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The burden of representation that some of us feel black actors and filmmakers should carry is one that’s been discussed within the black community since the early days of cinema. The issue continues to be polarizing, and will likely continue to be.

Much has already been discussed about The Help, with many challenging the film’s trite depictions of Civil Rights-era black women in subservient roles, motivated to fight against the injustices they face seemingly only after a white woman encourages them to do so.

And amidst all of the debate, the actresses who play these roles – notably stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer – have been doing their best to respond to the criticism and temper the fears many have regarding the film’s themes and characterizations.

For the most part, their reactions have been more defensive than offensive, but I sensed a switch in Viola Davis’ responses, when Lee Bailey at eurweb caught up with her last week during a press junket for the upcoming film. I think this is as emphatic and decisive a response she’s given thus far, in which she directly addresses that aforementioned burden of representation.  Listen to audio below.

Tambay Obenson is editor of Shadow And Act on the indieWIRE Network at blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact

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