Aibileen Clark
Aibileen began to take care of white families children at a young age, she was only a teenager. Out of all black maids Aibileen was the first to step up to the plate and reveal detailed information about the daily routine for colored maids. Throughout Aibileen's life she has raised seventeen white children but admits they all grow up to be just as racist and rude as their wealthy, white parents. The decision to help write the book was something Aibileen was distraught over. 
When considering assisting in the book Aibileen's main reason why she needed time to think her decision over was because of fear. If caught the consequences would be life threatening. Aibileen's true character was shown when she told Skeeter she would tell her stories. Skeeter was a young white woman who was raised by a colored maid similar to Aibileen. Skeeter developed a strong bond with her maid just like Aibileen tries to do with the children she raises. Aibileen put her own life at risk for others. She wanted everyone to know the daily struggles of "the help". Aibileen's motivation to write the book was because of Mae Mobley. Mae Mobely is a three year old who doesn't quite fir in with her family or the society she was born into. Aibileen protects Mae and is strongly attached to the young girl because Mae's mother is unaccepting and neglects her. Mae Mobely is only one of the children raised by Aibileen but has had the strongest relationship with her by far. 
Aibileen is a fighter. She fought for black women to have a better life instead of sitting back and going along with the disrespectful ungrateful treatment. Aibileen Clark is such a strong, generous woman. Even though her son died at age twenty-two she didn't feel sorry for herself. Many people mourn a death of a loved one for years and have a tough time recovering but Aibileen took her pain and turned it into happiness. Aibileen found happiness in the smile and laughter of babies. They are innocent and have so much to offer but the white families focused little on their children and more on their wealth. Aibileen devoted her entire life to children and she raised them better than their own parents would have. She is the definition of a role model for young girls. What characteristics and actions does someone have to portray for you to consider them a role model? 
