Positive Stereotypes and Subversion

“Get Out” serves as an exemplary case study when examining African American representation in American cinema due to its unique approach in subverting traditional stereotypes. Chris Washington, the film’s African American protagonist, is depicted as intelligent, self-aware, and far from the stereotypical roles often assigned to Black characters in horror films (Anderson et al., 2018). While horror films have often portrayed African Americans as expendable characters who meet grim fates early on, “Get Out” disrupts this narrative convention. Chris’s character is crafted with depth and complexity, effectively challenging the long-standing stereotypes that have plagued the industry.

In Peele’s film, Chris is not merely a token Black character included to check a diversity box. Instead, he is the lens through which the audience experiences the horrors of the story. His agency and resilience throughout the narrative allow him to transcend the limitations of a one-dimensional character (Tensuan, 2018). This subversion of stereotypes not only makes for a refreshing departure from Hollywood norms but also empowers African American audiences who have long sought more authentic and positive representations.

Symbolism and Social Commentary

“Get Out” is particularly notable for its use of symbolism to comment on racial issues in America. The concept of “the Sunken Place” stands out as a powerful metaphor that resonates with the experiences of many minorities who feel trapped and voiceless in society (Tensuan, 2018). This metaphor is symbolic of the systemic racism and oppression faced by African Americans and other marginalized groups. The film’s ability to employ symbolism effectively adds depth to the narrative and amplifies its social commentary.

The Sunken Place serves as a visual and emotional representation of what it feels like to be marginalized and silenced. Chris’s descent into the Sunken Place mirrors the feeling of powerlessness experienced by African Americans in the face of racial discrimination. This metaphorical portrayal goes beyond surface-level storytelling and encourages viewers to reflect on the deeper issues of systemic racism (Zhang, 2018). The film, through its symbolism, prompts audiences to consider the broader implications of the African American experience.

Implicit Bias and Microaggressions

“Get Out” takes a bold step in portraying the subtle racism faced by African Americans through microaggressions. The film exposes how seemingly well-intentioned white characters, particularly the Armitage family, exhibit latent racism, which can be more insidious than overt bigotry (Ghavami et al., 2018). This mirrors the real-life experiences of many minorities who encounter microaggressions in their daily lives.

The use of microaggressions in the film highlights the insidious nature of racism and how it can manifest even within seemingly progressive circles. For instance, the well-meaning comments about Chris’s physical attributes and performance as a golfer by the Armitage family members demonstrate how implicit bias can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and objectify African Americans (Anderson et al., 2018). By portraying these microaggressions, “Get Out” effectively shines a light on the hidden forms of discrimination that minorities face, even in seemingly harmless situations.

Exclusion and Tokenism

While “Get Out” excels in challenging stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on African American representation, it does have limitations in terms of depicting the full spectrum of the African American experience. The film’s primary focus on the horror genre restricts its exploration of broader societal issues, such as systemic racism, economic disparities, and the intersectionality of race and gender (Kim, 2018). It provides a glimpse into the horrors of racism but leaves other important aspects unexplored.

Moreover, the film’s predominantly white supporting cast raises questions about tokenism, a recurring issue in Hollywood where minority characters are included merely to fulfill diversity quotas or as plot devices (Ghavami et al., 2018). While “Get Out” avoids blatant tokenism with its well-developed lead character, it does not fully address the lack of representation behind the camera and in key creative roles within the film industry.

Impact and Cultural Conversation

“Get Out” had a profound cultural impact, not just as a horror film but as a catalyst for discussions about race and representation in the film industry. The film received critical acclaim and sparked conversations about the underrepresentation of African Americans both on and off the screen (Zhang, 2018). Its success has paved the way for more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood.

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, marked by its social commentary and unique approach to horror, broke boundaries and won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. This recognition highlights the industry’s increasing willingness to acknowledge films that challenge traditional norms of representation (Tensuan, 2018). The success of “Get Out” demonstrated that there is an audience eager for diverse narratives that shed light on the complex experiences of marginalized communities.

“Get Out” represents a significant step forward in the portrayal of African Americans in American cinema. By subverting stereotypes, employing symbolism, and highlighting microaggressions, the film offers a nuanced perspective on the African American experience. However, it also underscores the need for more comprehensive storytelling that addresses systemic issues and promotes diversity both in front of and behind the camera.