In the film, Mama Flora’s Family, Compare the relationship that Flora has with the first family for which she is a maid (the Hopkins) to the second family (Sam and his mother). What do these differences indicate about possible differences in attitudes from South to North or over time?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In Mama Flora’s Family, Flora’s relationship with the Hopkins family and the relationship with Sam and his mother provide stark contrasts that shed light on the evolving societal attitudes, possibly reflecting the shift from Southern to Northern U.S. attitudes as well as changing racial dynamics over time.
With the Hopkins family, Flora’s position as a maid is marked by clear racial boundaries and social segregation. The Hopkins family, representative of the South’s entrenched class divisions and racial hierarchies, treats Flora as inferior. Even though Flora performs her duties with grace and dedication, her relationship with them is defined by power imbalances and a lack of respect for her humanity beyond her role as a servant. The tension is palpable in the way Flora is expected to remain subservient and separate, reinforcing the oppressive racial system of the time.
In contrast, Flora’s relationship with Sam and his mother, who live in the North, is more complex and suggests a shift in attitudes. Sam, though initially struggling with his own racial identity and issues, does not exhibit the same kind of overt racial hostility as the Hopkins family. He is more willing to engage with Flora on a human level, recognizing her struggles and the bond they share as fellow African Americans. This marks a significant departure from the rigid and exploitative relationships typical in the South. Flora’s relationship with Sam and his mother is not without tension or challenges, but it is ultimately more egalitarian compared to her interactions with the Hopkins family.
These differences suggest a broader social shift, with the North representing a more progressive approach to race and class, though still not entirely free of the prejudices that have shaped both regions. Flora’s experiences with the two families mirror the changing realities of race relations over time, from the rigid, overt segregation in the South to the more subtle, but still present, racial tensions in the North.
