Summary: Set in the 1960's Mississippi, A young woman named Skeeter plans to write about the experiences of the black female servants in relation to their white bosses. These female servants do the cooking, cleaning, and look after the children. Skeeter finds out that it is illegal for these servants to open up to her, and they agree to the risk in order to expose the racism that still occurs.
Racism: During the 60's, the civil rights movement was in full force. These servants agreed to risk their lives in order to bring change for the black community. They pretty much raise these white children, but still face discrimination from them once they are older. One of these home-owners is Hilly, who is trying to enforce the "Home Help Sanitation Initiative," which demands that every house have a separate bathroom for the help, and makes it illegal for them to use the white bathroom. One of the help, Minny, was caught using Hilly's bathroom and was fired. These rich white women act almost as slave owners and are insensitive to the feelings of these maids.
Quote: "Love and hate are two horns on the same goat, Eugenia. And you need a goat."- Charlotte Phelan
