Meaning: Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award, is best known for her iconic role as Mammy in the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind." The quote "That's a powerful lucky rabbit's foot. I got the part in Gone With the Wind because of it. I got my Warner contract, thanks to it" reflects her belief in the superstition of a lucky charm and how she attributed her success to it.

In the context of the entertainment industry during the 1930s and 1940s, Hattie McDaniel faced significant challenges and discrimination as a black actress. Despite the racial prejudices of the time, her talent and resilience propelled her to achieve remarkable milestones in her career. The significance of the quote lies in its representation of McDaniel's journey in Hollywood and the complexities she faced as a black woman navigating the film industry during a tumultuous period in American history.

The mention of the "lucky rabbit's foot" in the quote is a nod to the superstitions and beliefs that are prevalent in many cultures. The rabbit's foot has long been regarded as a symbol of good luck in various traditions, and McDaniel's attribution of her success to this charm reflects the human tendency to seek meaning and connection between objects and events. In this case, the rabbit's foot symbolizes McDaniel's personal belief in luck and fate, as well as her determination to overcome the obstacles she encountered in her career.

McDaniel's statement about getting the part in "Gone with the Wind" and her Warner contract "thanks to" the lucky rabbit's foot sheds light on the challenges she faced as a black actress in a predominantly white industry. Her acknowledgment of the role that luck played in her career success is a poignant reflection of the systemic barriers and prejudices she had to navigate. It also serves as a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed despite the odds stacked against her.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the significance of "Gone with the Wind" in McDaniel's career. Her portrayal of Mammy in the film not only earned her critical acclaim but also made her the first African American to win an Academy Award, a historic achievement that marked a significant milestone in the representation of black actors in Hollywood. The quote captures the impact of this role on McDaniel's career trajectory and her enduring legacy in the film industry.

Additionally, the reference to her Warner contract underscores the professional opportunities that arose for McDaniel as a result of her breakthrough role in "Gone with the Wind." Securing a contract with a major studio like Warner Bros. was a significant achievement, particularly for a black actress in an era characterized by racial segregation and limited opportunities for people of color in the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, Hattie McDaniel's quote about the lucky rabbit's foot encapsulates the challenges, triumphs, and personal beliefs that shaped her remarkable career as a pioneering black actress in Hollywood. Her acknowledgment of the role of luck in her success, coupled with her groundbreaking achievements in "Gone with the Wind" and her Warner contract, serves as a testament to her talent, perseverance, and enduring legacy in the history of American cinema.