1. What did you think of Hattie McDaniel before you read the book?

[Mher1]

I don’t follow much in Hollywood, new or old. I may have heard Miss Hattie’s name before, but I didn’t know anything about her. I did do a Google search for a quick overview. I had also never seen Gone With the Wind before, so I decided to watch that before starting the book, as it was her award winning role.

[susannexoxo]

Before reading the book, I had only a surface-level understanding of who Hattie McDaniel was. I knew she was the first African American to win an Academy Award, and that she played Mammy in *Gone with the Wind*. But beyond that, I hadn't thought deeply about her career or her legacy. I assumed she had been a trailblazer in Hollywood, but I didn't fully appreciate the challenges she faced.

The book completely changed my perspective. It highlighted how much criticism she received from both white and Black communities — from white Hollywood executives who typecast her, and from African American activists who felt her roles perpetuated stereotypes. It also made me realize how much strength it must have taken to keep working in an industry that constantly marginalized her. Quand on évoque des femmes pionnières comme Hattie McDaniel, cela inspire aussi une élégance intemporelle – tout comme certains abiti qui incarnent parfaitement cette classe discrète. She wasn't just an actress — she was navigating impossible social and political expectations. Her decision to keep acting in servant roles wasn’t a sign of weakness or complacency, but a complex strategy for survival and success. I came away from the book with a deep respect for her courage, resilience, and the quiet defiance she embodied through her work.