The Help Theme

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Recommended: Ethical issues of the movie "the help

I have chosen to investigate the theme: “Standing up for what you believe in”. This theme exists in the films “The Help” directed by Tate Taylor, “Hairspray” directed by Adam Shankman, “The Blind Side” directed by John Lee Hancock and the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” written by Harper Lee. These works show evidence of people, mainly from the dominant culture, putting their own comfort, status and safety on the line for the voice of the marginalised. The film “The Help” directed by Tate Taylor portrays my chosen theme “Standing up for what you believe in”. The character Skeeter, a 23 year old woman from the wealthier side of a town, where there exists segregation and tension between white people and black people. She was determined to be …show more content…

This theme is shown through the character Tracy Turnblad, a friendly white teenager with a big heart who has always dreamed of being a dancing star on her favourite dancing television show “Corny Collins show”. She became aware that Negros can only dance on the Corny Collins show once a month because of the colour of their skin and decided to protest for equal rights for all races. While growing up in the 1960s where segregation still existed, she developed unusually close relationships with Negros. Maybelle, a Negro friend of Tracy’s warns her that she will no longer be allowed to dance for the Corny Collins Show as a consequence of her own choices and decisions as a white supporter protesting for black Americans. The quote “I know, but if I can’t dance with Seaweed and Little Inez (Seaweed’s younger sister) beside me, I don’t want to dance for Corny Collins at all” said by Tracy proves that she would give up what she values the most in order for racial integration. She is unsettled with this state of affairs and believes all humans should have the same right no matter what colour. As a white supporter of the black Americans equality she risked not only her reputation but also her life and rights. Her morality towards this situation proves that no matter how complicated it may become she will continue to stand up for her own beliefs and opinions. Her strong …show more content…

Leigh Anne Tuohy is an outstandingly wise and kind-hearted character who believes in judging people based on their character, not on their outward appearance. Leigh Anne encounters a coloured boy on the side of the road and is heartbroken hearing about the circumstances his life has been in. Michael’s (coloured boy) background touched Leigh Anne to build her own courage and take action as most white woman wouldn’t. She became a legal guardian for Michael, supplying him with a stable home and family. During a scene where Leigh Anne is out with her friends for lunch, they decided to question her about her motives of allowing a boy without the same shade of skin in her household. Her friends see no reason and are confused as to why anyone would decide to take upon themselves the case of a black boy. Leigh Anne was disgusted by their excess of discrimination shown by her friends after the comment “what would your daddy say?” However this comment did not stop Leigh Anne from standing up for what she believes in and deciding to make a difference in someone else’s life. This showed her humbleness for Michael even though pressure from friends was placed upon her. Not only did her actions touch Michael the better but also influenced her two children to stand for equality and show the same respect. John Lee Hancock teaches us throughout the film to take

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