As I have continued to read more in the book, I have recognized that the main problem is that people are too afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Sure, there are a few individuals who believe that whites are superior to blacks and have the right to treat the maids unfairly. However, there is also a good amount of people who know that what they are doing is wrong, but they are too afraid to do anything about it. At one point, Skeeter's father is talking to an important politician and explains how he is ashamed that in Mississippi so many people hurt their Negro workers. The people in that scene are shocked that he would voice is opinion to this well-known and powerful senator. However, by saying these words, he caused the politician to questions about whether it was the truth. If more people were just willing to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe is moral, then this unfair treatment of the black maids could have been easily prevented.
I find myself admiring the characters who are able to do what is right, despite the consequences. The maids who contribute to Skeeter's interviews are in constant danger, but they continue to help because they know that they have the power to make a difference. I think it is important to stay true to your own beliefs, which is what Skeeter, Aibileen, Minny, and many others do throughout the book. The more I read, the more I hope that these characters can influence others to do the right thing. By putting their voices and opinions together and not backing down, these interviews have the ability to make a huge difference in Mississippi.
This particular post seems very applicable to many situations of national importance. Like racism, many other provocative issues are recognized but never really questioned because people are afraid it may stir up trouble. An instance that comes to mind is something we have been discussing in class recently: the press coverage of Hurricane Katrina. While the topic of more whites being rescued than blacks was mentioned, the press initially hesitated to explicitly challenge or validate this theory, which perhaps was a reason that the aid in response to Katrina was so substandard.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. And I also find it very important for people to be informed about these issues. Even if people weren't comfortable talking about the topic of race in regard to Hurricane Katrina, the country could have benefited from hearing this possible theory and based on the facts, they could then form their own opinion.
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