Introduction Jordan Peele's films have been widely celebrated for their sharp wit and social commentary. However, beneath the surface of these productions lies a deeper meaning that delves into the complexities of race, class, and identity in America. This paper will explore the true meaning of Peele's films, examining the ways in which they challenge societal norms and spark important conversations about the human experience. Jordan Peele is known for using the horror genre as a way to comment on social issues, particularly those surrounding race and identity. In his debut film, "Get Out," Peele explores the theme of racism through the concept of "the other" and the exploitation of black bodies. In "Us," Peele delves into the idea of duality …show more content…
The film uses these power dynamics to comment on the ways in which racism is perpetuated in society. Here are some examples of how power dynamics are used in the film. The white characters in the film use their power and privilege to exploit and control the black characters. The power dynamic is present in the way that the white characters are not overtly racist, but their actions are still harmful and exploitative. This is a clear example of how racism can be subtle and insidious, and how it can be perpetuated by well-intentioned people. "Get Out" uses power dynamics as a means to explore the ways in which racism is tolerated in society and how it affects the lives of black people. The film uses these dynamics to make a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the …show more content…
The use of Hands Across America imagery, hands Across America was a fundraising event that took place in 1986, in which people formed a human chain across the country to raise money for charity. In the film, the imagery of hands joining together serves as a metaphor for the idea of unity and the power of collective action. Scissors are a recurring symbol throughout the film, representing the idea of cutting oneself off from one's past, and how the past can come back to haunt us. The use of the color Red: The color red is used throughout the film as a symbol of violence, danger and bloodshed. The use of the number 11:11: Like in "Get Out" The use of the number 11:11 is a recurring symbol throughout the film, which is often associated with spiritual awakening and the idea of being in the right place at the right time. The use of the Bible verse Jeremiah 11:11: The verse is used as a foreshadowing of the events of the movie, and of the idea of the "Tethered" rising up against their oppressors. These symbols are used to explore the themes and meaningfulness of the film and make it more thought-provoking and
Racism is portrayed as a pervasive and deeply rooted problem in the movie. Specific examples of racism include the police officer's assumption that Khalil was dangerous solely based on his race, the media's biased portrayal of the incident, and the systemic racism within the criminal justice system. These instances highlight the unequal treatment and stereotypes faced by people of color. For teaching and learning, the film provides a platform for discussions on racial bias, prejudice, and the need for societal change.
However, “what Peele’s film forces viewers to consider is whether such underlying power relations and warped desires remain wholly intact in our modern society.” (Sims) Offering examples of how American society comprehends black people. However, there is no real hostility seen from the whites such as hatred, however, the white characters are fond of black people. Well metaphorically speaking society analyze and resembles the black body, so do the characters of “Get Out”.
Many of the speakers are frustrated at the fact that systemic racism is still very much alive, yet they remain professional. They discuss issues and problems in detail to give the audience a full understanding of the topic. Because of this and their desire to be direct, glossing-over details and censorship does not occur. The documentary has two main points of discussion: the history of oppression in America, and the prison industrial-complex. During the first half of the film, wherein the speakers discuss the discrimination of African-Americans, the tone used is factual and [smth].
Tatum uses the conflict theory to look at racism, economic and social inequalities. The power structure of the white dominant society in the United States, does not often recognize white privilege, while others do not believe this is a privilege at all. They believe that the power structure in the United States is one that if you work hard, everyone will have the same opportunity for success. This is an example of how white privilege helps racism to continue to exist. The inability to recognize white privilege helps to creates perception and ideals that racism in our society is a thing of the past.
White Fragility is a term coined by Dr. Robin DiAngelo meaning “a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves.” DiAngelo believes white people in North America live in a social environment that insulates them from race-based stress, due to their privilege as part of the cultural majority. The idea of white fragility entails that members of the Caucasian race do not struggle as much as minorities and, through their ignorance, they believe they understand and can relate to the struggles minorities endure on a daily basis. Director Jordan Peele demonstrates this concept of white fragility through his thriller suspense film, Get Out. This film to transports the viewer to the perspective of the white dominance in America towards minorities and how powerful their role of control is in the U.S. Through projecting some of his own fears, Peele approach this horrifying reality through dark plot twists and comedic satire.
Instead of blood and gore the movie contains scenes like the garden party where white guests treat Chris solely on African American stereotypes, such as being overtly sexual. These scenes are highly dramatized to add satire to the absurd awkwardness which serves to point out the hypocrisy in white liberalism. Peele points out their claim to love and support all but perpetuating systemic racism by continuing gross stereotypes and over-generalizations. They
The scene also illustrates how racism can cause one to feel displaced from oneself because he felt like he betrayed his friend in some way. As a result, his conflicting emotions led him to lose control of his actions and become alienated from himself. Because he felt as if he did not know who he is or where he belongs anymore, he resents white society for racially discriminating him and causing him to feel anger towards
Another symbol is the road, which is a desolate, transient thing full of danger, the man refers to them as "blood cults". The director really emphasises the importance of the fire by the way it contrasts against the gloomy dark post apocalyptic
One of the most important symbols of this story is Harrison; he symbolizes the revolution that everyone wants ad needs, he also symbolizes independence and doing what you think is right. We know this because he is the only one in the story who at least tries to gain independence and freedom. Another important symbol are the handicaps; which symbolize the oppression, conformity and the false equality. The handicaps show this because they are the tools the government uses to oppress people and stop them from being themselves. Symbolism shows the tone of foreboding because every symbol relates to something that could happen like the handicaps are like chains that hold us back and Harrison is like the revolutionist with a new idea or
One significant symbol within the story is the stones in which are used to kill the chosen individual. The stones allow everyone in the village no matter the age to participate in the barbaric ritual effortlessly. The most shocking
Cultural theories by Kathleen Rowe, Laura Mulvey and Stuart Hall can help the audience seek an explanation to how these stereotypical gender roles are portrayed in the movie and how it can create power for the specific
Moreover, demonstrate consequences are taken to oppress racial and ethnic minorities to keep them in a subservient position. Overall, this film has provided me with a visual depiction of how stereotypes are a mental tool that enforces racial segregation and self-hate. The label of “White” became a necessity for Sarah Jane to achieve in society. To attain it she needed to move to a new city, change her name and deny her mother.
Black women are treated less than because of their ascribed traits, their gender and race, and are often dehumanized and belittled throughout the movie. They are treated like slaves and are seen as easily disposable. There are several moments throughout the film that show the racial, gender, and class inequalities. These moments also show exploitation and opportunity hoarding. The Help also explains historical context of the inequality that occurred during that time period.
These three theories will be further discussed in detail in this movie analysis. Firstly, racism is portrayed strongly in the movie. Racism occurs due to stereotypes related to racial issues. Stereotyping is the process “involving the expression of an exaggerated belief about a group that serves to qualify or justify the conduct towards that group of those who hold and express that belief” (Long, Wall 107).
Casual Racism, An Aspect Of Society: Rhetorical Strategies In Get Out Although blatant acts of racism have diminished since the 1900’s, acts of casual racism are now predominant in America. In the film, Get Out, written and directed by Jordan Peele, Peele claims that acts of casual racism are aimed at ethnic minorities. Peele begins to build his credibility by addressing issues of casual racism in the text, targeting the White liberals as his audience, using constraints to encourage empathy for his character Chris, and by covering the controversial issue of America being a “post-racial” society as the exigence in Get Out. Peele, a comedy writer, actor, and ethnic minority, has been praised for his portrayal on his hit comedy show