The Help
Social penetration theory/self-disclosure
The concept of self-disclosure is illustrated when Aidileen discloses crucial information to Skeeter. We see the white men indulging in activities such as killing young children. The idea is further demonstrated when Elizabeth openly neglects Mae Mobely.
- Eye behaviors
The concept of eye behaviors is witnessed, for instance, when Minny complains to Aibileen that Celia fails to see the lines separating races of people and their classes(Galdas et al.). We observe Aibileen responding that “they talk about things that never exist” Eye behavior in this context suggest disapproval.
- Gender roles: Masculinity & Femininity
This concept is well represented; for instance, having females engage in household chores(Galdas et al.). The black maid’s Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer are used to making the concept be revealed to the audience well.
- Self-serving bias
The black maids are at their work taking care of white children while theirs are being taken care of by someone else back at home. The concept of self-serving bias is thus evident to the audience.
- Low-context culture
We see Mae, who is a one-year-old child clinging to the Aibilieen’s leg. It is an act that takes place every day at 5 pm (Galdas et al.). It clearly describes the concept since one would expect to see these children associating with others.
- Proxemics (Hall’s spatial zones)
- I-Statements
The concept of I-statements is further illustrated in the film. These are very common in the conversation between Aibileen Clark and Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan.
- Cognitive Complexity
The African-American cognitive complexity is low. It is witnessed in the manner in which they respond and also speak of specific roles they have done in the family.
- Self-Esteem
Even though Aibileen is serving as a maid, she responds to Clark. She has hopes that one day she will be something else, though this is signaled by nodding his head(Galdas et al.).
- Jargon
Terms specific for the African –American servants in the film are described in the movie. For instance, the name antebellum has been used to refer to the historical time in America before the civil war, literally meaning the ‘before the war”.
Work cited
Galdas, Paul M., Francine Cheater, and Paul Marshall. “Men and health help‐seeking behavior: a literature review.” Journal of advanced nursing 49.6 (2005): 616-623.