I really like the character Celia Foote in the movie. I thought her role broke the mold of every white person in Jackson being racist. Her role showed that there were white people that believed it was right that all humans were equal. My second character I felt was likable was Minny Jackson. She was so upfront and kind to Celia. Minny was never afraid and always encouraged Celia to have a good outlook in life. I like how Minny teaches Celia how to cook and in the end Celia repays her by cooking a beautiful meal for her. In the end Johnny tells Minny that it was because of her that Celia’s life was better because of her. This was a true example of a human helping a human regardless of race. This shows me that the golden rule is true, treat people the way you would like to be treated.
I don’t think a person’s flaws such as racist attitudes and behaviors can be forgiven because it is the norm in the surrounding culture. I don’t understand how it could have ever felt right to own slaves much less it being ok to think one race is more superior to another. We are all an equal part in race; it is called the human race. We as humans should treat each other as we would want to be treated. Yes there are going to be cultures that are racist, but there are going to be some in that group that feel it is wrong and should stand up for a change.
I truly feel that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, Mae Mobley would not have grown up to be a racist. In the part where Mae Mobley told Aibileen “You’re my real mommy’ Aibi!”, tells us that hopefully some white children grow up to not be racist. I do think racism is inherent and taught. If you are around it at a young age and grew up to believe being racist was ok then I believe that is how you learn it. I don’t think a person is born a racist. I hope that Abilieen’s message to Mae Mobley, “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.” stays with her forever and she can break the cycle.