The death of a child is a devastating event for a parent, especially when a parent has raised their child and the grown child is embarking on their career and life, which is a time of infinite hope. In The Help, Aibileen struggles with the death of her only son, Treelore, who was killed in a work accident while he was working in Mississippi, “He was twenty-four years old. The best part of a person’s life. It just wasn’t enough time living in this world” (2). Aibileen feels the loss is not recognized in the way that the death of a young white man’s death would have been due to racism and the separation in the ability to empathize between blacks and whites, which is exemplified by her statement to Skeeter, “”Three years ago today, Treelore died, but by Miss Leefolt’s book it’s still floor-cleaning day” (114). In contrast Aibileen feels the loss of her son is recognized by those within the black community, “I’m on bring you a caramel cake tonight. And I don’t want you to do nothing but set in your kitchen and eat the whole thing for supper” (114). This was Minny’s reaction of empathy to Aibleen’s loss, to remember how Aibleen is still heart-broken over her son’s death.
Similarly, today the people of Ferguson, Missouri and the people of the United States continue to struggle over the value of lives between white and black. Some people today feel that the death of a young black man vs. the death of a young white man varies by racism and perceptions. Stereotyping and feelings that some people misunderstand and stereotype against young black men and whether the police are quick to draw their weapons and fire on unarmed young black men on the streets vs. the presence of a young white man on the streets and how they are viewed by the police is the subject of speculation and controversy, even today in 2014, much the same as during the 1960s Civil Rights Era in the United States. Michael Brown’s friend retells the story of what happened the day of Michael Brown’s shooting by a police officer, “It was definitely like being shot like an animal” (NBC News), which shows how devalued as a person Michael Brown’s friend views how the policeman who shot his friend felt regarding the taking of Brown’s life.
Similarly, today the people of Ferguson, Missouri and the people of the United States continue to struggle over the value of lives between white and black. Some people today feel that the death of a young black man vs. the death of a young white man varies by racism and perceptions. Stereotyping and feelings that some people misunderstand and stereotype against young black men and whether the police are quick to draw their weapons and fire on unarmed young black men on the streets vs. the presence of a young white man on the streets and how they are viewed by the police is the subject of speculation and controversy, even today in 2014, much the same as during the 1960s Civil Rights Era in the United States. Michael Brown’s friend retells the story of what happened the day of Michael Brown’s shooting by a police officer, “It was definitely like being shot like an animal” (NBC News), which shows how devalued as a person Michael Brown’s friend views how the policeman who shot his friend felt regarding the taking of Brown’s life.