"Bitch" is too easy a label, and Americans today have a weakness for easy labels. They (labels) are dismissive, in that if you label someone with such a negative judgment, the illusion is you don't have to think any more about them or deal with them. Problem is, life ain't like that.
Hilly is a bully, and by definition, bullies are incredibly insecure. Like most bullies, she goes to extreme lengths to try to control every aspect of her world, and if the least little thing goes "wrong," she freaks out, and sets herself up for a lot of misery and craziness. Look at the look on her face when Aibileen confronts her in the final scene. She's about to come unglued.
If you call somebody like that a bad name, they're just going to come after you, trying to do something worse to you. Karma, what goes around, comes around, whatever you want to call it, nothing gets solved, and the problem is usually made worse.
But a stronger person will be firm with the Hillys of the world, but will also be understanding enough to give them the opportunity to change their behavior without losing face. That requires patience, effort, and practice.
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slidell333
9 years ago
No. I think she was just a spiteful person, selfish, lacked empathy, felt superior to others, and overall just thought she SHOULD get her way in life, like God is on her side and if you disagree with her or have a different viewpoint you're a sinner. Today we call someone like her a Twat, or a *beep* But, of course, we are more vulgar as a society in America.
"Daddy, would you like some sausage?" - Tom Green, "Freddy Got Fingered"
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verizonowner88
9 years ago
I agree she is ALSO a bully but she is can still be a bitch. She was this classic stereotype of the movie version of southern, spoiled, wealthy and racist. There's a bitch in her somewhere, almost all women have that gene. Before you jump on me for this, I'd just like to say I'm a woman and I do have the bitch DNA to prove it.
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blackhawkswincup2010
9 years ago
Can't say I agree with that "gene" theory, and I realized you qualified it with the word 'almost.' I've been married almost 37 years to a gorgeous woman, and she has never, not once, behaved that way. She's my sweetheart. In fact, I know a lot of women who just don't act that way.
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verizonowner88
9 years ago
I would never have behaved that way with my husband or in his presence. I'm sure, if he had ever been asked, he would have said the same of me as you do of your wife. Congratulations on your 37 years of marriage and best wishes for the future. Don't take a single minute of it for granted.
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pioneergrrrl
8 years ago
Hilly really came unglued on the porch with Skeeter---who was supposed to have been a friend. She is even incoherent and ranting.
I think Hilly is jealous of what Skeeter had obtained. She got to complete her college education and is now going on to an 'interesting' career. Hilly might be organizing a women's club, but she's stuck in Alabama with her kids.
This is really what upsets Hilly. Skeeter is (other than the period inaccurate hair style!!) dressed the same as the other women. She does not wear pants. And she is interested in dating. She is going to have other interesting adventures.
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DavidSKS
8 years ago
Hilly lived in Mississippi, not Alabama. I could not stand her, but Elizabeth Leefolt was even worse. Spanked her daughter and completely neglected her. Child services should have taken her baby. Just as bad, Elizabeth was totally spineless in taking Hilly's side against Abilene when it was clear Abilene did nothing wrong.
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pioneergrrrl
8 years ago
Child services would not have done anything back then--based on how it was set up. It was a nice upper class white home.
So the caseworker would have ignored it and considered it a private matter.
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