Mae Mobley colors herself black in a school drawing because she is confused about racial differences. By the end of the novel, little progress has been made in dissolving racial stereotypes in Jackson, though some small improvements occurred, like blacks being allowed in white libraries. Minny and Aibileen have different views on white people, with Minny feeling there should be boundaries between races regarding physical contact and sharing meals, while Aibileen is more understanding and kind regardless of skin color.