'Melissa Harris-Perry Revisits Everything She Hates About The Help In Oscar Preview'

[Number23]

14. Awesome post

I do believe the author attempted to inform, and did try to consider history. Unfortunately, I believe typically authors of fiction, offer works primarily from their own prism or lens. So, I imagine the author didn't anticipate the backlash.

Until I saw the link that JustAnotherGen posted the other day, I would have agreed with this. The author has apparently (according to her own childhood maid) lifted another woman's story for her own personal gain and hasn't given any attribution or contribution to the woman whose story she took. I have to wonder, if this was a story about white maids and Abilene had been white, would this have happened? I think the issues of race are a huge factor in the book, the film and the real life story BEHIND these stories.

I think what we need is a push to get more black authors published. So, we can get views from more familiar perspectives.

Could not agree more. Even if they disturb me like Precious did, I still think these stories need to be told and from OUR perspective and vantage points.

We need studios with more black producers, writers, directors, actors, etc.

Did you see the story about George Lucas going on The Daily Show and telling Jon Stewart that he was having a hard time getting his movie about the Buffalo Soldiers made? GEORGE FREAKING LUCAS -- the man who made all six Star Wars movies and is one of the richest, most famous and well known movie makers ever. If HE is having a hard time telling the stories of black Americans, then it's a pretty damn safe bet that Ray Ray and Latanya down the block trying to do the same are having an even harder time.

I think we have yet to fully utilize the power of black women when multiplied for a common goal. I understand the backlash. I hope it drives more black authors to publish.

Perfectly, beautifully said.