Hilly The Help

Anika Monoz

2 min read

·

02-12-2024

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Hilly Holbrook, the seemingly sweet and well-meaning character in Kathryn Stockett's The Help, presents a complex and ultimately troubling portrayal of racial prejudice in 1960s Mississippi. While initially appearing as a kind-hearted socialite, a closer examination reveals a woman deeply entrenched in the systemic racism of her time, her actions driven by a cocktail of ingrained biases, fear, and a desperate need for control.

A Façade of Friendliness

Stockett masterfully crafts Hilly's persona. She engages in seemingly charitable acts, organizing the Junior League and appearing to care about the wellbeing of the Black maids. This carefully constructed façade masks a deep-seated prejudice. Her "concern" for hygiene, used as a justification for her segregationist policies, serves as a thinly veiled attempt to maintain the existing power structure.

The "Separate But Equal" Myth

Hilly's campaign for separate bathrooms for Black maids is a pivotal moment, highlighting her hypocrisy. She preaches about cleanliness and sanitation while simultaneously perpetuating a system designed to demean and control. The proposal is not about genuine concern for hygiene, but rather a calculated move to further marginalize the Black community and reinforce the racial hierarchy. This act is not merely thoughtless; it's a deliberate act of oppression disguised as civic duty.

Fear and Insecurity

Beyond conscious malice, Hilly's actions can be interpreted as stemming from deep-seated fear and insecurity. The changing social landscape, the growing civil rights movement, and the increasing assertiveness of the Black community threaten her established world. Her resistance can be viewed as a desperate attempt to cling to a fading social order, a desperate bid to maintain control in a world rapidly changing around her.

The Power of Perception

Hilly's impact extends far beyond her direct actions. Her influence on the community, her social standing, and the power of her perception shape the lives of those around her. The fear she inspires creates a climate of intimidation and silence, reinforcing the existing racial hierarchy and perpetuating the cycle of oppression.

A Complex Character, A Complex Issue

Hilly is not a simple villain. Her complexities make her a compelling, albeit unsettling, character. She represents the insidious nature of ingrained prejudice, the power of societal norms, and the challenges of confronting deeply rooted biases. While fictional, Hilly serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive and often subtle ways in which racism manifests itself. Her story is not just a tale of individual prejudice; it is a reflection of a system built on inequality and maintained by those who benefit from its perpetuation. Her character underscores the importance of confronting not only overt acts of racism but also the quieter, more insidious forms that often prove more damaging in the long run.