The Help by Kathryn Stockett explores the theme of racism in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, highlighting the systemic discrimination faced by black maids working in white households. Through the perspectives of three narrators, the novel delves into the ethical issues of racism, hypocrisy, and societal pressures that perpetuate racial inequality. The story captures the struggles of individuals challenging the status quo and seeking social change.

Racism is a central theme, as the white characters in the novel largely accept a system that dehumanizes black individuals. The white women, such as Elizabeth Leefolt, enforce segregation and treat their black maids as inferior, yet hypocritically trust them to raise their children. This contradiction underscores the deep-rooted racism that permeates their society. Aibileen, one of the black maids, witnesses this firsthand as she cares for Mae Mobley, who is being taught by her mother to view black people as different and inferior. Aibileen's nurturing role contrasts sharply with the racist attitudes she encounters, highlighting the irony and injustice of the situation.

The novel also addresses the bandwagon effect, where white women adopt racist practices due to peer pressure rather than personal conviction. This is evident in the construction of separate bathrooms for black maids, a policy championed by Hilly Holbrook. The pressure to conform to such discriminatory norms illustrates the societal forces that maintain racial divisions. Skeeter, a young white woman, challenges these norms by documenting the stories of black maids, aiming to expose the injustices they face and educate her community.

Through the characters of Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny, the novel portrays the internal and external conflicts driven by racism. Skeeter's conflict with her racist society and her own mother reflects her struggle to bring about change. Aibileen's grief over her son's death and her silent endurance of workplace racism propel her to collaborate with Skeeter. Minny, known for her outspoken nature, faces domestic abuse and conflict with Hilly, the embodiment of racist attitudes. Her act of revenge against Hilly symbolizes resistance against oppression and highlights the personal toll of racism.

The Help captures the broader struggle for civil rights and social change, emphasizing the power of individuals to challenge racism. By giving voice to the black maids and exposing the hypocrisy of their employers, the novel underscores the importance of confronting racial prejudice and advocating for equality. The characters' efforts to document their experiences and seek justice reflect the ongoing fight against racism and the hope for a more equitable society.