading List. Originally, I put these books in an order based on my interest in each, but after seeing an article titled Don’t Watch The Help…Or These Other White-Savior Movies , my interest piqued. I’d only seen snippets of the film, and I started to wonder what my own conclusions would be. Furthermore, I wondered if the current climate in my country would influence my opinion regarding the placement of The Help on this Lifetime Reading List.

I was certainly charmed by the characters from the very first page, especially Aibileen. Her affection for the children she raised mirrored my affection for my son and daughter, and I found myself relating to her the most throughout the book. Additionally, a few stories I know about certain members of my husband’s family of origin reminded me a great deal of Miss Hilly, which gave me a sort of foundation of understanding for the unjustified hatred that feeds the tension of this novel. However, if I didn’t know certain ones of my in-laws, I would be amazed that women—such as the realistically-fictional Miss Hilly—are capable of such outright evil, simply because another woman looks different than she does.

Contrary to the Miss Hilly-types, though, I found myself relating to Aibileen’s heart. What could a person want more when seeking connection with others?

I can boldly state, though, that I didn’t view Skeeter, the author of the fictional book Help, which includes stories from black maids who’ve worked in white households in Jackson during the 1960s, as a savior at all. In fact, I thought Skeeter learned so much more from Aibileen, Minny, and the other maids than the maids learned from her. Actually, after following Skeeter’s familial, social, and romantic issues within the subplot of The Help, I would say that Aibileen and Minny saved Skeeter. By the time Skeeter’s book has been published and her work in Jackson is complete, it is a result of Aibileen and Minny’s urging that she leaves her hometown to pursue a career in New York City. While Skeeter’s book may have opened the eyes of various readers, it’s the bravery of Aibileen and her fellow maids that holds my attention. After all, Skeeter’s book never would’ve existed without their willingness to risk their lives for the sake of sharing their stories.

Frankly and unashamedly, I think that putting Skeeter’s character on a pedestal and claiming she is a savior in any way is what’s toxic to our culture. Skeeter doesn’t save anybody. She endangers black maids in an inferno of racial tension in order to write a book that will grab the attention of a woman who she hopes will offer her a job or contract. In simple terms, Skeeter uses these women to her own advantage; it’s the strength of Aibileen and her friends that creates the story! Yes, the maids are willing to share their stories…but if they hadn’t, where would Skeeter be? Still a member of Miss Hilly’s little club, making obtuse policies and belittling “the help” for their alleged ignorance and poor hygiene, based on no “proof” other than the color of their skin.

It’s Aibileen’s bravery that saves Skeeter, both professionally and interpersonally.

With that in mind, I believe The Help by Kathryn Stockett absolutely belongs on the Lifetime Reading List. And for that matter, if you read this book and think anyone but the maids to be the hero, I beseech you to check your privilege.