When “The Help” hit theaters last year, there was an enormous amount of discussion about it in the feminist and progressive blogosphere. It was harshly criticized for its ahistorical depiction of the Jim Crow South, and for its implication that racism is a thing of the past (and that it is over largely thanks to the efforts of white people).

People were divided about whether or not to see it, and those who did see it were divided about whether or not Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were to be commended for inarguably great performances or critiqued for taking roles as maids.

At the Screen Actors’ Guild Awards on Sunday night, “The Help” won Best Ensemble, and Viola Davis ...