Netflix subscribers are urging the streaming service to remove the historical drama The Help as they accuse the hit film of having a ‘white savior’ narrative.
The 2011 film, which was adapted from a novel written by author Kathryn Stockett, imagines the relationship between black maids, cooks and nannies during the 1960s, and the white people who they served.
It has become the most-watched movie on Netflix in recent weeks, coinciding with ongoing protests across the US following the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of white cop Derek Chauvin as three other officers looked on.
Social media users have blasted the film on Twitter, and urged the streaming service to remove it, arguing that there are better films available that address issues of racism throughout history.
Netflix US subscribers have urged the streaming service to remove The Help, after it became the most viewed film amid the ongoing pandemic (Pictured: A scene from The Help)
The 2011 film was added to the Netflix catalogue on June 1. It became the number one film on the US website by June 4.
Thousands of Twitter users have voiced concerns about the message portrayed in The Help, which stars Viola Davis, Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer.
Blasting The Help, one Twitter user wrote: ‘So The Help is now Netflix most watched movie. One question: WHO is out her watching The Help to understand racism and discrimination?
‘The movie isn’t going to teach you anything about the injustice faced by black people. Go watch 13th or When They See Us #TheHelp’
A stream of social media users slammed the film, with many urging Netflix to remove it from it’s service
Another said: ‘I’ll be the one to say Netflix releasing The Help after protests and riots in America was not a good move’
Tweeting Netflix, a third added: ‘Okay but be a soldier and delete The Help from Netflix’.
‘Instead of watching The Help on Netflix which centres around a white savior complex, watch other works including: When They See Us, 13th, Malcom X, Dear White People, Just Mercy, Watchmen, I am Not Your Negro,’ added another.
The hit movie follows a white journalist as she explores the racial prejudice that black people experience in the town where she lives.
Many have blasted the streaming service for hosting the film amid the ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd
It comes after star of the film Bryce Dallas Howard took to Instagram to point to other films for viewers to learn more about racism.
She wrote: ‘I’ve heard that #TheHelp is the most viewed film on @netflix right now! 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.
‘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.
It comes after Bryce Dallas Howard, who starred in The Help, urged her Instagram followers to watch other historical dramas to educate themselves about racism
‘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, here are a handful of powerful, essential, masterful films and shows that center Black lives, stories, creators, and / or performers.’
She listed: 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.
Bryce listed When They See Us and I Am Not Your Negro among the films that help to learn more about racial prejudice
Bryce added that her list was just a start and ‘not comprehensive’ and encouraged her followers to add more worthwhile films, shows and documentaries in the comments section.
Despite receiving a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Award for her role in the film, Viola Davis has previously voiced regrets that she starred in the The Help, which has an 89 per cent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 per cent from critics.
The criticism comes as Gone With The Wind was temporarily removed by HBO Max from its streaming platform after it was criticized for romanticizing slavery, amid a nationwide re-evaluation of cultural values.
Many social media users argued Netflix should remove The Help (pictured) because it’s not appropriate while protests and riots continue