The Help (2011)

I'm biased. I loved the book and like most people who fall in love with a writer's vision... I hated the movie.

Some films support and encourage automatic thought and stereotypes. This is one of them. I put this film in the catagory of propaganda.
The Help is a Southern, white woman's interpretation of black maids in the 1960's segrated south... her perspective.
Again, I will admit I liked the book, but the film skips key situations and problems; Ignores historical facts and adds things that just didn't happen.
It lies.
If you don't have all the information you need to make a decision what you ended up with is a distorted view of reality. Understand that this is a work of fiction. This story did not actually happen. But... it's a really good book.
It's extremely important to watch this film with a critical eye. It makes people believe things that just are not true. Supports a message that is distorted. However, it would be irresponsible of me not to mention that it is nice to see a film where black and white women work together to fight an injustice. I just hope people read the book.

The Paradox...
Black women featured in a movie about the south... (good) - Good roles for black women are rare and the actors in this film do a great job.
Black women featured in a movie about the south... (bad) - I'm tired of seeing black women support negative stereotypes in stories that attempt to rewrite history.

Visual Cues are powerful. Reinforcing automatic, habitual thinking can sometimes occur. There is something about a book that makes you think and contemplate. Read the book.
Lesson to be learned
People lie to ease their own guilt. Attempts to rewrite history happen all the time.
Life Skill
The ability to tell fact from fiction.
How to identify propaganda.
Critical thinking
Historically, is this film accurate? How would this story have been different if an actual African- American maid from Mississippi had written it? How am I wrong? Don't assume my point of view is the right one.
Mindfulness
Pay Attention & ask questions. Themes and messages matter.

What is the message sent by this movie? Play the devil's advocate.
I liked the book.