Reflections on Racial Prejudices: Insights from 'Get Out' and Beyond

The 2017 horror-thriller Get Out directed by Jordan Peele brings to light deep-seated racial prejudices through its compelling narrative. In the film's pivotal scene, the white relatives at a party react to Chris's presence in a way that mirrors the challenges faced by non-white individuals in everyday situations. This paper aims to delve into the themes of racial prejudices as portrayed in Get Out, and how these elements resonate with the experiences of minorities in contemporary society.

Deep Racism vs. Surface-Level Friendliness

The infamous dining scene in Get Out (around 42 minutes) showcases a stark dichotomy prevalent in real-world interactions. The white characters’ courteous demeanor towards Chris, initially appearing as a genuine attempt at friendship, is ultimately exposed as a facade. Their seemingly harmless banter belies the underlying racial prejudices that motivated their alienating behavior towards Chris and his family.

As an Asian American, I can relate to this phenomenon. The "friendly" banter that white characters display towards me and other minorities often carries a veneer of benevolence. Such interactions stem from a well-intentioned desire to appear inclusive and acceptant. However, these attempts at engagement are frequently rooted in commonly held but offensively stereotypical notions about minority groups. For example, comments about how 'everyone loves Barack Obama' or the ubiquitous 'where are you from' trope are common examples of this kind of engagement.

The Ominous Benevolence: A Closer Look

Whites, especially those from privileged backgrounds, often navigate social interactions with non-white individuals by engaging in what might be termed "ominous benevolence." This term refers to the friendly and seemingly well-intentioned behavior that actually masks deeper prejudices. The behavior of the white characters in the Get Out scene is a prime example of this dynamic. Initially, they appear interested and even highly engaged with Chris, yet their true intentions are subtle, and potentially harmful.

This pattern of behavior is not confined to cinematic narratives. In real life, minorities, whether Asian, Black, or other ethnicities, encounter similar interactions. These interactions are often characterized by a mutual but ultimately superficial engagement. However, the underlying attitudes and prejudices remain unchallenged, creating an environment where the surface-level friendliness can easily conceal deeper biases and discriminatory practices.

The Realities of Minority Experiences

Minorities, particularly racial minorities, have to face a wide array of microaggressions and prejudices throughout their daily lives. The "friendly" banter and benign questions like 'where are you from' can be draining, as they often mask the true feelings of discomfort and othering. The Get Out scene is a stark reminder of how such interactions serve to highlight and reinforce racial biases in society.

As an Asian American, I understand the nuances of such dynamics. When someone asks, 'where are you from,' it can trigger a complex mix of feelings. On one hand, there's an initial sense of curiosity, but on the other, there's a realization that such a question reflects a lack of understanding and possible stereotyping. The question, seemingly innocent, can be a subtle way to place one's origin outside the local community, thereby making one an outsider.

Implications for Society

The scenes in Get Out have profound implications for understanding and addressing racial prejudices. To truly acknowledge and combat these issues, it is crucial to recognize the subtle and insidious nature of racial biases. Public discourse and education are key in dismantling these biases. Advocating for more diverse representation in media and promoting cultural competence are steps in the right direction.

Ultimately, the scenes in Get Out serve as a powerful reminder that superficial friendliness often masks deeper prejudices. By examining these dynamics, we can better understand the complexities of racial interactions and strive for a more inclusive and equitable society.