Impressionable Minds

We ain't...we ain't doing civil rights here. We just telling stories like they really happen.

First of all, I must say how much I really loved this story. I felt a deep connection to many of the characters and was able to identify with several of them. Considering that the main characters came from different walks of life, I felt that being able to see parts of myself within them goes to show how skillfully written this book is. Kathryn Stockett did such a great job of sculpting this world, while, for the most part, keeping true to the ideals and aspects of that time.

It is baffling to read how poorly people used to, and in same places still are, being treated due to their skin color. Honestly, growing up I never really paid attention to how the kids around me looked. Why worry about skin color when there were games of tag to be played, bicycles to ride and ice cream trucks to chase. When you are little you just don't care. All you want is a friend. Skin color wasn't really noticeable to me till it was brought up in history during fourth grade. I remember all of us looking around and finally noticing the color of our friends. It was upsetting. In that moment it felt like we had all been forcefully pushed out of our childhood bubble and essentially been told, "Welcome to adolescent, were your outward appearance will be judged for at least the next ten years. Good luck."

 I think Stockett did I great job of showing how little kids don't notice till they are told. Like in the case of Aibileen and Mae Mobley. Color means nothing to Mae Mobley, she just knows that this women loves and cares for her. It must have been so confusing to a child to watch someone that took care of them be put down and humiliated. Not to mention those times, like with Mae Mobley, when she imitates or brings up wanting to look like Aibileen then proceeds to get punished or told off in some way. I just can not comprehend instilling those kind of confusing and conflicting ideals on to a child.

I find it amazing that Skeeter grew up with a level head and different view of the world. But also a hunger for the truth. I love characters who are driven by truth and are willing to sacrifice to obtain it. Even when it came to finally having love, the one thing she wanted more than anything, she gave it up and stayed true to herself. I would like to think that her passion and determination was something that was taught to and instilled in her by the women who raised her, Constantine. Not only was this book a great insight in to history, but I think it really shows how impressionable children really are. Despite what the world says, I believe that the most important lessons are always learned within the home and I think Stockett did a great job bringing that to light.