RACIAL DISCRIMINATION REFLECTED IN TATE TAYLOR’S THE HELP MOVIE (2011):

A SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH

PUBLICATION ARTICLES

Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Getting Bachelor Degree of Education

in English Department

by:

NURINDAH KHUSNUL KHOTIMAH

A 320 090 243

SCHOOL OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

MUHAMMADIYAH UNIVERSITY OF SURAKARTA

2013

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RACIAL DISCRIMINATION REFLECTED IN TATE TAYLOR’S THE

HELP MOVIE (2011): A SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH

Nurindah Khusnul Khotimah (Student)

Abdillah Nugroho (Consultant I)

Titis Setyabudi (Consultant II)

(School of Teacher Training and Education,

Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta)

nurindah90143@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The major problem of this study is how the racial discrimination reflected in The Help movie (2011) by Tate Taylor. The objective of this study is to analyze the movie based on its structural elements and to analyze the movie based on the sociological analysis. In analyzing The Help, the writer uses qualitative method and Sociological approach. The data sources consist of primary data and secondary data sources. The primary data source is The Help movie and the secondary data sources are books or any information related to racial discrimination. The method of the data collection is library research. The technique of data analysis is descriptive analysis. The outcome of the study is shown in the following conclusions. First, based on the structural analysis of the movie, it shows that Taylor wants to express his idea about difference rule between white and black skin. Second, based on Sociological Approach, the conclusion is that there is racial discrimination in the Tate Taylor’s The Help movie. Taylor shows that the racial discrimination is shown by the white women who become the employer of the black women who become the maid. The maids get many differences of the facilities from their employers.

Key words: Racial Discrimination, The Help Movie, Sociological Approach

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A. Introduction

1. Background of the Study

Racism is the doctrine which emphasizes the importance of main

characteristic of race which is used as a standard to make interaction

between individual or groups (Soekanto, 1985:411). Racism is the popular

problem on the country. There are many kinds of races such as in America.

Usually racism is used to differentiate between white and black skins. It

makes black skins live uncomfortable.

One of movie that gives imagery of social lives is The Help. It is one of

the most popular racial movies in America. The Help movie is an American

drama film directed by Tate Taylor. It is released on August 10th, 2011 on

blu-ray disc, DVD, and digital. It represented Jackson in 1960s. The movie

is adapted of Kathryn Stockett’s novel (2009) with the same name. This

film has three biggest actors: Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark, Octavia

Spencer as Minny Jackson and Emma Stone as Skeeter. The movie uses

English language and the duration is 146 minutes. The Help became the best

movie on the box office for 25 days in a row and eventually because nearly

$200 million tickets were sold in the worldwide.

In The Help movie, racial discrimination is shown by the white women

who become the employer toward the black women who become the maid.

There is the problem between black people and white people. Skeeter

requires Aibileen and her friends to help her makes a book about the

treatment from their employers. The book becomes best seller. The

employers buy and read the book. They are very angry.

In this study, the researcher uses sociological analysis. According to

Swingewood and Laurenson (1972:11), “sociology is essentially the

scientific, objective study of man in society, the study of social institutions

and social processes”. According to Swingewood and Laurenson (1972:17-

21), there are three major principles of sociology of literature: sociology of

the society, sociology of the writer, and sociology of reader.

There are four reasons why the researcher is so interested in studying

this movie. The First is the structural elements. The title of the movie is

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interesting because it represents the story of the movie. Second, The Help

movie has an attractive plot. The researcher wants to know more about plot

in this movie. The plot makes the researcher be interested, because the story

of The Help is told in detail. Third is the subject matter. The Help is a movie

based on true story. The image that is based on true story makes this film

more alive and has real soul. It can give the researcher and the reader more

inspirations, awareness to social condition and think of problem solving to

solve the social problem. The last is educational factor. It is to supply

theoretical framework in the research of literature in the English

Department, especially UMS. It gives positive contribution to the

development of the large of knowledge and to enrich the literary study.

2. Previous Studies

The study on The Help movie is first being conducted in this research

paper due to its latest publication, it is in 2011. The research researches

through local and digital libraries and found none of it. Library of UNS,

IAIN, UGM have reported zero call on the research of The Help movie.

Thus, this study is first ever conducted at least in UMS.

3. Problem Statement

Based on the phenomena mentioned above, the researcher formulates

the problem of the study is “How is the racial discrimination reflected in

The Help movie (2011)?”

4. Limitation of the Study

In this research paper, the researcher focuses on describing racial

discrimination that is reflected in The Help movie (2011) using a

sociological approach.

5. Objective of the Study

Based on the research problems, the researcher formulates the objective

of the study are to analyze racial discrimination in Tate Taylor’s The Help

movie (2011) based on structural elements and to analyze against racial

discrimination in Tate Taylor’s The Help movie (2011) based on

sociological analysis.

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6. Benefit of the Study

The researcher hopes that this study has the benefits that are divided

into theoretical and practical benefit, they are as follows:

a. Theoretical Benefit

The researcher hopes this result can be useful as references,

contribution and additional information to the larger body of knowledge

especially for the literary study on The Help movie.

b. Practical Benefit

The result of this research hopefully enriches the researcher’s

knowledge and her experience dealing with sociological approach in

deeper. Then, it can be useful input for the other researcher in analyzing

The Help movie into different approach.

B. Research Method

1. Type of the Study

In doing this research, the researcher uses qualitative research because

she intends analyzing the structural element on the The Help movie and

describing the racial discrimination reflected in The Help movie.

2. Object of the Study

The object of this research is Tate Taylor’s The Help movie. In

conducting the research, the researcher is going to analyze it by using a

sociological approach.

3. Type of the Data and the Data Source

There are two types of data are Text and image. Text data in this

research is movie manuscript, which consists of words, phrases, and

sentences. Image data in this research are images capturing of some

actions in the movie which is related to the topic of research.

There are two types of the data source namely primary data source:

The Help movie released on August 10, 2011 in Jackson, Mississippi by

Tate Taylor and secondary data source: the other materials taken from

books or any information related to racial discrimination.

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4. Technique of the Data Collection

The steps are watching the movie repeatedly, taking notes of

important parts both primary and secondary data, arranging the data into

several groups based on its theoretical category, selecting particular parts

considered important and relevant for analysis and drawing conclusion and

formulate its pedagogical suggestion.

5. Technique of the Data Analysis

The technique of data analysis for this movie uses descriptive

qualitative method that consists of two steps: analyzing the data based on

its structural elements and analyzing the data based on sociological

approach.

C. Research Findings and Discussion

1. Structural Elements of The Help Movie

a. Narrative Elements

1) Character and Characterization

a) Major Characters:

(1) Aibileen

Fig 1. Aibileen

Aibileen is first major character. She was born in

Chickasaw, Pledmont Plantation in 1911. She is from black

people. Physically, her hair is curly and black. Her noise is

pointed. she is old lady.

“I was born 1911, Chickasaw County,Piedmont Plantation”. (movie script, 00:01:23)

Socialy, She is a kind woman. She helps Skeeter make a

book because she wants to make her community get same

treatment as white people.

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Her friend : Now, uh... this is an important time in our community. And we have to thank you for what you have done. Now...We know you couldn't put your name in here, so we all signed our own.

Aibileen : Thank you. Her friend : Come on, now. Come on. (movie script, 02:10:05 until 02:10:35)

(2) Minny

Fig.2. Minny

She was born in Belzoni, Mississippi. Physically, her

skin is black. Her hair is black and straight. Her noise is

pointed. She is fat. She is Mississippi greatest chefs. She is

the best friend of Aibileen.

I was born in Belzoni, Mississippi, on my great-auntie's sofa.

(moie script, 00:59:31)

Mentally, She is a brave woman. She defies the rules of

her employer even though she should be fired. She is a maid

of Mrs.Hilly’s family. Mrs.Hilly treats her unjustly. Mrs.

Hiily fires Minny because she knows that Minny pees in her

toilet.

Mrs. Hilly : Minny, are you in there? Minny : Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Hilly : And just what are you doing? Get off my

toilet! You are fired, Minny Jackson! Go on!. (movie script, 00:32:32 until 00:33:11)

(3) Skeeter

Fig.3. Skeeter

Socially, she is a good woman. She decides to write a

book from the point of view of the maids to expose

the racism. Skeeter requires Aibileen to help. She is white

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skin but she cares with black skin. She wants to help black

skin in order to get the same position with white skin.

Skeeter : There's something else I want to write about. I would need your help. I want to interview you about what it's like to work as a maid. I'd like to do a book of interviews about working for white families.

Aibileen : You know what Miss Leefolt do to me if she knew I was telling stories on her?

Skeeter : I was thinking that we wouldn't have to tell her. The other maids would have to keep it a secret, too.

Aibileen : Other maids? Skeeter : I was hoping to get four or five. To show what it's

really like in Jackson. (movie script, 00:28:30 until 00:29:09)

b) Minor Characters:

(1) Mrs. Hilly

Fig.4. Mrs. Hilly

Mrs. Hiily is an evil woman. She is beautiful and oldish.

Her skin is white. Her hair is blond and curly. She is leader of

white skin. She hates black skins. She thinks that black skin

is lower class. She always treats her maids badly.

Mrs. Hilly : Minny, are you in there? Minny : Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Hilly : And just what are you doing? Get off my

toilet! You are fired, Minny Jackson! Go on!. (movie script, 00:32:32 until 00:33:11)

(2) Elizabeth

Fig.5. Elizabeth

Elizabeth is the employer of Aibileen. She is beautiful

and middle age women. Her skin is white. Her hair is blond

and straight. She is good and stolid. She has a baby named

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Mae Mobley but she never cares with her baby. She is busy

with her career. She trusts that Aibileen can care her daughter

well.

Elizabeth : Aibileen, bridge club is in an hour. Did you finish the chicken salad? Yes. Oh, and Hilly's deviled eggs. No paprika. Does this

dress look homemade? Aibileen : I reckon when you finish it won't.

Elizabeth : Well, thank you. Aibileen : Miss Leefolt still don't pick Baby Girl up

but once a day. The birthing blues got hold of Miss Leefolt pretty hard. I done seen it happen plenty of times, once babies start having their own babies. And the young white ladies of Jackson. Oh Lord, were they having babies. (movie script, 00:03:37 until 00:04:24)

(3) Celia

Fig.6. Celia

Celia is the second employer of Minny. She is beautiful

women. Her skin is white. Her hair is blond and curly. She is

middle age women. She is so friendly and cheerful. Celia

treats Minny well because she cannot cook. She learns

cooking from Minny. But she is knavish to her husband that

Minny becomes her maid.

Celia : Aibileen said you'd be on time. I'm Celia Rae Foote. Minny : I'm Minny Jackson. Celia : You, uh... cooking something? One of those upside

down cakes from a magazine. It ain't working out too good. Come on, let's get you a cold Coca-Cola. Come on. This here is the kitchen.

Minny : What in the hell? Celia : I guess I got some learning to do. Minny : You sure do.(script movie, 00:49:44 until 00: 50:29)

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2) Setting

a) Setting of Place

The setting of place is the place where the actions most take

place. It is taken in Jackson, Mississippi.

(1) The Jackson Journal

It is the publisher of the book about racism that becomes

controversy between white skin and black skin.

Fig.7. The Jackson Journal

(2) Hiily’s Home

It is the place of Christmas celebration. There are many

people who come in the party. The event is glorious.

Fig.8. Mrs Hilly’s Home

(3) The Meeting Room of Black Skin

It is the place of black skin for meeting and the place

where Aibileen gets an award from her community.

Fig.9. The Meeting Room of Black People

b) Setting of Time

The Help movie is set during 20th century. The first action is

taken at 1960s.

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3) Plot

It is divided into four parts, namely exposition, complication,

climax, and resolution.

a) Exposition

In this movie, the exposition is when Skeeter decides to write

a book from the point of view of the maids to expose the racism.

Skeeter requires Aibileen to help.

b) Complication

The complication of this movie is when Aibileen does not

help her because she is afraid of being scolded her friends and

losing from her job. Because she wants to raise the degree of her

community, she wants to help Skeeter. She invites her friends.

Her friends are afraid but she persuades her friends.

c) Climax

The climax of this movie is when the maids tell about the

treatment from their employers. Their story becomes a book. The

employers buy and read the book. They are very angry after

reading the book because the book tells about the treatment from

their employers. After the Christmas Celebration, Hilly hatches a

planning to get vrid of Aibileen as Leefolt’s maid by falsely

accusing her of stealing silver. Aibileen is fired by her employer

because she cannot prove that she does not steal.

d) Resolution

The resolution is the book becomes best seller and Aibileen

gets an award from her community because of that book although

she is fired by her employer.

4) Point of View

According to Douglass and Harnden (1996:31), point of view is

the one of the most interesting and basic narrative devices available

to the storyteller. The The Help movie does not the third person

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narrator. Every plot and every event are told by dialougue among the

characters.

5) Theme

Theme becomes the important part in the movie. It gives color

of the movie. The theme of The Help movie is “women are equal”.

b. Technical Elements

1) Mise-en-Scene

Mise-en-Scene includes some aspects such as costume and

make-up, lighting, and set dressing and props.

a) Costume and Make-Up

In this movie there are differences costume and make-up

between black people and white people. Black people just use

simple dress and natural make-up, while white people use nice

dress and glamour make-up. It makes white people look more

beautiful than black people.

Fig.10. Costume and Make-up of the Maids

Fig.11. Costume and Make-up of the Employers b) Lightning

In film, lighter and darker area within the frame help film

maker to create the overall composition of the each shot

(Bordwell and Thompson, 1990:134).

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(1) Quality

Fig.12. Hard Lighting Fig.13. Soft Lighting

(2) Direction

Fig.14. Frontal Lighting Fig.15. Side Lighting

Fig.16. Back Lighting Fig.17. Under Lighting

Fig.18. Top Lighting

(3) Source

Fig.19. Key Lighting Fig.20. Fill Lighting

(4) Color

Fig.21. Natural Color Fig.22. Dark Color

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c) Set Dressing and Props

Set Dressing

(1) Set dressings that are applied in the Restaurant are table,

chair, drinking, and foods.

Fig.23. In the Restaurant

(2) Set dressings that are applied in the kitchen are oven,

refrigerator, plate, glass, cupboard, and spoons.

Fig.24. In the Kitchen

(3) Set dressings that are applied in the office are telephone,

table, chair, letters, pen, writer type, cupboard, books, lamp,

and picture.

Fig.25. In the Office

Props

(1) Skeeter uses glasess, watch, and headband.

Fig.26. Skeeter’s Props

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(2) Mrs. Hilly uses bracelets, earrings, necklaces.

Fig.27 Mrs.Hilly’s Props

(3) Minny uses hat, bag, fan, glove, and earring.

Fig.28. Minny’s Props

2) Cinematography

It consists of three features photographical quality of the shot,

the framing of the shot, and the duration of the shot (Bordwell and

Thompson, 1990:156).

a) Photographical Quality of the Shot

In this movie the quality of shot is good because the light can

give correct exposure. This movie can give color to show the

powerful emotion and represent violence actions.

b) The Framing of the Shot

1. Camera Angel

(1) Normal Angle

It is the angle technique that places the camera in the

same position which shows the equal authority and status

of the object and subject.

Fig.29. Example of Normal Angel

(2) Low Angle

Low angel is viewer’s position like looking up at the

framed material.

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Fig.30. Example of Low Angel

(3) High Angel

High angel makes the subject become smaller and in

some contexts shut off from the surrondings.

Fig.31. Example of High Angel

2. Camera Distance

Fig.32. Extreme Long Shot Fig.33. Long Shot

Fig.34. Medium Long Shot Fig.35. Medium Shot

Fig.36. Medium Close Up Fig.37. Close Up

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Fig.38. Extreme Close Up

c) The Duration of the Shot

The duration of the shot The Help movie is 2 hours and 26

minutes.

3) Sound

The sound of The Help movie can be heard clearly by the

audience, the dialogue between character, scream, laugh, dispute,

ect. In this movie, the music is suitable for every act because every

music in each frame can give more detail emotion in this act.

4) Editing

According to Bordwell and Thompson (1990:218-228), editing

can be developed into six parts. They are as follows:

a) Axis of Action

Fig.39. Example of Axis of Action

It is shown when Mrs. Hilly, Mrs. Hiily’s mother, and Minny

walk to go to Elizabeth’s home and when Skeeter drives her car to

go to Elizabeth’s home fast.

b) Establishing Shot

In The Help movie, there was an establishing shot when

Hilly’s mother stays in the living room. There are chairs, table,

lamps, wall watch, vase, and pictures.

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Fig.40. Example of Establishing Shot

c) Reserve Shot

In the movie, Aibileen and skeeter are conversation. Skeeter

attends the face of Aibileen and listens Aibileen’s saying.

Fig.41. Example of Reserve Shot

d) Reestablishing Shot

Reestablishing shot is showed when Skeeter is typing the

book. Then, she takes her picture with Mrs. Hilly because there is

the story about Mrs. Hilly in her book.

Fig.42. Example of Reestablishing Shot

e) Match on Action

In this movie, match on action is showed when the movie

plays the conversation between Aibileen and Skeeter.

Fig.43. Example of Match on Action

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f) Cross Cutting

Fig.44. Example of Cross Cutting

2. Sociological Analysis of The Help

a. Social Aspect

The point of social aspect presents social structure, social status

and social relation. According to Mauk and Oakland (1997:244) the

American social status is divided into two parts, the rich and the poor.

In this movie, the social aspect which is showed is in the different

social structure among white and black people, black people are the

lower class and their job as a maid, such as Aibileen and Minny. But

the white people are the middle class and their job as employer and

writer or journalist, such as Mrs. Hilly and Skeeter.

There are differences of the facilities between the employer and the

maid. The employers prohibit their maid defecate in their bathroom. For

example: Mrs.Hilly treats Minny unjustly. Mrs.Hilly prohibits Minny to

defecate in her bathroom because she is afraid of disease.

Mrs. Hilly : Minny, are you in there? Minny : Yes, ma'am. Mrs. Hilly : And just what are you doing? Get off my toilet! You are fired, Minny Jackson! Go on!.

(movie script, 00:32:32 until 00:33:11)

b. Economic Aspect

The economic growth of America in the 20th centuries plays the

important role. In this century, America becomes the richest country in

the world and industrial country. In this movie, the job of white skins is

the employer and writer, while the job of black skins is the maid. White

skins work in the office and they use car to go to office. But, black

skins work in the home and they use bus to go to their employer home.

Black skins are difficult to get same position as white skins.

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Aibileen says that “I work for the Leefolts from eight to four; six days a week. I make 95 cent an hour. That comes to $182 every month. I do all the cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing and grocery shopping. But mostly, I take care of Baby Girl. (script movie, 00:03:06 until 00:03:28)

c. Religious Aspect

In this movie, people pray in the church. It shows that the

characters are Christian.

Skeeter says that “We're in church circle together. As a Christian, I'm doing you a favor. See, God don't give charity to those who are well and able”. (movie script, 00:17:13)

d. Cultural Aspect

The cultural aspect that is appearing in this movie is cultural aspect

of the characters in this case as the American culture. The act aspect is

showed in the stage party, there are dancing in Christmas Celebration.

In other hand, White skins like the bridge. They often play bridge. They

play it in the Elizabeth’s home. She must prepare a lot of foods and

drinks. White skins also like ciggaretes. Cigarettes are bad for their

healthy. They will suffer cancer, heart, ect.

Elizabeth : Aibileen, bridge club is in an hour. Did you finish the chicken salad?

Aibileen : Yes, Ma’am. (script movie, 00:03:37 until 00:03:43)

e. Political Aspect

In this movie, there is injustice in law. Government and police

defend white people. They do not care to black people. It makes black

people become jealous. They also want to get the same legal protection

as white people.

f. Science and Technology Aspect

The Help movie also shows the modern technology in America.

The technology is transportation. They are car and bus. Car and bus are

used for working. There are many types and colors of their car. The

price of their car is expensive.

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Another technology which is shown is communication. In this

movie, the communication technology is shown by Celia using

telephone to call Elizabeth but Aibileen receives her calling.

Aibileen : Leefolt residence. Celia : Hello. Is Elizabeth in? Aibileen : She having bridge club right now. May I take a

message? Celia : Yes, please tell her that Celia Foote called again. I'll

call back tomorrow. Aibileen : Yes, ma'am. ? (movie script, 00:13:13)

Television is used to get information or news. In this movie,

Skeeter and her maids watch the news in the television. Then, Skeeter’s

mom is angry and turns off the television. She thinks that the news is

not important.

Technology in camera, microphone and musical instruments are

also in this movie. Camera is used by the reporters for taking picture,

microphone is used by Mrs. Hilly for making the speech loudly and

musical instruments are used for dancing in the Christmas celebration

party.

D. Conclusion and Suggestion

1. Conclusion

The writer presents two conclusions that relate to the result of the

analysis. It draws as follow:

First, based on its structural analysis. Tate Taylor wants to express his

idea about racial discrimination. He makes the elaborations of the

structural elements that are good in unity. They are namely character and

characterization, setting, plot, point of view that are related to build the

theme of the story that there are difference rules and facilities between

white and black skins. Black skins struggle to retain his rights and receive

equal treatment as white skins. It can be seen from the struggle of

Aibileen as major characters of the movie. She helps Skeeter to make a

book about racism.

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Second, based on sociological analysis. The movie is closely related

to phenomena which appear in America society in the late 20th and early

21st century. There are many differences between white and black skin in

getting equality in many social aspects. In that time, black skin is always

viewed as second class citizens, never gets something the same as white

skin. Based on this movie, Tate Taylor wants to show that the racial

discrimination is shown by the white women who become the employer of

the black women who become the maid. The maids get many differences

of the facilities from their employers.

2. Suggestion

The Help that is directed by Tate Taylor is one of the interesting

literary works. It can be watched and enjoyed both of men and women.

After doing the research in The Help movie using a sociological approach,

the researcher suggests to the other researchers to make deeper researches

about The Help movie by using different approach, such as an individual

psychological approach to analyze the major character’s way of thinking

and behavior. The researcher hopes this study can be useful for the readers

and other researchers in widening the knowledge of literary studies.

3. Pedagogical Implication

Human, we can develop many ways to communicate our messages,

thoughts, and feelings with others. The Help movie that is directed by Tate

Taylor is the one of the interesting literary works. The theme of movie is

“Women are equal”.

Tate Taylor wants to show that every people should get same position

with their capability, not their skin. Skin is not good reason for people to

get difference. Not all white people have the advantages but they also have

the lacks. On the contrary, not all black people have the lacks but they also

have the advantages. Although human are busy of our career, human must

care with our family. In the fact, women must care with her family,

especially our children. Mother must know the development of her

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children. For example: Aibileen is black people. As major character, she

cares with children. She also shows that black people do not always

defeat. Aibileen struggles to defend the rights of her community. Aibileen

and her friends help Skeeter to write a book about racism although they

must lose from their jobs. The book becomes best seller. Black people can

do what white people do. So, we do not look someone from skin.

E. Bibliography

Bordwell, David and Thompson. 1990. Film Art an Introduction. New York: The Mc Graw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Douglass, John and Harnden. 1996. The Art of Technique (An Aesthetic

Approach to Film and Video Production). Boston: Alynn and Bacon. Mauk, David and Oakland, John. 1997. American Civilization. London:

Routledge.

Soekanto, Soerjono. 1985. Kamus Sosiologi. Jakarta: PT. Raja Grafindo Persada.

Swingewood, Alan and Laurenson, Diana T. 1972. Sociology of Literature. New York: Schocken Books. The Free Encyclopedia. 2010. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TheHelp(film)).

Accessed on October 17th, 2012/ 09:45 pm.