Courage and Country Tracks in the 2011 Film Adaptation of “The Help”

Briefly, “The Help” is a novel by Kathryn Stockett and published in 2009. It aimed to highlight what’s life like from the Afro-American maids’ perspective in the 60s. Soon, Stockett’s novel was adapted into a film and became a box office hit in 2011.

Needless to say, we can only write a truckload of good things about the said film. Today’s feature, however, focuses on its theme about courage and two songs from the soundtrack which we’re sure you folks got right at first hearing.

Empowerment Done Right

Addressing the evil of “racism” and “segregation” is thought-provoking enough. Not surprisingly, national figure and Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., got a special mention. Down Jackson, Mississippi though, Skeeter, Minnie, and Abbie replicated Luther’s courage. Film character, Ms. Hilly who had quite the influence in the county, sought to push her divisive agendas in the name of ‘good.’ Of course, our three protagonists whipped their trump card in the end.

On both ends, Ms. Hilly and the three-star ladies were on the side of boldly empowering people. Ms. Hilly, however, fell short when she only looked through the lens of “white supremacy.” Contrast that with Skeeter, Minnie, and Abbie who regard all people as belonging to only one human race. Hence, together, they’re able to override, if not surpass, that of Hilly’s initiative.

Featured Country Songs

“Jackson” by Johnny and June Carter Cash

Originally recorded and written by Billy Ed in 1963, Johnny and June Carter Cash‘s cover made it to #2 in 1968. It also got featured and performed by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon in the 2005 film, “Walk the Line.”

“Jackson’s”  played in the background when Skeeter’s on her way to “The Jackson Journal” for a job interview.

“I Ain’t Never” by Webb Pierce

Co-written with Mel Tillis, Webb Pierce’s version of “I Ain’t Never” released in 1959 peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. Later in 1972, Mel Tillis released his take on the song and successfully reached the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Singles.