“The Help” is back in the news, but not in the most complimentary way. Sure, the film became a big trending program on Netflix, but the reaction to that news has really taken over the conversation, with various folks talking about how Tate Taylor’s Oscar-winning film is definitely not one that white people should watch to learn more about racism. And now, “The Help” actress Bryce Dallas Howard is joining that conversation, not only talking about her film but also giving suggestions about what she thinks would be better options for those hoping to learn.
READ MORE: Film Writers Offer Alternatives To ‘The Help’ After Film Surges In Popularity On Netflix
Howard, who received numerous awards recognition for her role in the film, said that she’s noticed that “The Help” had been trending on Netflix, but wanted to explain that the film isn’t the best source of information for those seeking knowledge about racism.
“I’m so grateful for the exquisite friendships that came from that film — our bond is something I treasure deeply and will last a lifetime,” she explained in a Facebook post. “This being said, ‘The Help’ is a fictional story told through the perspective of a white character and was created by predominantly white storytellers. We can all go further.”
She added, “Stories are a gateway to radical empathy and the greatest ones are catalysts for action. If you are seeking ways to learn about the Civil Rights Movement, lynchings, segregation, Jim Crow, and all the ways in which those have an impact on us today…”
READ MORE: Viola Davis Says She Regrets Taking Her Oscar-Nominated Role In ‘The Help’
Howard went on to list projects that she calls “powerful, essential, masterful,” including “13th,” “Eyes on the Prize,” “I am Not Your Negro,” “Just Mercy,” “Malcom X,” “Say Her Name: The Life And Death Of Sandra Bland,” “Selma,” “Watchmen,” and “When They See Us.”
As was discussed last week, the fact that “The Help” became a trending film, in light of the recent killing of George Floyd and the worldwide protests, was not lost on social media. There were dozens of writers and critics that offered their own suggestions of films that were better examples of anti-racist work that could be viewed instead of “The Help.”
Howard isn’t the first actor from the cast of Tate Taylor’s film to openly speak out against using the film as a teaching tool. Actress Viola Davis previously said that she regrets taking the role in the film, considering the way that film has aged and the change in how stories of racism are told nowadays, with Black voices being at the center of the storytelling.
Most of the films and TV series that are mentioned above are easily found on streaming services and VOD. In fact, “Selma” has recently been released as a free rental on VOD platforms in response to the protests.